Admission Requirements

• Master of Science

Degree Requirements

• Master of Science

Mailing Address:
Biomedical and Health Information Sciences (MC 520)
Biomedical Visualization
Office of Graduate Programs
1919 West Taylor Street
Chicago, IL 60612-7249

Campus Location: 250 AHSB
Program Code: 20FS1075MS
Telephone: (312) 996-7337
E-mail: bhis@uic.edu
Web Site: http://www.bhis.uic.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Larry Pawola
Academic Program Director: Scott Barrows

The Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences (BHIS) offers a two-year graduate program leading to the Master of Science (MS) in Biomedical Visualization. Course work and research focus on the general areas of computer-based illustration and design; computer visualization; and prosthetics/3-D model design. Required core courses emphasize basic science, imaging modalities, and visual problem solving. The department has affiliations with twenty clinical sites in medical centers, hospitals, veterinary schools, prosthetics clinics, museums, and private businesses for an elective internship experience. BHIS also offers the MS in Health Informatics and an IBHE Certificate in Health Informatics.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

• Baccalaureate Field No restrictions. Prior academic work must include four drawing courses (at least two must be life drawing), one course each in graphic design, computer graphics, comparative anatomy (or an advanced biology course that includes mammalian dissection), and human physiology. Additional science classes in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, histology, embryology, and other life sciences are highly recommended. Course work in sculpture is recommended for applicants interested in prosthetics/3-D model design; course work in computer graphics is recommended for applicants interested in computer visualization; and course work in painting, digital imaging, and illustration is recommended for applicants interested in illustration and design.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study and for all cumulative graduate work previously taken.
• Tests Required GRE General and Writing assessment or GMAT. Test scores are required for all but applicants with a graduate or professional degree at the master’s and doctoral level (e.g., MS, MA, MFA, PhD, ScD, MD, DDS, DO, DrPH, PharmD) from an accredited U.S. or Canadian school. The prior training must be relevant to the basic field of the area of concentration. Applicants with the above stated degree from foreign schools whose application processes are sponsored by an accepted referral services, such as AFGRAD or AMIDEAST, are considered.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
• TOEFL If the applicant has taken the paper-based TOEFL, minimum scores in the range of 585–600 will be considered; in addition, the applicant must take the Test of Written English and submit scores in the range of 5–6. If the applicant has taken the computer-based TOEFL, minimum scores in the range of 240–250 will be considered. In this case the Test of Written English is not required. Applicants taking the iBT Internet-based TOEFL must have a minimum score of 95, with subscores of Reading 24, Listening 22, Speaking 24, and Writing 24. OR
• IELTS 7.0, with subscores of 6.5 for all four subscores.
• Letters of Recommendation Three required from instructors or employers using Graduate College forms.
• Personal Statement The statement should address the applicant’s goals for graduate study and career development.
• Other Requirements A personal interview and portfolio review with the departmental faculty are required. The portfolio must include twenty slides of representational images in any media, but must include figure drawings and/or paintings. A stamped, self-addressed envelope should be enclosed for the portfolio’s return.
• Deadlines The application deadline for this program is earlier than the Graduate College deadline; contact the program for information on current deadlines.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

Master of Science

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 50–52.
• Course Work Required Courses: ANAT 441; BHIS 405, 499, 500, and 595; and BVIS 400, 405, 410 (or the equivalent), 415, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 480, and 595.
• Selectives: 10 hours from among ANAT 414; BVIS 515, 520, 525, 530, 540, 542, 545, 546, 550, 555, 580, 594, and 596.
• Comprehensive Examination None.
• Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis or project required. No other options are available.
• Thesis: Students must earn at least 7 hours in BVIS 598.
• Project: Students who complete a project must earn at least 5 hours in BVIS 597.
• Other Requirements Continuous Registration: Students who have completed all degree requirements except the thesis/project must register for zero credit hours to maintain continuous registration.