Application Fee (non-refundable): $55.00
Early submission of all application materials is strongly advised.
The program does not accept applications after the application deadline; however,
the program will continue to accept application materials up to 4 weeks after the
application deadline.
Michael A. Jensen, MSMI, CMI
Program Director
mjensen@augusta.edu
LaDonna Butler
Program Admissions Coordinator
(706) 721-3266
lbutler@augusta.edu
GPA
Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the Baccalaureate level calculated on all undergraduate work attempted. If applicable, a minimum overall graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Overall undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated using a standard formula which includes all work attempted.
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 in 2024 was 3.6.
Science GPA
A minimum science grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. For purposes of applying to the Medical Illustration Graduate Program, the science GPA is defined as all Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, and Zoology related courses. In addition, an applicant must earn at least a "3" (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the science prerequisite courses of Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy and Human Physiology.
Meeting the minimum requirement is not a guarantee of interview or admission. Keep in mind the competitive nature of the program. The average cumulative Science GPA among successful applicants over the last 3 years was 3.44.
Degree Requirement
A Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. To be used to satisfy degree requirements, evaluation of foreign educational transcripts must show a degree earned that is the U.S. equivalency of Bachelor's degree or higher.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges attended. In the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities, an official course-by-course transcript evaluation will be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official electronic transcripts should be emailed from the issuing institution to Augusta University's Office of Graduate Admissions Operations at graduateadmissions@augusta.edu
Alternatively, Augusta University will accept official transcripts in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope mailed from the issuing institution directly to:
Augusta UniversityTranscript/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: Educational Credential
Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., or World Education Services
(WES). Course-by-course transcript evaluations may also be accepted from a current
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or NACES, member on a case-by-case
basis. Official transcript evaluations based on unofficial transcripts, documents
or copies will not fulfill this requirement.
Specific Ordering Instructions for ECE, Silny and WES
Letters of Recommendation (3)
Recommendations (which include a reference form and 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 must be submitted online only. Within the application, you will provide the names and current email addresses for the individuals you have asked to serve as your recommenders. Once you have completed the recommendation section within the application, each recommender will receive an email notification directing them to the online site where they can complete their recommendation.
Standardized Test Requirements
None are required for this program.
English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
English proficiency exam scores are required for applicants whose first language is not English and who do not qualify for an English proficiency exam waiver per the criteria listed below. Augusta University will accept official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test (IELTS) exam scores. Official exam scores must be taken within 2 years of the date of application. The Augusta University institution code for submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores is 5406. Please do not select a department code.
English Proficiency Exam Waiver Criteria: An English proficiency exam will be waived for applicants to graduate programs who:
Please visit the International Student webpage for more information.
Prerequisite Coursework
Science Undergraduate coursework must include the following:
* A combined Human Anatomy & Physiology course with lab over 2 semesters 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.
* Coming for January 2026 applicants (for fall 2026 entry): Undergraduate Chemistry will be required, in addition to the 2 prerequisites mentioned above.
Fine Art - There are no specific art courses required; however, we strongly recommend
the following:
Portfolio Requirements
Digital portfolios must be submitted online following instructions posted on the department website. The portfolio must be received by midnight January 10. The portfolio must contain 20 pieces of original creative work. Seventeen required works are listed below. Specific information about how to submit the portfolio and the contents of the Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork can be found below and on the department website http://www.augusta.edu/medart All artwork must be drawn from direct observation (not from photographic or video reference unless the photograph is taken by the applicant). Figure studies should not be from a photograph or video.
The portfolio must include the following 17 required pieces:
Specific information about how to submit the portfolio and the contents of the Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork can be found below and on the department website (http://www.augusta.edu/medart).
Interview Information
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. These interviews are now primarily conducted online; however, those invited to interview may do so in-person if they choose. Although, please note, all costs, including travel to and from Augusta and hotel arrangements are the responsibility of the applicant. 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.
A formal portfolio review is part of the in-person or Teams interview. The applicant must submit a digital portfolio of artwork that includes 20 images, including the 17 required pieces for the Applicant Digital Portfolio of Artwork (see above).
Also, including scans or photos of selected works in sketchbook(s) is highly recommended. For the convenience of the applicant, photographs may be substituted for very large pieces or sculptures. All works must be originals or prints; NO eBooks or websites will be allowed.
