Liberal Arts
Scientific Illustration Degree
Liberal Arts Bachelor's Degree Programs
At BVU the experience and practice of the visual arts is an interdisciplinary pursuit. Within the scientific illustration major, the areas offered are art history, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, drawing, and design. All studio courses for the scientific illustration major involve hands-on experience taught by faculty members who are professional artists.

Take Me To
Why should I earn a scientific illustration degree?
Training
Take advantage of BVU’s designated scientific illustration program.
Skills
Hone your illustration skills in BVU’s modern studios, copying real-life specimens as well as reference materials.
Specialties
Use your skills to specialize in medicine, paleontology, biology, or chemistry.
What I Can Do With a Scientific Illustration Degree
- Professional artist
- Illustrator
- Professor
- Arts administrator
- Science museum exhibit curator
- On Campus
On Campus
Storm Lake
Why study scientific illustration at BVU?
Small Class Sizes
Thrive in small, intimate studio classes, an active studio environment, and a focused outcomes-based curriculum.
Studios and Galleries
Dive into BVU’s studio and gallery spaces to learn new techniques in your first year.
Artists Saving Lives
BVU is unique in offering an undergraduate degree specifically in scientific illustration. That means you’ll get in-depth, targeted instruction and hands-on experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Experienced Faculty
Your professors are practicing artists who will mentor you through the compelling demands and rewards of creative study.
BVU seeks to unite students with artists, innovators, and creators to mentor and inspire Beavers while showcasing their own talents and work. Artist-in-Residence Program

Join a Welcoming Community.
Share Remarkable Experiences.
JULIA RENKLY, Class of 2025
Art has always been Julia’s way of expressing herself. Her favorite thing to draw is the human figure. When she came to BVU she wished you could combine her love of art and human anatomy. Her professor told her she could! Majoring in scientific illustration created the best of both worlds for Julia. She has improved her artwork while gaining more insight and knowledge about how the human body works.
Scientific Illustration Courses
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreScientific Illustration Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most—if not all—of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
View Course EquivalenciesEarn a Master’s Degree Faster with Our Accelerated Program
With BVU's Plus One program, you can earn your teaching English as a second language or organizational leadership master's within one year of graduating with your bachelor’s degree.

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Explore a Scientific Illustration Degree
Find out more about earning a bachelor's in scientific illustration with BVU.
