Photography and Related Media

RIT's graduate degree in photography emphasizes an expansive interpretation of photography as a conceptual art form, with the intention of engaging and nurturing the individuality of each student in their continued development as innovative, critical artists in the world. Successful completion of the MFA in photography enables you to become a successful visual artist and to seek careers in education, archives, museum or gallery work, and as a professional photographer.

MFA in Photography 

RIT's MFA in photography is among the best photo schools in the country. We are ranked 6th by U.S. News & World Report (2022) as one of the best fine arts school for a graduate degree in photography.

In the photography MFA, you'll refine your technical and artistic photographic skills while you create a new body of work. Ample time is spent creating work and refining your personal artistic vision. Elective courses are available in dynamic areas such as video, printmaking, painting, sculpture, communication design, crafts, bookmaking, graphic design, new media, computer graphics, art history, and archival preservation and conservation. Students also have opportunities to enhance their studies through independent studies and internships.

Graduate Photography Thesis

Your MFA in photography culminates in a graduate thesis exhibition, where you will install and exhibit an original body of work. The thesis publication is documentation of the thesis project, which must be submitted in digital form. It must contain an extended artist statement and a presentation of the majority of thesis artwork. The thesis defense is a public presentation made by the student, in explanation of the thesis project, creative research, and exhibition.

Photography Faculty

Eleven full-time faculty members, all critically regarded for their artistic work in exhibition and publication, contribute to the MFA in photography. The faculty brings individual expertise and dedication to their work with graduate students, encouraging intellectual inquiry of contemporary art-making practices and aesthetics. The MFA in photography is supported by a staff of 30 full-time faculty members from the RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences and School of Art; adjunct faculty members from George Eastman Museum; as well as noted regional, national, and international practitioners, critics, and historians.

World-Class Photography Studios and Facilities

You'll spend time creating in a range of top facilities designed for you to explore, learn, and develop your photography skills and techniques. The William Harris Gallery supports the exhibition of graduate thesis work, student work, and the works of contemporary image-makers. It maintains a calendar of exhibitions, public lectures, and receptions. Importantly, it also provides real-world experience for graduate students to learn firsthand about gallery operations, installation, and marketing and communications as a gallery manager or staff member.

The Photo Cage puts state-of-the-art photography equipment right at your fingertips. It includes a range of equipment you can checkout for your use, including cameras (DSLR, film, medium- and large-format), video cameras, and camera accessories including lights, audio recorders, computers, monitors, tripods, rigs, cine rails, and more.

In addition to gallery spaces, students have open access to dedicated studio spaces and world-class imaging equipment, including:

• Professional gallery spaces
• Kreonite analog color processor
• Lambda digital chromogenic processor
• Alternative process facilities and chemicals
• Black and white and color darkrooms
• Lighting studios
• 35mm, medium, and large format film cameras
• 35mm and medium format digital cameras
• Video equipment, such as Ronin stabilizers, dollies, and more
• Sound equipment and dedicated recording studio
• Access to printmaking, glass, woodshop, and other art-making facilities