University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary master’s blends anatomical and clinical visualisation with core informatics principles. Typical taught modules include human gross anatomy and surgical anatomy, medical imaging and radiologic interpretation, biomedical illustration techniques (traditional and digital), 3D modelling and animation for the life sciences, information architecture for health, clinical data visualisation, and fundamentals of health informatics (standards, interoperability and clinical decision support).

Students also explore research methods, ethics and legal issues in clinical communication, user‑centred design for health applications, and project management for multidisciplinary teams. The programme culminates in a substantial capstone or thesis project that integrates illustration or visualisation deliverables with an informatics component — for example, an interactive surgical teaching tool, a visual data dashboard for clinical outcomes, or a research study on effectiveness of visual aids in patient education.

Teaching is delivered through studio workshops, lab sessions using clinical imaging and 3D software, seminars with clinician collaborators, and supervised placements or applied projects with partner health organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as life sciences, medical sciences, fine art, graphic design, visual communication, computer science or a closely related field. Admissions commonly consider the strength of a creative and technical portfolio (showing observational drawing, figure work, digital visualisation or 3D modelling), academic transcripts, a personal statement describing career goals, and letters of recommendation.

Because the programme is interdisciplinary, applicants without all desired technical skills may be admitted and asked to complete preparatory coursework in anatomy, drawing, or computing. Some experience with digital imaging tools (e.g. Photoshop, 3D software) or introductory coding/ data handling is advantageous. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that bridge visual communication and health information. Common career paths include medical and scientific illustrator, biomedical visualiser, instructional designer for medical education, visualisation specialist in clinical research, user experience designer for health IT, and roles in health information management where visual data presentation is important.

Employers include hospitals and academic medical centres, medical and scientific publishers, medical-device and pharmaceutical companies, e‑learning providers, clinical research organisations, public health agencies and specialised visualization studios. The programme’s combination of studio practice and informatics also prepares graduates for research degrees or academic posts in biomedical visualisation and medical education.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers this interdisciplinary training within a research-intensive campus that hosts medical, engineering and arts faculties, enabling close collaboration across clinical and creative disciplines. Students benefit from established clinical partners in the city’s hospitals and research centres, access to advanced imaging and fabrication facilities, and studio resources for digital and traditional illustration.

Additionally, the university’s strong emphasis on experiential learning and cooperative education provides opportunities to undertake applied placements and projects with industry and clinical teams, helping build a professional portfolio and practical experience valued by employers in medical illustration and health informatics.