Semester Requirements
William Snyder, Program Chair
(585) 475-2780, wdspph@rit.edu
Program overview
The majors in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences are designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in photographic and related imaging fields. Studies in photographic practices provide both technical and creative experiences for visual problem solving. The principles of imaging are taught through courses investigating the tools and processes used to make pictorial-, data-, and information-based images. All first year students are required to have their own hand held small- or medium-format digital SLR camera and a professional light meter.
Students have the opportunity to supplement their course work with participation in cooperative education, internships, study abroad programs, field trips, presentations by invited guests/guest lecturers, departmental student organizations, and related activities.
Students are urged to take advantage of Rochester’s historic connection with photography. A comprehensive schedule of programs, including exhibitions, lectures, and seminars, is offered by the city’s array of cultural institutions.
Photojournalism option
World events often are etched in the public’s mind not by words but by photographs. The photojournalism option, which leads to a bachelor of fine arts degree in photographic and imaging arts, provides an education in both photographic craft and visual storytelling. Since 1979, many graduates of this major have earned professional acclaim. Ten alumni have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism.
Within the major, students will have the opportunity to explore photography-related disciplines such as electronic publishing, video documentary, multimedia for photojournalists, and sound gathering and editing, to name a few.
Curriculum
Photographic and imaging arts (photojournalism option), BFA degree, typical course sequence, (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| PHAR-101 | Photo Arts I | 4 |
| PHPS-106 | Photo Technology I (SMTL) | 3 |
| ARTH-135 | LAS Perspective 2: Survey Western Art and Architecture I | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 1 | 3 | |
| LAS Foundation 1: First-Year Seminar | 3 | |
| PHAR-102 | Photo Arts II | 4 |
| PHPS-107 | Photo Technology II (SMTL) | 3 |
| ARTH-136 | LAS Perspective 3: Survey Western Art and Architecture II | 3 |
| FDTN-111 | Drawing | 3 |
| LAS Foundation 2: Writing Seminar | 3 | |
| Wellness Education* | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| PHAR-201 | Elements: Fine Art | 3 |
| PHAR-202 | Elements: Advertising | 3 |
| FDTN-121 | 2D Design | 3 |
| LAS Perspective 4 | 3 | |
| PHAR-211 | History and Aesthetics I | 3 |
| PHAR-203 | Elements: Photojournalism | 3 |
| PHAR-204 | Elements: Visual Media | 3 |
| FDTN-141 | 4D Design | 3 |
| LAS Elective | 3 | |
| PHAR-212 | History and Aesthetics II | 3 |
| Third Year | ||
| PHPJ-301 | Foundations of Photojournalism | 3 |
| PHPJ-307 | Ethics and the Law | 3 |
| CIAS Elective‡ | 3 | |
| LAS Immersion 1, 2 | 6 | |
| PHPJ-302 | Photojournalism I | 3 |
| PHPJ-315 | Multimedia for Photojournalism I | 3 |
| Photojournalism Electives† | 6 | |
| PHPJ-401 | Senior Project (WI) | 3 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| PHPJ-303 | Photojournalism II | |
| PHPJ-306 | Picture Editing I | |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 | |
| PHPJ-311 | Picture Editing II | |
| PHPJ-356 | Alternate Influences | |
| CIAS Electives‡ | 9 | |
| Free Electives | 6 | |
| LAS Immersion 3 | 3 | |
| PHPJ-402 | Portfolio | 3 |
| Photojournalism Elective† | 3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 122 | |
Please see New General Education Curriculum–Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
(SMTL) Refers to science, math, technical literacy requirement.
* Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
† Photojournalism electives includePicture Editing I (PHPJ-306), Picture Editing II (PHPJ-311), Multi Media for Photojournalism (PHPJ-315), Multi Media Editing (PHPJ-319), Multi Media for Photojournalism II (PHPJ-355), Alternate Influences (PHPJ-356), Working On Location (PHPJ-361), Documentary I (PHPJ-365), Documentary II (PHPJ-366), NYC Photojournalism Trip (PHPJ-370), DC Photojournalism Trip (PHPJ-375), Web Publishing (PHPS-315), Cross Media Workflow (MAAT-306), Image Process Workflow (MATT-367), Reporting and Writing (COMM-162), News Editing (COMM-262), Multi-platform Journalism (COMM-461).
‡ CIAS elective refers to any course in the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences.
Internships
Our students apply for internships with some of the nation’s most respected newspapers and magazines. They work behind the camera on a variety of stories and have the opportunity to learn from photographers, editors, and other professionals in the newsroom. Students receive assistance from their professors, as well as from the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, in identifying and applying for internships. Internships provide real-world work experience, which is an invaluable part of our students’ educational experience.
