COURSE CURRICULUM

The Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA (Advertising Photography Option) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for 2025–2026 is a 122-credit, four-year program designed to prepare students for professional careers in commercial photography, advertising, visual storytelling, and media production. The program combines technical training, artistic development, and business knowledge to help students build strong, industry-ready portfolios.In the first year, students focus on foundational photography and design skills. They take courses such as Photographic Arts I and II, photographic science fundamentals, photographic technology, 2D design, and drawing. Alongside these core studio courses, students complete general education requirements in writing, artistic perspective, and either science or mathematics, helping them build both creative and academic foundations.In the second year, students begin exploring more specialized and conceptual areas of photography. Courses include 4D design, elements of advertising photography, and the history and aesthetics of photography. Students also choose an option course in fine art photography, photojournalism, or visual media, allowing them to explore different career directions. General education and elective courses continue to broaden their academic experience.The third year focuses heavily on professional and advanced technical skills. Students take advertising photography I and II, advanced video for photographers, and image retouching. They also complete CAD electives and immersion requirements while continuing to build practical experience in photography production, editing, and visual storytelling.In the fourth year, students transition into professional practice and portfolio development. Courses include photography business fundamentals, advertising photography capstone, and portfolio development, along with additional professional and CAD electives. This stage emphasizes preparing students for industry work, client-based projects, and career entry.Overall, the program combines creative practice, technical expertise, and professional development to prepare graduates for careers in advertising photography, commercial studios, media production, branding, and visual communications industries.The Photographic Sciences BS curriculum at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) for 2025–2026 is a 125-credit, four-year program that integrates photography, science, and technology to prepare students for careers in scientific imaging, research, and technical media fields. In the first year, students build foundational skills in photography and general education. Courses such as Photographic Arts I, Photography II, photographic science fundamentals, and photographic technology introduce both creative and technical aspects of imaging. Students also complete requirements in mathematics, writing, ethics, global perspectives, and artistic studies to develop a well-rounded academic base.In the second year, the curriculum becomes more specialized and science-oriented. Students study imaging systems, photographic optics, scientific photography, vision and perception, and media production technologies. They also complete general education requirements in social sciences, natural sciences, and scientific principles, strengthening their understanding of how imaging interacts with scientific concepts. A co-op experience during the summer provides practical, full-time industry exposure.The third year focuses on advanced technical skills and interdisciplinary applications. Students take courses in programming for photographic sciences and digital image processing, allowing them to work with imaging software, data analysis, and computational tools. Professional electives and general education immersion courses allow students to tailor their studies and explore specific areas of interest, while open electives broaden their academic experience.In the fourth year, students complete a two-part capstone project in photographic sciences, where they apply their knowledge to real-world or research-based problems. They also take additional professional electives and general education courses, along with open electives to further customize their education.Overall, the program combines scientific knowledge, technical imaging skills, and computational tools to prepare graduates for careers in fields such as biomedical imaging, forensic photography, research, optics, and imaging technology, as well as for advanced study in science and engineering disciplines.