Imaging Science Bachelor of Science Degree

RIT’s imaging science bs combines physics, math, computer science, and engineering to develop cutting-edge imaging systems for satellites, drones, AR/VR, and more.


2:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio


Overview for Imaging Science BS

Why Study Imaging Science

  • Project Based learning: Freshman Imaging Project, where you explore concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science and experience the creation of a system to address a contemporary technological need.
  • Research opportunities: Active research laboratories focus on remote sensing, human visual systems, multi-wavelength astronomy, computer and machine vision, cultural heritage imaging, and optics and photonics.
  • Strong career Paths: Recent graduates employed at L3Harris, GoPro, Dolby, Facebook Reality Labs, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Integrated Defense and Security Solution Holdings Inc., EagleView Technologies, and Planetary Resources, Inc.
6 Dynamic Imaging Science Jobs

What is Imaging Science?

Imaging science is the study of the science, computing, and engineering theories behind the technology that goes into creating images, the integration of this technology into imaging systems, and the application of those systems to gather information and solve scientific problems. Imaging science is used to design and develop cutting-edge imaging systems, such as portable eye trackers, virtual reality devices, satellite systems, digital cameras, or anything that involves recording, processing, displaying, or analyzing image data. 

RIT’s Imaging Science BS

Augmented and virtual reality. Drones. Satellite imaging. Artificial intelligence and computer vision. Advanced security systems. This is imaging science.

RIT’s imaging science degree is an extraordinary major that combines physics, math, computer science, and engineering to create fully functioning imaging systems, which are used in areas such as:

  • Scientific research and discovery
  • Satellite imaging
  • Filmmaking
  • Search and rescue
  • National security
  • Land surveying
  • AR/VR

With hands-on experience in cutting-edge labs and through course projects on day one, you'll be prepared for a career in imaging science with in-depth course work, such as:

  • Imaging
  • Optics
  • Image processing
  • Computer vision
  • Imaging detectors

Imaging Science Classes

The bachelor's in imaging science includes the study of:

  • the physical observables associated with the subject of an image, such as reflected or emitted electromagnetic radiation;
  • how those observables are captured by devices using optics and detectors such as satellites, digital cameras, medical imaging devices, and astronomical observatories;
  • how the captured observables are processed using computers and specialized software;
  • how processed signals are converted into images displayed on paper and electronic devices, and perceived by humans; and
  • how image quality is assessed and scientific information is extracted.

Hands-On Experience to Gain Real World Skills

While enrolled in the imaging science degree, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience in a variety of ways:

  • The imaging science degree begins with Freshman Imaging Project, a year-long project-based class in which you’ll learn about imaging science while designing and implementing a novel imaging system. 
    • As you progress in course work, both theoretical studies and practical applications of technologies are reinforced through hands-on laboratory experiments. 
  • The curriculum culminates with Imaging Science Senior Project I and II, a two-semester, two-course independent research project conducted by you under the guidance of faculty from the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science.
    • You’ll examine a problem in one of several imaging applications such as remote sensing, astronomy, computer vision, manuscript imaging and enhancement, optics, color science, image quality, or visual perception.
  • While enrolled in the imaging science major you are also encouraged to complete cooperative education and internship experiences. Learn more about science co-ops


Furthering Your Education in Imaging Science

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.
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Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

Imaging Scientist Signal and Image Processing Engineer
Modeling and Simulation Analyst Imaging Engineer/Color Scientist
Camera Systems Engineer Sensor Engineer
AR/VR Researcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) Engineer
Satellite Imaging Scientist Camera Hardware Engineer

Industries

  • Research
  • Environmental Services
  • Scientific and Technical Consulting
  • Aerospace
  • Defense
  • Computer and Network Security

Cooperative Education

What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Science co-ops include a range of hands-on experiences, from co-ops and internships and work in labs to undergraduate research and clinical experience in health care settings. These opportunities provide the hands-on experience that enables you to apply your scientific, math, and health care knowledge in professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

In the imaging science degree, co-op is optional but strongly encouraged. Imaging science students gain career experience in a range of industries, including aviation, aerospace, environmental services, medical imaging, national research labs, and more. A sampling of companies that seek out RIT’s imaging science students for co-ops and full-time employment include Adobe, Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Google, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, NASA, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Sandia National Labs, and more.

National Labs Career Events and Recruiting

The Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education offers National Labs and federally-funded Research Centers from all research areas and sponsoring agencies a variety of options to connect with and recruit students. Students connect with employer partners to gather information on their laboratories and explore co-op, internship, research, and full-time opportunities.  These national labs focus on scientific discovery, clean energy development, national security, technology advancements, and more. Recruiting events include our university-wide Fall Career Fair, on-campus and virtual interviews, information sessions, 1:1 networking with lab representatives, and a National Labs Resume Book available to all labs.

