http://biomed.rit.edu/

Program overview

RIT has the only program in the nation that grants a bachelor of science degree in biomedical photographic communications, which combines photography, visual communications, and science. The program prepares students for photographic and imaging careers in various institutions such as forensic labs, pharmaceutical companies, and military bases, or in ophthalmic photography, the only form of diagnostic photography. Because of the unique blend of courses, recent graduates have been very successful finding positions not only in biomedical imaging but also in the electronic imaging field as technical service representatives, multimedia producers, and Web publishers.

During the first two years of the program, students receive a solid foundation in digital photography and desktop and Web publishing. Included in these classes are topics such as close-up and high-magnification photography, studio lighting, ethics, ophthalmic photography, and imaging technologies. Students also take biology, liberal arts, and general education courses. In the third and fourth years the curriculum becomes more flexible, allowing students to choose elective courses and build a photographic concentration from a wide variety of courses taught in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, the College of Science, and the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. This flexibility, coupled with the personal attention of faculty advisers, allows students to focus on their career and educational goals. It is not uncommon for graduates to continue their studies in graduate school programs in imaging, medicine, or information technology.

Careers

Since 1968, various visual communication companies have actively recruited most of the program’s nearly 600 graduates. Many of our graduates have become directors and leaders in their respective institutions and companies. Today, the biomedical photographic communications program boasts a placement rate of well over 85 percent.

Curriculum

Cooperative education

At least one cooperative education experience or internship is required for graduation. Co-ops are an opportunity for students to gain experience in their field and are generally completed between their second and third academic years. Co-ops are full- or part-time paid positions usually eight to 10 weeks in length. The Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services can assist students in identifying co-op placements and opportunities.