The photographic and imaging arts major–with options in advertising photography, fine art photography, photojournalism, and visual media–has a rigorous curriculum designed with individual achievement in mind. It features an immersive and hands-on perspective geared towards creativity and innovation. Enrollment in photography classes begins on day one of the first year. Theoretical and experimental components lead to the development of broad-based skills required of professionals in today's ever-changing image culture, art world, and industries. With access to more than 150 unique photography, video, multimedia, web-based, and publication courses, students are challenged using real-world problems to produce successful real-world results.
Photographic and imaging arts majors participate in an educational community that includes required course work in general studies and operates in an environment with both undergraduate and graduate students. It is a community where students have the opportunity to work and study with our highly respected and accomplished faculty in state-of-the-art facilities. The School of Photographic Arts and Sciences also offers a wide array of visiting professionals, events, and talks, including the Charles Arnold Lecture Series and the RIT Big Shot, along with non-credit bearing summer workshops. Students undecided on which photography major best meets their career aspirations and interests may apply to the undeclared photography option.
Options
Advertising Photography Option
Be prepared for a diverse and rewarding career in the field of visual communications. Learn to create photographs and moving media for a wide range of commercial use in today's fast-changing media environment. For more information on the advertising photography option, including samples of student work and alumni profiles, visit Advertising Photography Option–Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA.
Fine Art Photography
The fine art photography option prepares students for careers as visual artists, educators, editorial photographers, or freelance artists. Study the theoretical and practical skills needed to create thought-provoking and meaningful images develops technical, conceptual, and aesthetic abilities, and become a contemporary image-maker. For more information on the fine art photography option, including samples of student work and alumni profiles, visit Fine Art Photography Option–Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA.
Photojournalism
Produce non-fiction visual reporting that tells the stories of people, social issues and events for diverse and modern media outlets including digital and print. Learn to create and publish both still photographic reporting as well as moving and interactive media that document our diverse culture, evoking both the momentous and the everyday circumstances of contemporary life and society. For more information on the photojournalism option, including samples of student work and alumni profiles, visit Photojournalism Option–Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA.
Visual Media
Integrate the graphic communications professions of photography, media design, and business. Prepare for a career as a visual media specialist or other professional positions that have a demand for photographically skilled professionals who can work effectively with graphic designers, print media specialists, multimedia and social media professionals. For more information on the visual media option, including samples of student work and alumni profiles, visit Visual Media Option–Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA.
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.