Featured Work

Featured Profiles

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Imaging Science BS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Imaging Science, BS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
IMGS-181
Freshman Imaging Project I
Freshman Imaging Project I is the first of a two-course sequence. Through the exploration of concepts in physics, mathematics, and computer science, students will experience the creation of a system to address a contemporary technological need through the application of the principles of the scientific method. With the help of faculty and staff from different departments across campus, as well as external experts, students will plan and organize the effort, review current literature applicable to the posed technical challenge, apply hypotheses to address presented scientific questions, conduct experiments to assess technology options, integrate components to create a prototype, and confirm that the prototype and methods meet desired levels of performance. The students will develop a working knowledge of the scientific method and an appreciation for the value of teamwork in technical disciplines, develop the skills required to execute a large project, and increase proficiency in oral and written technical communication. (Academic Level 1, Degree Seeking students.) Lec/Lab 3 (Fall).
3
IMGS-182
Freshman Imaging Project II
Freshman Imaging Project II is the second of a two-course sequence aimed at designing, developing, and building a functional imaging system that will be useful to a “real world” external constituency to achieve its technical goals. With help from faculty and staff from imaging science and other departments across campus, the unified team of students will plan and organize the effort, assess technology options, integrate components, and confirm that the system meets desired levels of performance. Students will develop a general understanding of the foundational concepts of imaging science, a working knowledge of the principles of systems engineering, an appreciation for the value of teamwork in technical disciplines, and practice oral and written technical communication. In this second course of the sequence, students proceed with construction and testing of their system that was designed in COS-IMGS-181. (Prerequisites: MATH-171 or MATH-181 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: (MATH-172 or MATH-173 or MATH-182) and (PHYS-211 or PHYS-211A).) Lec/Lab 3 (Spring).
3
IMGS-221
Vision & Psychophysics (General Education)
This course presents an overview of the organization and function of the human visual system and some of the psychophysical techniques used to study visual perception. (This course is restricted to IMGS-BS, DIGCIME-BS, IMGS-MN and SCIMGS-IM students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
3
MATH-181
Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
This is the first in a two-course sequence intended for students majoring in mathematics, science, or engineering. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of the derivative, Riemann sums, definite integrals, and indefinite integrals. (Prerequisites: MATH-111 or (NMTH-220 and NMTH-260 or NMTH-272 or NMTH-275) or equivalent courses with a minimum grade of B-, or a score of at least 60% on the RIT Mathematics Placement Exam. Co-requisites: MATH-181R or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring).
4
MATH-182
Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
This is the second in a two-course sequence. It emphasizes the understanding of concepts, and using them to solve physical problems. The course covers techniques of integration including integration by parts, partial fractions, improper integrals, applications of integration, representing functions by infinite series, convergence and divergence of series, parametric curves, and polar coordinates. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-181 or MATH-181A or equivalent course. Co-requisites: MATH-182R or equivalent course.) Lecture 6 (Fall, Spring).
4
PHYS-211
University Physics I (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
This is a course in calculus-based physics for science and engineering majors. Topics include kinematics, planar motion, Newton's Laws, gravitation, work and energy, momentum and impulse, conservation laws, systems of particles, rotational motion, static equilibrium, mechanical oscillations and waves, and data presentation/analysis. The course is taught in a workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. (Prerequisites: C- or better in MATH-181 or equivalent course. Co-requisites: MATH-182 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall, Spring).
4
SOFA-103
Introduction to Imaging and Video Systems (General Education)
This course provides an introductory overview of the basic engineering and scientific principles associated with imaging systems. Topics covered include imaging physics, photographic science, human vision and perception, image capture and display technologies (both analog and digital), and digital image processing. This course is taught using both mathematical and phenomenological presentation and prepares students to proceed with more in-depth investigation of these fields in subsequent imaging science and motion picture science courses. Accompanying laboratory exercises provide hands-on experience with the presented concepts. (Co-requisite: MATH-171 or MATH-181 or MATH-181A or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall or Spring).
3
YOPS-10
RIT 365: RIT Connections
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. (This class is restricted to incoming 1st year or global campus students.) Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring).
0
 
