Patricia Sorce, Graduate Director
(585) 475-2313, psorce@mail.rit.edu
Program overview
The MS program in print media offers an unparalleled opportunity to work at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Students learn how to develop solutions and deliver content through print, Web, mobile, and social media. With an overview of the fundamentals of the graphic communication industry, the program allows students to tailor their studies through electives and a concentration. Recent students have pursued concentrations in information technology, imaging science, typography, digital asset management, business, and marketing. Some of the program's graduates are employed in advertising, publishing, and corporate communications.
Curriculum
The program requires 48 credit hours of study, which includes five core courses, a concentration, and electives.
Concentrations and electives
Concentration courses are selected by the student to develop an additional expertise in a particular area of interest. The degree offers flexibility in terms of tailoring the program to meet individual needs. The electives and minor concentration courses are comprised of selected courses offered by the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences or other RIT colleges. All courses must be preapproved by the graduate program chair.
Thesis
All students are required to complete a research thesis that demonstrates original thinking and creativity in the search for new knowledge in the graphic communication industry. Students select projects that align with their research adviser’s area of research expertise. Graduate assistantships often are available to help fund research.
Semester conversion
Effective fall 2013, RIT will convert its academic calendar from quarters to semesters. Each program and its associated courses have been sent to the New York State Department of Education for approval of the semester plan. For reference, the following charts illustrate the typical course sequence for this program in both quarters and semesters. Students should consult their academic advisers with questions regarding planning and course selection.
Print media, MS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 0106-782 | Statistical Analysis Decision Making | 4 |
| 2081-711 | Tone and Color Analysis | 4 |
| 2081-716 | Materials and Processes in Print Media | 4 |
| 2081-701 | Research Methods and Trends in Graphic Media | 4 |
| 2081-747 | Cross Media Workflow | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Minor Concentration 1, 2, 3 | 12 | |
| Graduate Research Assistantship | ||
| Second Year | ||
| 2081-890 | Thesis | 8 |
| Concentration | 4 | |
| Full-Time Equivalency | ||
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 48 | |
Print media, MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| PPRT-601 | Materials and Processes in Printing | 3 |
| PPRT-602 | Tone and Color Analysis | 3 |
| PPRT-701 | Operations Management in Graphic Arts | 3 |
| PPRT-703 | Cross Media Workflow | 3 |
| PPRT-704 | Research Methods and Trends in Graphic Media | 3 |
| Graduate Elective | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| PPRT-790 | Thesis | 6 |
| DECS-782 | Statistical Analysis and Decision Making | 3 |
| Graduate Electives | 9 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 36 | |