Title: Scientific Illustration
Standard Occupational Classification Code:
271013
Definition: This one-year graduate level program is designed for individuals who wish to pursue a career in scientific illustration, as well as for scientists who wish to acquire the skills to illustrate their research.
Program Length
13 months (3 Semesters)
Occupational profile listed on O*NET can be accessed at: www.onetonline.org
What
do I need?
Admission to the program is limited
to 15 students and is by application only. Applicants must
have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in
a science, and must be able to demonstrate a strong background
in representational drawing, as well as a developed sense
of aesthetics. Other degrees are eligible if the portfolio
exhibits keen observational skills and if the applicant
can demonstrate a strong interest in and understanding
of science.
How can I prepare to apply in a few years?
Although each applicant is unique, typical preparation begins with successful completion of your degree in a science area of interest. In addition, take art classes or attend art workshops along with your science coursework, draw as much as possible, and start building a portfolio of your best work.
It is helpful to do some personal research about science illustration as a career choice. Become aware of the many areas where scientific illustrations are used, from science magazines and textbooks to aquaria and museums. Keep a clip file of successful illustrations gleaned from publications, and identify the types of illustration that interest you to help define your goals as an illustrator. If possible, gain experience by trying your hand at doing illustration for your community museum, newspaper or college professors. Join the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators for additional information and peer support.
How many applicants apply each year? What do you look
for?
Science Illustration Program graduates have excellent track records at achieving success in their careers. As the program reputation has grown so have the number of applicants. Academic success, artistic ability and strong motivation are all key factors in being accepted into the program.
What are you looking for in the portfolio?
The portfolio is a crucial part of the application and the committee looks for attention to detail, accuracy and aesthetics as well as care in presentation of materials. We like to see a variety of your artwork showing your range of skills and techniques. Pencil drawings, pen and ink, watercolor, whatever you use is all accepted. Try to choose pieces that demonstrate your ability to render subjects realistically and accurately, that show your skills off to their best advantage.
In addition to detailed illustrations of individual subjects, consider including illustrations that incorporate additional information or context. Examples include species interactions, reconstructions, hidden structures, or how things work.
Do I need a degree in science?
We are looking for students who have a degree in science and who have strong interest in visual explanations of scientific phenomena, along with promising drawing skills. Other degrees are considered if you are able to indicate your interest and experience in a science related area.
If I do not have a degree in science, what can I do to make my application stronger?
The selection committee does look favorably on science backgrounds when reviewing applications. However, each year a few are selected with alternate backgrounds including art, graphic design, museum studies -- even history or literature. The application portfolio strongly influences selection decisions; it is one strong indicator for success in the field of science illustration. Although no two successful portfolios look alike, we look for accuracy, attention to detail, and some confidence with various media. Aptitude for telling a visual story is a strong plus, as is showing subjects in context (environments, relationships, comparisons, and so on), as well as explaining information through illustration.
A science background helps insure a solid foundation in the scientific process and a keen understanding of the importance of accuracy and good research. If it would help you to feel more confident in those areas you might take a few science classes, read about science topics that really excite or interest you, or volunteer to do illustration or graphics for a museum, nature center or zoo. Remember, too, that a strong art background brings other necessary skills to the table. We have accepted more than a few excellent students with BFAs in fine arts.
May I sit in on classes?
Unfortunately, we do not allow visitors in the classroom since our program is quite intensive and the class size is limited. We have found that it is too distracting given the nature of the instruction.
May I meet with some of the faculty or program staff?
The program administrator will be happy to answer your questions. Contact the program administrator if you would like a one on one meeting with a member of the faculty.
Cost of Program
Total tuition and required fees for the entire program completed in normal time
$25,617
Total estimated costs for books and supplies for the entire program
$5259
On -Time completion rate
Number of students completing the program between Aug. 2009 and Dec 2010
15
Program completion in Normal Time
13 months (3 semesters)
Normal time in months to complete program as published in catalog
13 months (3 semesters)
Of the 15 students completing the program between Aug. 2009 and Dec 2010, number who completed the program within the normal time reported above.
15
Job Placement
Job placement rate of program completers
14/15 = 93%
Median Loan Debt
Number of students completing the program between Aug. 2009 and Dec 2010
15
Number completing the program with student debt
7
For all students (both borrowers and non-borrowers) completing the program between Aug. 2009 and Dec 2010, the median cumulative debt for each of the following:
Federal Student Loan Debt:
$23,456.64
Private Loan Debt:
$0
