COURSE CURRICULUM

The MFA in Medical Illustration at RIT is a structured two-year graduate program designed to train students as professional medical illustrators who combine advanced artistic skills with strong biomedical science knowledge. The curriculum is built to develop both technical expertise and scientific understanding so students can accurately communicate complex medical and biological information through visual media.In the first year, students begin with foundational biomedical and visualization courses. They study Human Gross Anatomy and Anatomic Studies to gain a deep understanding of human structure, supported by hands-on learning often involving cadaver-based anatomical exploration. Alongside this, students take courses in 3D Modeling of Biomedical Forms to build digital visualization skills. They also study Human Immunology, which provides essential knowledge of the immune system. In the spring semester, students expand their technical skills through 3D Animation of Biomedical Forms, Computer Applications in Medical Illustration, and Scientific Visualization. They also study Medical Pathophysiology to understand disease processes, which is critical for accurate medical communication. A studio elective and either a thesis or capstone option begin the professional research or applied project pathway.In the second year, the program becomes more specialized and professionally focused. Students take Surgical Illustration, where they learn to visually document medical procedures, and Interactive Media courses that train them in creating digital and interactive educational content. They also study Histology and Histopathology to understand tissues and disease at the microscopic level. Additional studio electives allow for further artistic development and specialization. Courses in Portfolio and Business Practices prepare students for professional careers by focusing on presentation, freelancing, contracts, and industry standards. Throughout the second year, students continue working on either a thesis or capstone project, which involves producing a major body of work demonstrating mastery of medical illustration techniques and biomedical understanding. The program concludes with this final project, which is typically presented publicly and forms the basis of the student’s professional portfolio.Overall, the curriculum integrates science, art, and technology to prepare graduates for careers in medical education, publishing, research visualization, healthcare communication, and related fields.