Brandeis University

What you'll study

Because Brandeis does not run a dedicated Master's in Medical Illustration and Informatics, a student seeking that combination at Brandeis would normally build an interdisciplinary pathway. Core topics come from bioinformatics and informatics: biological data analysis, algorithms for genomics, databases and data management, clinical data standards and health information systems, statistical methods and machine learning for healthcare. To add the illustration and visual communication component, students take courses and workshops in scientific visualisation, digital imaging, 3D modelling, anatomy for artists, visual storytelling and user‑centred design.

A typical programme of study assembled at Brandeis might include:

• Foundations in molecular biology, genomics and computational methods
• Informatics topics such as healthcare data structures, interoperability and clinical decision support
• Data visualisation and information design for complex biomedical datasets
• Practical digital media skills: vector and raster illustration, 3D rendering, animation and interactive media
• Electives in ethics of biomedical data, science communication and human–computer interaction
• A capstone research project or practicum combining a technical informatics element with a substantial illustration/visualisation portfolio

Entry requirements

Entry to a combined pathway is typically through a relevant Brandeis graduate programme such as bioinformatics, data science or a related master’s. Typical expectations include:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field (biology, computer science, data science, design or a related discipline)
• Strong preparation in quantitative coursework (calculus, statistics) and at least one programming language for students coming from science backgrounds
• For applicants emphasising the illustration component, a portfolio demonstrating observational drawing, digital work or scientific diagrams is usually requested
• Academic transcripts, two or three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose describing how you will integrate informatics and visual communication
• Relevant professional or research experience is advantageous; specific test requirements vary by programme

Career prospects

Graduates who combine informatics expertise with medical and scientific illustration skills are well placed for a range of roles across healthcare, education, industry and research. Typical career paths include:

• Medical or scientific illustrator for medical schools, publishers, museums and health organisations
• Data visualisation specialist or UX designer in health‑tech companies, startups and medical device firms
• Clinical informatics analyst, translating complex clinical data into actionable dashboards and decision‑support tools
• Biomedical communications specialist in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• Academic or research‑centre roles producing illustrative media to accompany research outputs and grant proposals

Why study at Brandeis University

Brandeis offers strengths that support an interdisciplinary approach to medical illustration and informatics. The university has active research groups in computational biology and data science, small class sizes that enable close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with laboratory researchers on real biomedical projects. Located within reach of a major biotechnology and medical hub, Brandeis students can access internships, cross‑registration and partnerships with nearby hospitals, design schools and industry employers. For applicants who need formal instruction in advanced medical illustration techniques, Brandeis students can also pursue complementary coursework, workshops or external certificate programmes to develop a professional illustration portfolio alongside rigorous informatics training.