MIGP Admissions

New portfolio requirements are now in effect

Download the MIGP Brochure (PDF)

Note: Entry into the Medical Illustration Graduate Program (MIGP) occurs only in the Fall semester, which starts in mid-August.

Admission Requirements

The Medical Illustration Graduate Program within the College of Allied Health Sciences at Augusta University is one of only three such programs in the country. Completion of the twenty-one-month curriculum in Medical Illustration results in a Master of Science in Medical Illustration degree granted through the College of Graduate Studies. Augusta University is part of the University System of Georgia. Please visit our Program page for further information. You may also want to visit our FAQ page.

Begin your application by completing the official AU online graduate student application for admission. In addition, the MIGP requires completion of the MIGP Applicant Summary Info Form.

Application Deadlines

  • Part 1 - Department: January 10 (Fall Entry), MIGP Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork—Portfolio must be submitted directly to the Medical Illustration Graduate Program online through Box.com. It must be received by midnight January 10. Specific information and instructions for the contents and submission of the Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork can be found in the MIGP Applicant Digital  Portfolio  instructions.
  • Part 2 - University: January 10 (Fall entry), Online Application for Graduate Programs Deadline—All applicants must complete an Online Application for Graduate Programs and submit all required application materials to the Office of Academic Admissions by midnight January 10.
    Note: All required application materials and documents must be received in order for an application to be considered complete and before an admission decision can be made. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. 
  • Part 3 - Department/Program Interviews: February 1 – 28 (Fall entry), The MIGP Admissions Committee will review all complete applications, and those applicants who meet or exceed the minimum requirements for program entry may be invited for an interview. Only complete applications will be considered. An interview is required for admission to the MIGP.

GPA

Overall GPA

A minimum overall or cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Meeting the minimum requirement is not a guarantee  of interview or admission. Please keep in mind the competitive nature of the program—we can only accept nine students per year. The average cumulative GPA among successful applicants over the last 3 years was 3.6.

Science GPA

A minimum science course GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. For the purposes of applying to the Medical Illustration Graduate Program, the science GPA is defined as including all Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, and Zoology related courses. Meeting the minimum requirement is not a guarantee of interview or admission. Keep in mind the competitive nature of the program. The average cumulative GPA among successful applicants over the last 3 years was 3.4

In addition, an applicant must earn at least a "B" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the science prerequisite courses of Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Human Physiology.

Minimum Degree Requirement

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university is required for entry into the program. To be used to satisfy degree requirements, evaluation of foreign transcripts must show a degree earned that is the U.S. equivalency of a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are required from ALL universities, colleges, and/or academic institutions (including museum schools) ever attended. This includes any transient courses, joint enrollment, and/or transfer credits. Only in the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities will an official course-by-course transcript evaluation be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official transcripts should be sent electronically by the issuing institution’s Registrar directly to graduateadmissions@augusta.edu. Alternatively, a printed transcript may be mailed; however, to remain official, all printed transcripts must remain in the original, unopened, sealed, and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar's Office of the issuing institution. Mail printed transcripts to:
     Office of Academic Admissions
     Augusta University
     1120 15th Street
     Augusta, GA 30912 USA

Transcript/Credential Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts

An official, professional, course-by-course evaluation based on official transcripts and documents is required for all foreign educational transcripts and documents from one of the following three credentials evaluation services: Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., World Education Services (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). Silny and WES are recommended. Official transcript evaluations based on unofficial transcripts, documents or copies will not fulfill this requirement.

Transfer & Advanced Placement Policy

Regarding transfer of course credits and advanced placement from another university towards a degree program at Augusta University (AU), the Dept. of Medical Illustration and the Medical Illustration Graduate Program (MIGP) adhere to the regulations set forth by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and the policies established by AU. In addition, we also follow the transfer credit policies of The Graduate School. The Dept. of Medical Illustration and the MIGP have the following specific policies concerning admissions and course registration:

  • All application prerequisites and conditions for admission to the MIGP must be met prior to matriculation.
  • Entry into the MIGP occurs only in the Fall semester.
  • The MIGP is fully accredited and adheres to the curricular standards and guidelines for accreditation of graduate programs in medical illustration.
  • The MIGP has an integrated curriculum which uniquely blends the science courses with the medical illustration courses, thus transfer credits are typically not equivalent to our courses.
  • In addition, the MIGP curriculum features a linear design, and all MIGP courses must be taken in order and in sequence.
  • All MIGP courses have prerequisites that must be fully satisfied prior to course registration.
  • In consideration of the above, the MIGP does not accept transfer credit toward degree requirements.

References & Recommendations

Recommendations (which include both completion of the reference form and a letter of recommendation) from three individuals are required. Referees should be individuals qualified to critically assess the applicant's prior academic (usually college professors), employment, artistic, research and/or clinical experience (clinical or research supervisor/manager) and qualifications (as applicable) as well as the applicant's potential as a graduate student in the field/program selected.

