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Hands-On Learning

Through a blend of art and science, you’ll learn how to make complex ideas clear and engaging. Every project is rooted in real specimens, field experiences, and professional practice.

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Science Illustration

In science illustration, art is more than self-expression; it’s a bridge between discovery and understanding. At CSUMB, you’ll develop the creative and technical skills to translate complex scientific ideas into visuals that spark curiosity, teach important concepts, and tell powerful stories. Our certificate program combines traditional techniques with digital media, grounded in close observation of the natural world.

But your journey doesn’t stop at the drawing table. Through internships, exhibitions, and fieldwork, you’ll step directly into professional environments where your work makes a real impact. You’ll learn to balance accuracy with creativity, meet deadlines, and collaborate with scientists, educators, and publishers. By the time you complete the program, you won’t just have a portfolio, you’ll have experience, confidence, and a clear pathway into the world of professional science illustration.

Girl sitting in front of computer and smiling
Emily Kearney-Williams ('17) illustrates at her desk during an internship with the Smithsonian Institution's Arctic Studies Center in Anchorage, AK.

Internships That Launch Careers

After nine months of immersive coursework, you’ll complete a ten-week internship with a host organization. Past placements have included museums, aquariums, publishing houses and research labs across the globe.

Seahorse Illustration by Miranda Zimmerman
Illustration by Miranda Zimmerman

Specimens, Fieldwork, and Exhibits

Sketch from zoological and botanical specimens, document subjects in the field and use digital tools to expand your skills, culminating in an exhibit at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.

Fish Illustration by Jessie Jordan
Illustration by Jessie Jordan

Professional Insights From Industry Experts

Guest lecturers bring specialized expertise, share the realities of working in the field and help you understand how to navigate the professional world — complementing your coursework and internship.