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
3
 
General Education – Artistic Perspective
3
 
General Education – Elective
3
Second Year
IMGS-180
Object-Oriented Scientific Computing
This project-based course is an introduction to object-oriented computer programming directed at solving scientific problems related to imaging. The student will learn the concepts of object-oriented programming using the most recent C++ programming language standard. Popular project management and modern compilation/build systems will be presented and utilized. Fundamentals of streamed input and output, data types, objects and classes, templates, lambda expressions, flow control, repetition, program decomposition and library development, software engineering/design concepts, and problem-solving approaches such as the use of randomness, divide-and-conquer, Monte Carlo simulation, ill-posed solutions, and search will be examined in detail and applied to scientific, mathematical, and imaging-specific problems. In addition to the base language concepts, students will utilize popular open-source and public-domain libraries such as Boost, Eigen, and OpenCV. (This class is restricted to IMGS-BS or DIGCIME-BS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
IMGS-211
Probability and Statistics for Imaging
This course introduces the principles of probability and statistics that are used in imaging science. The first half of the course covers probability distributions for discrete and continuous random variables, expectation, variance, and joint distributions. The second half of the course will consider point estimation, statistical intervals, hypothesis testing, inference, and linear regression. (Prerequisites: MATH-173 or MATH-182 or MATH-182A or equivalent course. Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken MATH-251.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
IMGS-261
Linear and Fourier Methods for Imaging (General Education)
This course develops the concepts of complex numbers and linear algebra for describing imaging systems in the frequency domain via the discrete and continuous Fourier transforms. (Prerequisite: MATH-173 or MATH-182 or MATH-182A or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Spring).
4
IMGS-351
Fundamentals of Color Science (General Education)
This course will introduce students to the field of Color Science. Students will learn about the physical sources of color, the visual mechanisms that provide our experience of color, and the descriptive systems that have been developed for relating the physical and visual properties. Through hands-on projects, students will learn practical methods for measuring, modeling, and controlling color in digital imaging systems. (Prerequisites: SOFA-103 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
MATH-221
Multivariable and Vector Calculus (General Education)
This course is principally a study of the calculus of functions of two or more variables, but also includes a study of vectors, vector-valued functions and their derivatives. The course covers limits, partial derivatives, multiple integrals, Stokes' Theorem, Green's Theorem, the Divergence Theorem, and applications in physics. Credit cannot be granted for both this course and MATH-219. (Prerequisite: C- or better MATH-173 or MATH-182 or MATH-182A or equivalent course.) Lecture 4 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
4
PHYS-212
University Physics II (General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective)
This course is a continuation of PHYS-211, University Physics I. Topics include electrostatics, Gauss' law, electric field and potential, capacitance, resistance, DC circuits, magnetic field, Ampere's law, inductance, and geometrical and physical optics. The course is taught in a lecture/workshop format that integrates the material traditionally found in separate lecture and laboratory courses. (Prerequisites: (PHYS-211 or PHYS-211A or PHYS-206 or PHYS-216) or (MECE-102, MECE-103 and MECE-205) and (MATH-182 or MATH-172 or MATH-182A) or equivalent courses. Grades of C- or better are required in all prerequisite courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall, Spring).
4
PHYS-213
Modern Physics I (General Education)
This course provides an introductory survey of elementary quantum physics, as well as basic relativistic dynamics. Topics include the photon, wave-particle duality, deBroglie waves, the Bohr model of the atom, the Schrodinger equation and wave mechanics, quantum description of the hydrogen atom, electron spin, and multi-electron atoms. (Prerequisites: PHYS-209 or PHYS-212 or PHYS-217or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
3
 