Recommendations can be submitted online only. Within the application, you will provide the names and current email addresses for three individuals you have asked to serve as your recommenders. Once your application is submitted, each recommender will receive an email notification directing them to the online site where they can complete their recommendation. To change a recommender after the application has been submitted, log into your ApplyWeb (CollegeNet) account and make updates. Status updates of your recommenders' submissions will be provided to you directly from ApplyWeb (CollegeNet).

GRE Requirement

As of August 1, 2023, the GRE is no longer required.  For students who would like your GRE to be considered, please submit GRE Scores as part of your application. 

 

TOEFL Requirement

Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test scores are required for applicants whose first language is not English. More detailed information about required minimum scores can be found at the Office of Admissions, International.  The institution code for submission of TOEFL scores to Augusta University is 5406. Please do not select a department code.

Exemption from the TOEFL requirement is allowed for graduate students who submit proof of earning a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university where English is the language of instruction.

Program Specific Requirements

Prerequisite Coursework

Sciences:

Undergraduate coursework must include the following:

  • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy* or Vertebrate Morphology* with student dissection of a mammal (for example, a cat, rabbit or piglet), with a grade of "B" or better.
  • Human Physiology with a grade of "B" or better.

* A combined Human Anatomy & Physiology course with lab may be an acceptable substitute for the above two pre-requisites. Substitution is subject to review and approval by the Medical Illustration Graduate Program Admissions Committee.

Fine Art:

There are no specific art courses required; however, we strongly recommend the following:

  • Life (figure) drawing from a nude (undraped) model, multiple sections, including advanced-level courses
  • Courses in realistic drawing or painting from observation, including advanced-level courses
  • Computer graphics, including Photoshop ® and Illustrator ® or the equivalent. Additional digital media courses are strongly recommended.††

 †† Formal university courses are not required for applicants who have already earned baccalaureate degrees, though we strongly recommend them.  Regardless of the applicant’s artistic background, life drawing, realistic drawing, painting and computer graphic skills are critical to a modern medical illustrator’s success, and so they are weighed very heavily in the application portfolio. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in all of these areas in the submitted portfolio.

Recommended Courses:

In addition, any of the following courses are recommended but none are required:

  • Sciences: Histology, Embryology, Invertebrate Anatomy, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Basic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry
  • Art: Animation, Architectural Drawing, Cinematography, Color Theory, Drafting, Design (Graphic, Interface, Media, Set/Stage, 2D, 3D, Type, Web, etc.), Media Arts, Sculpture, Photography, Perspective, Print Making (Engraving, Intaglio, Lithography, Serigraphy, etc.), Technical Drawing, Time Arts, Typography, Videography.

All portfolios are evaluated the same, regardless of the applicant’s undergraduate major. 

MIGP Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork

All applicants must submit a digital portfolio of original creative work.  The Applicant Digital Portfolio (ADP) must be submitted online following the instructions for the MIGP Applicant Digital Portfolio. The ADP must be submitted as a PowerPoint, using the MIGP PowerPoint Template. The ADP must be received by midnight on January 10. The portfolio must contain 20 pieces of original creative work. Specific required works are listed below. All artwork must be drawn from direct observation (not from photographic or video reference unless the photo or video was taken by the applicant).

Guidance for Applicants on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applicants to the Augusta University Medical Illustration Graduate Program should not use visual AI tools or photographs taken by others to create their portfolio pieces. The portfolio submitted should represent work that the applicants themselves have created. Using AI-generated content or photos taken by someone else would make it hard to attribute the work authentically to the applicants. So, portfolio pieces created using these tools are not accepted.

Portfolio Contents

The portfolio must include the following 20 pieces:

