The biological and pre-medical illustration program at Iowa State has been preparing students in the areas of both science and art since about1980.

The program’s motto, “communicating science through art,” is exemplified by students double majoring with 40 hours in both art and biology.

“The program truly belongs in the liberal arts and sciences college,” said BPMI chairman Warren Dolphin. “A wide variety of career opportunities exist in this rigorous and special program designed for very visual thinkers.”

Only 12 such undergraduate programs exist in the United States, Dolphin said. The program has a great deal of pride at Iowa State.

According to the BPMI Web site, art courses are taken in the design center. A new computer center in Bessey Hall allows students to access the cutting-edge technological equipment needed to complete detailed and precise illustrations.

Students in the program are often talented in the areas of painting, drawing and image making.

A tedious selection process allows about 70 percent of applicants into the program. Applicants prepare portfolios that include five to eight examples of their artwork and an essay on why they want to be in the BPMI program.

A committee of both scientists and artists review the portfolios. Students are allowed more than one chance to apply. Currently around 40 to 50 students are involved in the program.

“Small class sizes are what attracted me to the program,” said Allison Hall, junior in BPMI.

“Compared to the College of Design, which has thousands of students, the BPMI program has a very low teacher-to-student ratio. I enjoy getting to know my professors on a more personal basis,” she said.

The wide variety of career options is also an attractive aspect for many students. With a degree in BPMI, students’ career choices can vary from working at hospitals to animation companies.

Dorothia Rohner, owner of Painted Wings Studio in Arlington Neb., designs nature-oriented rubber stamps.

“The program at ISU was a great experience,” said Rohner, 1995 graduate of the BPMI program. “The combination of art and science is very unique and allowed me to combine the two things that I am most passionate about.”

Students also have a wide variety of options to extend their art experiences. This summer, students have the opportunity to study in Belize, Bermuda and Costa Rica. Illustration courses in different areas than Iowa allow students to broaden their art experiences. A wide variety of internships, such as National Geographic, are also available to students.