What is BPMI?

Iowa State University's intercollegiate undergraduate major in Biological/Pre-Medical Illustration (BPMI) is a shared program of the ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) and the College of Design. The program is housed in LAS and administered by an advisory board of faculty members from both colleges.

The BPMI major is designed for students who want to combine their interests and aptitudes in science and art. Students take a mix of courses concentrated on the natural sciences in LAS and studio art in Design. They learn the latest artistic techniques, visual design skills, and the business of being a visual communicator. They become proficient in producing a broad range of artwork, including drawings, paintings and photographs, which are scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing. Award-winning faculty members with years of professional and academic experience and an advisory board of scientists and artists help direct, advise and mentor students through their academic career.

Iowa State University has one of the longest-running undergraduate programs in scientific/biological illustration in the nation. Fewer than a dozen such programs or opportunities exist for undergraduates studies in the U.S. The ISU BPMI program specializes in preparing students for graduate degree programs in medical and scientific illustration. Graduate schools often recommend that students receive their bachelor's degree from Iowa State because of the strength of the combined science and art components of our program.