- Photographic sciences is an RIT New Economy Major. This collection of degree programs is forward-thinking and future-forming, and helps prepare you to excel in the multidisciplinary nature of our modern, dynamic economy.
- By combining interests in both science and the arts, photographic sciences features unique course work found at no other U.S. institution. Upper-division classes focus on high-speed photography, micrography, ophthalmic imaging, image analysis/quality, among other topics.
- Students complete a required co-op–full-time, hands-on, paid work experience related to their field of study. Recent co-op placements include opportunities at Carl Zeiss Microscopy, Edmund Optics, the FBI, the Flaum Eye Institute, The Mayo Clinic, and Smithsonian Institution.
- Carl Zeiss Microscopy and NASA are two of the biggest employers of our graduates. Canon, Fujifilm, Leica Microsystems, and the National Retina Institute also employ our graduates.
- Alumni, students, and faculty are regularly recognized by industry competitions like Nikon's Small World and the BioCommunications Association's BioImages competition.
Part scientist, part artist. A scientific photographer uses imaging to capture scientific data to explore science and medicine. These scientific images identify and solve problems–and help to advance our understanding–in biology and biomedical sciences, medicine, forensics, chemistry, and engineering. It's a dynamic field that combines photography with imaging science, information technology, computing, optics, biology, and biomedical sciences.
How to Become a Scientific Photographer
A scientific photographer needs to have the broad-based skills required of a professional photographer combined with a solid foundation in the sciences. RIT's photographic sciences program provides this in-depth study, preparing you to launch a successful career as a scientific photographer.
You'll complete courses that develop your abilities as a photographer and gain the photographic skills and approaches required of scientific photography. In addition, you'll study science and technology through the lens of photography, with courses in high-speed photography, micrography, and ophthalmic imaging.
In the first two years, this scientific photography degree will immerse you in the technical applications of scientific photography while you also pursue courses in laboratory sciences, including physics and biology. This in a photography degree that is flexible, and enables you to use elective courses to explore areas that interest you and complement your career goals. You'll be encouraged to use general education requirements to integrate complementary studies in subjects such as imaging science, information technology, or developmental biology to help prepare for exciting and evolving career opportunities. It is common for graduates to pursue advanced degrees in fields such as optics, imaging science, and medicine.
You will graduate well-prepared to apply technological advances in photography to a wide variety of photographic and imaging careers spanning the fields of science, technology, and medicine.
Scientific Photography Careers
With a 95% outcomes rate, you'll be well-prepared to launch an exciting career in scientific photography. Our graduates are employed as ophthalmic photographers, forensic photographers, surgical photographers, photomicrographers, medical photographers, latent finger print examiners, core imaging facility managers, technical support engineers, imaging specialists, imaging engineers, public relations photographers, research associates, dermatology photographers, research photographers, and image quality engineers.
Recent employers include imaging companies, universities and research centers, camera companies, forensic laboratories, and government agencies. NASA, Apple, The Mayo Clinic, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, Harvard University, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and Canon have all hired graduates of the program.
Photographic Sciences Student Association
The Photographic Sciences Student Association promotes professional and social interaction among students in the program and professionals from the imaging and photographic technology industries. The association regularly invites alumni and leaders from the professional imaging fields to present lectures and demonstrations.
Accelerated 4+1 MBA
An accelerated 4+1 MBA option is available to students enrolled in any of RIT's undergraduate programs. RIT's accelerated bachelor's/master's degrees can help you prepare for your future faster by enabling you to earn both a bachelor's and an MBA in as little as five years of study.