Curriculum
Medical & Biological Illustration Graduate Program
The Medical and Biological Illustration (MBI) program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare future leaders in the medical illustration profession. Accredited since 1970, the MBI program offers courses in visual communication of medicine and life-sciences as well as graduate level science courses in the School of Medicine.
Innovative Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in medical illustration.
Expert Faculty
Learn from leading professionals who are pioneers in the field of medical illustration.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Access cutting-edge technology, a world-renowned institution and resources that are unmatched
First Year Courses
The first year curriculum includes courses in advanced sciences, illustration, animation, 3D modeling, graphic design, instructional design, medical photography and business practices. These core courses encourage research, close observation, accuracy, effective visual communication, exploration of various media, and learning in the sciences that will inform a future in medical illustration.
Departmental Courses
2D Animation
Advanced 3D Animation
Biological Illustration
Business Practices for the Medical Illustrator
Communications Media: Medical Photography
Design of Interactive Learning Experiences
Editorial & Conceptual Illustration
Illustrating Anatomy
Introduction to 3D Modeling & Animation
Introduction to Design
Medical Sculpture
Raster Tone Illustration
Vector Illustration
Second Year Courses
The second year curriculum applies the skills and knowledge acquired in the first year coursework to advanced topics including surgical illustration, scientific writing, website development, interactive media, independent research and thesis, and presentations to scientific audiences. The second year culminates in the Portfolio course designed to help students transition to professional life.
Science Course
Pathology for Graduate Students
Elective Studies
Arranged individually as an overload to the above curriculum and with the Director’s approval
Advanced Projects in Illustration
Independent Study
Research & Thesis
Original investigation with expository illustrations (includes 3D digital or physical model, 2D or 3D animated sequence, video or immersive technology) completed under a University approved faculty preceptor and department faculty advisor. All work complies with University research, publication, copyright, and patent policy.
Recent master’s theses can be accessed through JScholarship.Library.jhu.edu. We recommend searching by name (Alumni page).
Degree Requirements
University
- A candidate’s period of attendance in the program will be no less than 18 months. Transfer graduate students must register a minimum of two consecutive semesters as full time residents.
- Certification by the Department or Graduate Program Director that all requirements have been fulfilled.
- The Masters and PhD Committee reviews the following to approve awarding a Master’s of Art Degree to each student:
- Academic Record
- Curriculum Vitae
- Thesis Abstract, Library Approval, and Preceptor Approval Letter
- Program Director Certification of Completion of Departmental and Program Requirements
- Completion of Research Ethics Training
MBI Graduate Program
- To demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress, MBI students must meet the following Qualitative measures:
- Complete all required MBI Program courses
- Maintain a B average
- Complete required illustration courses with a C or better (A maximum of two illustration courses with a grade of C may be counted toward the degree)
- Complete required science courses with a C or better or with a Pass (Note: Human Anatomy course is Pass/Fail)
Thesis Research
- Students must submit a thesis on a subject approved by the Department or Graduate Program Director. Students outline their thesis research and consult with their preceptor by the first quarter of the second year.
- The thesis must include original investigation and expository illustration (includes 3D digital or physical models, 2D or 3D animated sequence, video, or immersive technology) completed under a University approved faculty Preceptor and department faculty Advisor.
- The completed thesis must be approved by the Preceptor as worthy of acceptance in partial fulfillment of requirements for the M.A. degree.
Apply to the MBI Graduate Program
Embark on a transformative journey in medical illustration.
Contact us for more information to start your career in visualizing science and medicine.