  • Five (5) life drawings, including at least two long poses (3 hours or more)— We request drawings and/or paintings of the human form because they give us an idea of an applicant's ability to perceive and render functional structure, proportion and light on forms in a realistic manner. Rendering of fine detail is of secondary concern. Images must be drawn from direct observation of a live model and without the use of photography. Full-figure nude (undraped) drawings are preferred. However, in-depth studies of limbs or isolated features may also be submitted. Portraits, including self-portraits, are encouraged. We also like to see fore-shortened views of the figure. These drawings do not need to have been draw during a formal class. View the life (figure) drawing samples.
  • Three (3) gesture drawings (may be on the same page)— We request gestural figure drawings of the human form because they demonstrate an applicant’s ability to perceive and capture dynamic forms in a variety of poses. Typically, a gestural drawing is rendered in 1 – 5 minutes. Full-figure nude (undraped) drawings are preferred. Groups of gestural drawings on a single page may be submitted. Gesture drawings of animals may also be submitted. View the gesture drawing samples.
  • Two (2) drawings of hands (life-size, tonal studies preferred)— We request drawings and/or paintings of hands because they also give us an idea of an applicant's ability to perceive and render functional structure, proportion and light on forms in a realistic manner. In addition, asking applicants to submit images of hands better allows us to qualitatively and objectively compare and contrast between applicant portfolios. Rendering of fine detail is of secondary concern, but it is still important. Images must be drawn from direct observation of a live model and without the use of photo-graphy. We prefer tonal studies, but drawings may be either in black & white or in color. Hands should be drawn approximately life size, and may be shown in repose or in action. View the hand drawing samples.
  • Three (3) realistic still life studies in full color— We request still-life drawings and/or paintings in color because they give us an idea of an applicant's ability to perceive, render and use color as well as light on form. Still-life studies also afford us an opportunity to assess the applicant's skill with design and composition. In addition, we look at the applicant's use of perspective. Images must be drawn from direct observation and without the use of photography. Note: Please do not include medical illustrations among these compulsory pieces. View the still-life study samples.
  • One (1) image created with vector- or bézier-based graphic software such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw— We request at least one image created with software such as Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw because it will demonstrate an applicant’s experience or skill level in digital image creation using only bézier curves (splines), lines, and shapes. While we do use Illustrator as one of our standard tools, you may use whatever vector-based software to which you have access. View the vector image samples.
  • One (1) image created with raster- or pixel-based graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter— We request additional samples for the same reasons discussed previously, but the choice of subject and genre is yours. These images may be representational or photorealistic. They may be tonal or in color. View the raster image samples.
  • Two (2) additional examples of realistic drawing or painting— We request additional samples for the same reasons discussed previously, but the choice of subject and genre is yours. These images may be representational or photorealistic. They may be tonal or in color.
  • Three (3) additional works (portfolio must contain a total of 20 pieces) either in drawing or painting, or photos if your additional examples are 3-dimensional objects such as sculptures, models, or 3D prints, etc.— We request additional samples for the same reasons discussed previously, but the choice of subject and genre is yours. Consider submitting imaginative/fantasy artwork, sculpture, graphic design, or animation. These images may be representational or photorealistic. These additional works may be in line, tone, or color.

Download the instructions for the MIGP Applicant Digital Portfolio
Download the MIGP PowerPoint Template for the Applicant Digital Portfolio. Note: All applicants must use this template.

Interview and Formal Portfolio Review with the Program Faculty

The Medical Illustration Graduate Program Admissions Committee will review all complete applications. If the preliminary evaluation is satisfactory, applicants may be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee in the department. While an in-person visit to the department is best for all concerned, interviews can be conducted online. Interviews are by invitation only, and successful completion of the interview is required for admission. All interviews will be scheduled for January or February, or occasionally in March. Travel to and from Augusta, as well as hotel arrangements for the interview, are the responsibility of the applicant.

A formal portfolio review is part of the in-person interview. The applicant must bring a portfolio of artwork that includes 20 images, including the 17 required pieces for the Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork (see above). Also, bringing a sketchbook(s) to display is highly recommended. For the convenience of the applicant, photographs may be substituted for very large pieces or sculptures. All works must be tangible originals or prints; no digital presentations, eBooks or websites will be allowed.

Admission Recommendations

The successful applicant will have:

• A cumulative GPA of greater than 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Note: In 2016, the average cumulative GPA among successful applicants was 3.66, with a range of 3.33 – 3.92.

• A minimum combined verbal and quantitative score on the GRE of 300 or higher.
Note: In 2016, the average combined GRE score among successful applicants was 309, with a range of 298 – 323.

*Substitutions and/or waivers of minimum requirements must first be supported and approved by the Program Director and department Chairman, as well as by the Dean of The Graduate School. Substitutions and/or waivers are rarely granted, and then only under extraordinary circumstances.

**While every effort is made to maintain this information as current, it may be subject to change. Please check with Augusta University’s Office of Academic Admission for recent updates.

***Applications deferred to another year are subject to all admission requirements and program requirements in effect for the year to which they are deferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Proof of Lawful Presence 

In accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6, all applicants for admission to Augusta University are required to provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. Acceptance to Augusta University is conditional until lawful presence is verified. ALL applicants who are US Citizens must submit documentation that verifies his/her lawful presence in the United States at time of application to the Office of Admissions.

Testing and Disability Services

The Office of Disability Services provides a variety of services and accommodations to meet the needs of disability related concerns in accordance with the Americans with Disability Act – Amended Act (2008), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Board of Regents' policies. Accommodations for students with disabilities are made on an Individual basis.

For more information, please email or visit the Testing & Disability Services website.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information about the program, admissions and related topics, please visit our FAQ page.

Application Review

The Medical Illustration Graduate Program will review your application and supporting documents. Interviews will be scheduled and considered by the program. Taken together, the whole of your application should demonstrate substantial preparation for graduate study in the field of medical illustration. 

Decision Notification 

Upon recommendation of the Medical Illustration Graduate Program, The Graduate School will review your credentials and applicant profile and make a formal, official decision for your admittance. Official notice of your admission can only come from the Dean of The Graduate School via notification from Augusta University's Office of Academic Admissions.

  • While every effort is made to maintain this information as current, it may be subject to change. Please check with The Graduate School for recent updates.
  • Substitutions and/or waivers of minimum requirements must first be supported and approved at the program level and then formally approved by the Dean of The Graduate School.
  • Applications deferred to another semester are subject to all admission requirements and program requirements in effect for the semester to which they are deferred.