General Education – Ethical Perspective
3
 
General Education – Global Perspective
3
Third Year
IMGS-251
Radiometry
This course introduces the concepts of quantitative measurement of electromagnetic energy. The basic radiometric and photometric terms are introduced using calculus-based definitions. Governing equations for source propagation and sensor output are derived. Simple source concepts are reviewed and detector figures of merit are introduced and used in problem solving. The radiometric concepts are then applied to simple imaging systems so that a student could make quantitative measurements with imaging instruments. (Prerequisites: MATH-182 or MATH-182A or MATH-173 and PHYS-212 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).
3
IMGS-321
Geometric Optics
This course introduces the analysis and design of optical imaging systems based on the ray model of light. Topics include reflection, refraction, imaging with lenses, stops and pupils, prisms, magnification and optical system design using computer software. (Prerequisites: PHYS-212 or equivalent course.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall).
3
IMGS-322
Physical Optics
Light waves having both amplitude and phase will be described to provide a foundation for understanding key optical phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and propagation. Starting from Maxwell's equations the course advances to the topic of Fourier optics. (Prerequisites: (PHYS-212 and IMGS-261) or (PHYS-283 and PHYS-320) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Spring).
3
IMGS-341
Interactions Between Light and Matter
This course introduces the principles of how light interacts with matter. The principles of atomic physics as applied to simple atoms are reviewed and extended to multi-electron atoms to interpret their spectra. Molecular structure and spectra are covered in depth, including the principles of lasers. The concepts of statistical physics concepts are introduced and applied to the structure of crystalline solids, their band structure and optical properties. These concepts are then used to understand electronic imaging devices, such as detectors. (Prerequisite: PHYS-213 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
IMGS-361
Image Processing and Computer Vision I
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of digital image processing. The student will be exposed to image capture and image formation methodologies, sampling and quantization concepts, statistical descriptors and enhancement techniques based upon the image histogram, point processing, neighborhood processing, and global processing techniques based upon kernel operations and discrete convolution as well as the frequency domain equivalents, treatment of noise, geometrical operations for scale and rotation, and grey-level resampling techniques. Emphasis is placed on applications and efficient algorithmic implementation using the student's programming language of choice. (Prerequisites: IMGS-180 and IMGS-261 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Fall).
3
IMGS-362
Image Processing & Computer Vision II
This course is considers the more advanced concepts of digital image processing. The topics include image reconstruction, noise sources and techniques for noise removal, information theory, image compression, video compression, wavelet transformations, frequency-domain based applications, morphological operations, and modern digital image watermarking and steganography algorithms. Emphasis is placed on applications and efficient algorithmic implementation using the student’s computer programming language of choice, technical presentation, and technical writing. (Prerequisites: IMGS-361 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
 
General Education – Social Perspective
3
 
General Education – Immersion 1
3
 
Open Electives
6
Fourth Year
IMGS-442
Imaging Systems Analysis and Modeling
The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding and ability to model signal and noise within the context of imaging systems. A review of the modulation transfer function is followed by a brief review of probability theory. The concept of image noise is then introduced. Next, random processes are considered in both the spatial and frequency domains, with emphasis on the autocorrelation function and power density spectrum. Finally, the principles of random processes are applied to signal and noise transfer in multistage imaging systems. At the completion of the course the student will be able to model signal and noise transfer within a multistage imaging system. (Prerequisites: IMGS-211 and IMGS-261 and IMGS-341 and IMGS-322 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 4 (Fall).
4
IMGS-451
Imaging Detectors
This course provides an overview of the underlying physical concepts, designs, and characteristics of detectors used to sense electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from as short as X-rays to as long as millimeter radiation. The basic physical concepts common to many standard detector arrays will be reviewed. Some specific examples of detectors to be discussed include photomultipliers, micro channel plates, hybridized infrared arrays, positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) detectors, and superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) mixers. The use of detectors in fields such as astronomy, high energy physics, medical imaging and digital imaging will be discussed. (Prerequisites: IMGS-251 and IMGS-341 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 3 (Spring).
3
IMGS-502
Imaging Science Senior Project I (WI-PR)
Part of this course is designed to develop skills in technical communication and scientific research practices. Each student is required to research, write, and present a proposal for an independent research project. Students initiate the research project defined in the proposal developed in the course. The project is supervised by a faculty member in imaging science and is expected to require 9-12 hours per week. (This course is restricted to students with at least 4th year standing in the IMGS-BS program.) Research 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
3
IMGS-503
Imaging Science Senior Project II
Students perform the independent research project under the advising of a faculty member in imaging science. The research effort is expected to require 9-12 hours per week. The research outcomes are presented in written and oral form. (This course is restricted to students with at least 4th year standing in the IMGS-BS program.) Research 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
3
 
Program Elective
3
 
General Education – Immersion 2, 3
6
 
Open Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours
121

Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.

(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.

Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.

First-Year Admission

A strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. This includes:

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of social studies and/or history
  • 4 years of mathematics is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred.
  • 2-3 years of science is required and must include chemistry or physics; both are recommended.

Transfer Admission

Transfer course recommendations without associate degree
Courses in math, computer science, liberal arts, and physics

Appropriate associate degree programs for transfer
AS degree in liberal arts with math/science option, computer science, engineering science, science

Learn How to Apply

Financial Aid and Scholarships

100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.

RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships

Research

Our faculty, staff, and students conduct research sponsored by both industry and the government. Dedicated research support ensures that you are exposed to the latest developments in the rapidly expanding field of imaging science.

Undergraduate research experiences are available through the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and are highly encouraged. The Carlson Center focuses its research initiatives on astronomy, cultural heritage imaging, detectors and imaging systems, human and computer vision, remote sensing, nano-imaging, magnetic resonance, and optical imaging. Research opportunities enable you to immerse yourself in these dynamic areas of study as you engage in the real-world application of the information you are studying in the classroom. Explore the variety of imaging science undergraduate research happening at RIT.

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