Christye Sisson, Program Chair
(585) 475-4228, cpspph@rit.edu
Program overview
The imaging and photographic technology curriculum blends experiences in contemporary digital photography with a diverse and specialized education exploring technical, professional, or scientific imaging applications that lead to careers as professional photographers or positions that use related imaging technologies. Imaging and technical skills are complemented by courses in mathematics, computing, physics, technical writing, and the liberal arts.
Various aspects of photography are investigated across all four years of the program, with explorations in black-and-white photography; color photography; and specialized areas such as high-speed, architectural, and nature photography. Some required courses include Photographic Sensitometry (2076-301); Photographic Chemistry (2076-302); Photographic Optics (2076-303); Digital Image Processing I (2076-481); and courses in color theory, color measurement, and imaging systems. Beginning in the first year, electronic imaging and computing are emphasized in all courses.
Third- and fourth-year students can develop expertise in professional or technical fields by selecting electives or minors from across the university. Within the department electives are available in holography, photonics, scanning electron microscopy, photo instrumentation, technical photography, imaging chemistry, still photography, graphic arts, optics, imaging systems, business, science, and engineering. Opportunities for independent study also are available. While each student’s core program is similar, graduates’ academic backgrounds often vary with their choice of concentration electives.
Curriculum
Imaging and photographic technology, BS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 2076-xxx, xxx, xxx | Photography I, II, III | 15 |
| 2076-211, 212, 213 | Materials and Processes of Photography | 9 |
| 1016-230 | Precalculus | 4 |
| 1016-231 | Calculus for Engineering Technology I‡ | 4 |
| 1016-319 | Data Analysis | 4 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1720-050, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 2076-301 | Photographic Sensitometry | 4 |
| 2076-302 | Technical Photographic Chemistry | 4 |
| 2076-303 | Photographic Optics | 4 |
| 2076-5xx | IDL Programming for Photography | 4 |
| 1051-350 | Vision and Psychophysics | 4 |
| 2076-313 | Color Measurement | 4 |
| 1017-211, 212, 213 | College Physics I, II, III§ | 9 |
| 1017-271, 272, 273 | College Physics I, II, III Lab§ | 3 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Cooperative Education (summer quarter) | Co-op | |
| Third Year | ||
| 2076-412 | Color Management for Photographers | 4 |
| 2076-491 | Digital Imaging Processing | 4 |
| 2076-411 | Imaging Systems | 4 |
|
0502-444 |
Technical Writing |
4 |
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| 2061-354 | Photomacrography | |
| 2061-463 | Photo and the Microscope | |
| 2076-471 | Nature Photography | |
| 2076-478 | Architectural Photography | |
| 2076-572 | Scanning Electron Microscopy | |
| General Education Elective | 4 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Open Electives | 12 | |
| Cooperative Education (summer quarter) | Co-op | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 2076-501 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| 2076-503 | Survey of Nonconventional Imaging | 3 |
| 2076-511 | High-Speed/Time Lapse | 3 |
| General Education Electives | 24 | |
| Open Electives | 12 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 190 | |
*Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
†Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡Calculus I and II may be substituted for College Algebra and Trigonometry, Calculus for Engineering Technology I, and/or Data Analysis.
§University Physics I, II, and III and the related labs can be substituted for College Physics.
Notes: Minors or concentrations in general education can be selected only from such offerings by the College of Science or the College of Liberal Arts. Minors offered by other colleges can be applied to open electives.
Cooperative education
At least two cooperative education placements, each normally 10 weeks in length, are required before graduation. Co-ops are full- or part-time positions. They offer an opportunity for students to gain experience in their field and are generally completed between their second and third academic years. The Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services can assist students in identifying co-op placements and opportunities.
Additional information
Career opportunities
An employment survey conducted by the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences indicates the need for graduates with imaging and photographic technology backgrounds will exist well into the future. Recent graduates are employed as applications engineers; imaging/photographic technologists; technical sales representatives; technical illustrators; high-speed photographers; corporate, industrial, advertising, and commercial photographers; and research associates in the private, government, and entrepreneurial sectors.
The Technical Photography Student Association promotes professional and social interaction among students and professionals from the imaging and photographic technology industry. The association regularly invites alumni in professional imaging fields to present lectures and demonstrations.