Therese Mulligan, Chair
(585) 475-2884, mtmpph@rit.edu
Program overview
School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
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 BFA and BS students are required to have their own handheld 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.
Program options
The school offers a BFA degree in professional photographic illustration with options in:
- Advertising photography
- Fine Art photography
- Photojournalism
- Visual Media
The fine art photography option is designed to encourage and facilitate a student’s artistic development, sensitivity, and uniqueness as a visual artist. The department’s objective is to provide each student with a rich potential for personal growth as well as a lifetime of interesting and challenging work in creative imaging and related fields. Students majoring in fine art photography receive the BFA degree in professional photographic illustration.
Curriculum
Professional photographic illustration, fine art photography 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, 0512 | 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 | ||
| 2067-406, 407, 408 | Photography as a Fine Art I, II, III | 12 |
| 2067-416, 417 | Contemporary Issues | 8 |
| Modern Art History Elective | 3 | |
| Art History/Critical Study/Open Elective | 3-4 | |
| Minor or CIAS Electives‡ | 6-9 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 2067-506, 507, 508 | Photography as a Fine Art II | 12 |
| Minor or CIAS Electives‡ | 18-22 | |
| Open Electives | 9-12 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 181 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ RIT-approved minor and/or CIAS elective, minimum 28 credits required.
Additional information
Career opportunities
Graduates of the program find careers as exhibiting artists, teachers, picture editors, art directors, photographers’ representatives, photographic archivists, museum and gallery staff, multimedia specialists, self-employed photographers, custom-image printers, and film/video artists or animators. Many students choose to pursue graduate work and earn an MFA degree in the arts.