University of Kansas

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary master's develops skills in scientific visual communication, biomedical imaging, and health informatics. Core study areas typically include human anatomy for illustrators, clinical imaging and interpretation, digital illustration and 3D modelling, animation for medicine, principles of information design and data visualisation, programming for visualisation (such as scripting and basic interactive development), and clinical informatics topics such as health data standards and electronic health records.

Teaching combines studio practice, laboratory work and seminar-based theory. You can expect hands-on modules covering traditional and digital media, medical imaging workflows (CT, MRI and microscopy), 3D modelling and rendering for anatomical reconstructions, animation for patient education, and usability testing for clinical tools. The programme normally culminates in a substantial final project or thesis that applies illustration and informatics methods to a real clinical, educational or research problem, often in collaboration with faculty or clinical partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as fine art, graphic design, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, computer science or another health-related field. A strong portfolio demonstrating drawing or visual design ability is required for candidates from artistic backgrounds; applicants with science or computing degrees should provide evidence of visual communication skills or related coursework.

Typical application materials include a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, a personal statement outlining research or professional goals, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio. Some practical experience in a clinical or laboratory setting is advantageous. International applicants must meet the University of Kansas language proficiency requirements. Specific prerequisites and minimum GPA expectations are listed by the department and prospective students should check the programme web pages or contact admissions for precise guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates work across clinical, educational and commercial settings. Common roles include:

• Medical illustrator or animator for medical publishers, academic departments and educational media producers.
• Visualisation specialist or user experience designer for healthcare software, medical device companies and digital health start-ups.
• Clinical informatics analyst or data visualisation specialist within hospitals and health systems, helping translate clinical data into actionable displays for clinicians and patients.
• Research and academic positions supporting biomedical research teams with visualisation, scientific communication and grant illustration.
• Freelance practice producing patient education materials, surgical schematics, and multimedia resources for continuing medical education.

The combined skills in illustration and informatics make graduates well placed to bridge the gap between clinicians, researchers and developers, improving communication, training and clinical decision support.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers access to a strong health sciences environment through its medical centre and affiliated clinical facilities, enabling interdisciplinary collaboration between artists, scientists and clinicians. Students benefit from hands-on access to anatomy labs, medical imaging resources and informatics expertise, alongside faculty who work at the interface of visual communication and healthcare.

The programme emphasises applied projects and partnerships with clinical departments and research groups, providing opportunities for internships and collaborative final projects. Facilities supporting the course commonly include digital media studios, 3D modelling and printing equipment, and imaging workstations. Studying at KU gives students regional connections to hospitals, research centres and industry that support employability in medical illustration, health informatics and related fields.