The Master of Science in Biomedical Visualization (BVIS) at the University of Illinois Chicago is a distinguished program, one of the oldest and only five accredited programs of its kind in North America. It uniquely blends art, science, and technology to improve communication in the medical and life sciences fields. The program attracts a diverse group of students from backgrounds in life sciences, healthcare, fine arts, applied arts, and computer science. Graduates become skilled specialists in areas like medical illustration, animation, interactive media, gaming, haptics, and virtual/augmented reality, preparing them for careers at the forefront of scientific discovery and communication. With a history spanning over 100 years, the BVIS program integrates medicine, life sciences, communication, technology, visual learning, and research. It fosters collaborations with various departments and colleges within UIC, as well as with other Chicago universities. Strong relationships with medical programs, professional societies, pharmaceutical companies, museums, animation studios, and software firms provide students with valuable real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Graduates are prepared for careers in medical illustration and visual communication within the life sciences, medicine, healthcare, medical technology, and education sectors. The increasing demand for visualization specialists in biomedical discovery and technology ensures strong career prospects.
Tuition is often calculated on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs. Specific fees for the MS in Biomedical Visualization are not detailed here and should be verified on the official UIC tuition and fees pages.
The Biomedical Visualization graduate program at UIC is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), ensuring it meets rigorous industry standards. The program was most recently awarded continuing accreditation through 2032. UIC itself is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC).
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Medical Illustrator, Science Communicator, Animator for life sciences, and Interactive Media Designer for healthcare. The program boasts a high placement rate, with 89% of graduates securing jobs in the field within 12 months (2020-2024).
The program spans two academic terms, totaling six semesters: two summer terms, two fall semesters, and two spring semesters, beginning in early June.
Specific tuition rates are not detailed here and should be verified on the official UIC tuition and fees pages. Graduate programs are typically charged on a per-credit-hour basis and may vary by academic year.
International applicants should review admission requirements, prepare necessary documents like transcripts and a statement of purpose, submit the online application, and provide official English proficiency test scores if applicable.
This is one of the oldest and only five accredited programs of its kind in North America, blending art, science, and technology for over 100 years. It offers strong collaborations with medical programs and industry partners.