At the undergraduate level, students interested in medical illustration typically acquire a background in Art, Biology, English and Chemistry. A high level of science preparation, strong art portfolio and solid communication skills are critical for students who want to continue in this field. It is recommended that students who graduate with an Individualized Study BA or BS with a concentration in Medical Illustration typically pursue a graduate degree from an accredited program in Medical Illustration.
You can also consider these majors offered at UMBC:
Examples of students with INDS degrees in Medical Illustration:
Cameron Slayden – INDS B.A.: Studies in Medical Illustration
Jeremy Swan – INDS B.A.: Biomedical Illustration
Schedule an appointment with an Advisor today!
All students are required to take the INDS core curriculum as part of their self designed degree.
INDS 330 Ways of Knowing
INDS 335 Degree Plan Writing Seminar
INDS 430 Special Topics or INDS 410 Internship
INDS 480 Capstone Project Seminar
INDS 490 Capstone Project
Research Methods Course
Other course work in your self designed degree may be drawn from the following. You are not limited to these courses. Your INDS degree theme could include courses from other disciplines. Be sure to check the prerequisites for any course you want to take. It is recommended that you work with your INDS advisor as you develop your own list and timeline which will be formalized in INDS 335. Use these worksheets to help you create a list of courses and tentative timeline and this sample four year Medical Illustration Pathway as a resource!
Other courses to consider
BIOL 251 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 251 Lab – Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab
BIOL 252 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II
BIOL 252 Lab – Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab
BIOL 302 – Molecular and General Genetics
BIOL 303 – Cell Biology
BIOL 305 – Comparative Animal Physiology
BIOL 305 Lab – Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 425 – Immunology
BIOL 442 – Developmental Biology
CHEM 351 – Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 351 Lab – Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 352 – Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 352 Lab – Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
ENGL 205 – Debunking Myths about Good Writing
ENGL 211 – Writing with AI
ENGL 383 – Science Writing
Art 314 – Drawing II
ART 320 – Methods I: 2-D Multiples
ART 331 – Graphic Design I
ART 334 – Graphic Design II
ART 341 – Introduction to Animation
ART 384 – Introduction to 3D Computer Animation
Updated 01/28/2026