Motion Picture Science

What's the last great movie or TV show you saw that made a lasting impression on you? The most ingenious minds behind the most captivating shows and movies apply their knowledge of science and engineering, and use their passion for storytelling to make film, television, and animation possible.

The BS in motion picture science provides a science- and engineering-based education in the fundamental imaging technologies used for the motion picture industry. By combining a core curriculum in filmmaking, production, and digital cinema from the College of Art and Design and course work from the imaging science major in the College of Science, the motion picture science degree prepares students in the art and science of feature film, television, and animation production. Topics include film and digital image capture, film scanning, digital image manipulation, color science, visual effects, and digital and traditional projection. New facilities provide students with hands-on experience on the same equipment being used in major motion picture production today.

Utilizing research, critical thinking, creativity, and a range of problem-solving principles, students are taught to address complex motion imaging workflow issues within the constraints of time, space, budget, and technology. Graduates enjoy a variety of career opportunities. Our alumni develop digital cinema technology, manage feature film and television post-production, design imaging equipment, and conduct research and development that continues the advancement of motion imaging technology.

Industry Connections

Students are active in making industry connections through attendance at large national conferences, including the National Association of Broadcaster's annual trade show and the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineer's Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition. Additionally, students, faculty, and alumni are routinely recognized at SMPTE's annual conference for their innovations and contributions to cinema technology. Students and alumni have won numerous SMPTE awards for their undergraduate research at RIT and for their research as industry professionals.

Study Filmmaking in LA

Study Away: LA gives film and animation majors the opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles learning from industry professionals. The bulk of your time will be spent at internships, but you'll also complete two courses that will complement your study-away experience. Learn more about Study Away: LA and how you can gain industry experience in traditional filmmaking, animation, or cutting-edge areas like virtual production in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the global entertainment universe. 

Professional Student Organizations

RIT's School of Film and Animation maintains memberships in a number of professional organizations: Animation World Network, College Art Association, Rochester Audio Visual Association, Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, University Film and Video Association, Siggraph, and BEA.

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degree

Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

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