Additional information
National Press Photographers Association
Photojournalism students are the driving force in our National Press Photographers Associate (NPPA) student chapter, which was named the 2004 Chapter of the Year by the national association. Students regularly attend activities sponsored by the NPPA. The chapter hosts guest speakers and alumni who share their experiences in photojournalism and review student portfolios. Chapter members participate each year in NPPA short courses and publish their own website.
Career opportunities
Our photojournalism graduates go to work for some of today’s best newspapers and magazines, working initially as either interns or full-time employees. A significant number of our students also become self-employed freelance photographers. They seek freelance assignments with news organizations, picture agencies, stock photo agencies, and editorial photographers.
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Click to view program requirements in the Quarter Calendar
Quarter Curriculum - For Reference Only
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. The following content has been made available as reference only. Currently matriculated students who began their academic programs in quarters should consult their academic adviser for guidance and course selection.
Program overview
The programs of the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences are designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in photographic and related imaging fields. Studies in photographic practices provide both technical and creative experiences for visual problem solving. The principles of imaging are taught through courses investigating the tools and processes used to make pictorial-, data-, and information-based images. All first year students are required to have their own hand held small- or medium-format digital SLR camera and a professional light meter.
Students have the opportunity to supplement their course work with participation in cooperative education, internships, study abroad programs, field trips, presentations by invited guests/guest lecturers, departmental student organizations, and related activities.
Students are urged to take advantage of Rochester’s historic connection with photography. A comprehensive schedule of programs, including exhibitions, lectures, and seminars, is offered by the city’s array of cultural institutions.
Photojournalism option
World events often are etched in the public’s mind not by words but by photographs. The photojournalism option, which leads to a bachelor of fine arts degree in professional photographic illustration, provides an education in both photographic craft and visual storytelling. Since 1979, many graduates of this program have earned professional acclaim. Ten alumni have been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism.
Within the program, students will have the opportunity to explore photography-related disciplines such as electronic publishing, video documentary, multimedia for photojournalists, and sound gathering and editing, to name a few.
Curriculum
Professional photographic illustration, photojournalism option, BFA degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 2067-201, 202, 203 | Photo Arts I, II, III | 15 |
| 2039-225, 226, 227 | Survey of Western Art and Architecture I, II, III | 9 |
| 2076-211, 212, 213 | Materials and Processes of Photography | 9 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| 1720-050, 052 | First-Year Enrichment | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 2067-xxx | Photo Arts Elements | 15 |
| 2067-306, 307, 308 | History and Aesthetics of Photography | 9 |
| 2013-211 | Drawing I | 3 |
| 2013-231 | 2D Design I | 3 |
| 2013-xxx | 4D Design | 3 |
| 2067-xxx | Career Seminar | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| 2067-401, 402, 403 | Photojournalism I, II, III | 15 |
| Photojournalism Core‡ | 4-5 | |
| 2067-xxx | Photojournalism Ethics | 4 |
| 2067-xxx | Portfolio Development | 5 |
| Minor or CIAS Electives§ | 8 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 2067-xxx | Photojournalism II | 15 |
| Photojournalism Core‡ | 8-10 | |
| Minor or CIAS Electives§ | 12 | |
| Open Electives** | 12-15 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 189 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ Photojournalism core, minimum of 12 quarter credits required.
§ RIT-approved minor and/or CIAS elective, minimum 20 quarter credits required.
** Open electives, minimum of 12 quarter credits required
Internships
Our students apply for internships with some of the nation’s most respected newspapers and magazines. They work behind the camera on a variety of stories and have the opportunity to learn from photographers, editors, and other professionals in the newsroom. Students receive assistance from their professors, as well as from the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, in identifying and applying for internships. Internships provide real-world work experience, which is an invaluable part of our students’ educational experience.
Additional information
National Press Photographers Association
Photojournalism students are the driving force in our National Press Photographers Associate (NPPA) student chapter, which was named the 2004 Chapter of the Year by the national association. Students regularly attend activities sponsored by the NPPA. The chapter hosts guest speakers and alumni who share their experiences in photojournalism and review student portfolios. Chapter members participate each year in NPPA short courses and publish their own website.
Career opportunities
Our photojournalism graduates go to work for some of today’s best newspapers and magazines, working initially as either interns or full-time employees. A significant number of our students also become self-employed freelance photographers. They seek freelance assignments with news organizations, picture agencies, stock photo agencies, and editorial photographers.