- Freshman Imaging Project: Explore concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science and experience the creation of a system to address a contemporary technological need.
- Active research laboratories focus on remote sensing, human visual systems, multi-wavelength astronomy, computer and machine vision, cultural heritage imaging, and optics and photonics.
- Recent graduates employed at L3Harris, GoPro, Dolby, Facebook Reality Labs, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Integrated Defense and Security Solution Holdings Inc., EagleView Technologies, and Planetary Resources, Inc.
- $7M in research grants awarded in 2019‘2020.
Augmented and virtual reality. Drones. Satellite imaging. Artificial intelligence and computer vision. Advanced security systems. This is imaging science.
Imaging science is an extraordinary major that combines physics, math, computer science, and engineering to create fully functioning imaging systems, which are used in everything from scientific research and discovery, satellite imaging, filmmaking, search and rescue, national security, land surveying, AR/VR, and so much more.
What is an Imaging System?
Imaging systems answer fundamental scientific questions, monitor and protect our environment, help keep our nation secure, and aid medical researchers in their quest to conquer disease.
Imaging science is the study of the science, computing, and engineering theories behind the technology that goes into creating images, the integration of this technology into imaging systems, and the application of those systems to gather information and solve scientific problems. Imaging science is used to design and develop cutting-edge imaging systems, such as portable eye trackers, virtual reality devices, satellite systems, digital cameras, or anything that involves recording, processing, displaying, or analyzing image data. As the only university in the country with a bachelor of science in imaging sciences, RIT prepares you for a career in imaging science by immersing you in in-depth course work in imaging, optics, imaging processing, computer vision, imaging detectors, and more. You'll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs and through course projects on day one, and build upon these experiences throughout your academic career.
Imaging Science Curriculum
The curriculum in the imaging science degree includes the study of:
- the physical observables associated with the subject of an image, such as reflected or emitted electromagnetic radiation;
- how those observables are captured by devices using optics and detectors such as satellites, digital cameras, medical imaging devices, and astronomical observatories;
- how the captured observables are processed using computers and specialized software;
- how processed signals are converted into images displayed on paper and electronic devices, and perceived by humans; and
- how image quality is assessed and scientific information is extracted.
The imaging science degree begins with Innovative Imaging Project, a year-long project-based class in which you'll learn about imaging science while designing and implementing a novel imaging system. As you progress in course work, both theoretical studies and practical applications of technologies are reinforced through hands-on laboratory experiments. The curriculum culminates with Imaging Science Senior Project I and II, a two-semester, two-course independent research project conducted by you under the guidance of faculty from the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. You'll examine a problem in one of several imaging applications such as remote sensing, astronomy, computer vision, manuscript imaging and enhancement, optics, color science, image quality, or visual perception.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
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.