Michael Peres, Associate Chair
(585) 475-2775, mrppph@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 computer has helped unite the industries of photography, graphic design, and print media. All three of these career fields are using the same tools for visual communication and production. As a result, employers search for graduates with a strong base in photography and the ability to work efficiently with graphic designers, print media specialists, and multimedia professionals.
The visual media option broadens a student's skill base to include graphic design and/or print media. Graduates work within these disciplines to coordinate, drive, and direct the production of visual projects.
Students choose a focus in either graphic design or print media. The flexibility of the electives and management courses allows for an even broader skill set in the field. Students will prepare for careers in photographic studio management, graphic design production management, and printing management industries.
Curriculum
Professional photographic illustration, visual media 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 |
| 2060-301, 302, 303 | History and Aesthetics of Photography | 9 |
| 2013-211 | Drawing I | 3 |
| 2013-231 | 2D Design I | 3 |
| 2013-xxx | 4D Design | 3 |
| 2060-xxx | Career Seminar | 1 |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Visual Media Focus§ (graphic design or print media) | 8-9 | |
| 0681-200, 201, 203 | Management Process I, II, III | 12 |
| Minor or CIAS Electives** | 12 | |
| Liberal Arts* | 12 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| 2067-512 | Visual Media Capstone Project | 4 |
| Visual Media Focus or Elective§ | 4 | |
| Minor or CIAS Electives** | 10 | |
| Photo Electives‡ | 16 | |
| Open Electives†† | 12 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 184 | |
* Please see Liberal Arts General Education Requirements for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
‡ Photo electives, minimum of 16 quarter credits required in fine art photography, biomedical photographic communications, photographic arts and sciences and imaging and photographic technology
§ Visual media focus, minimum of 12 quarter credits required.
** Minor and/or CIAS elective, minimum 20 quarter credits required.
†† Open electives, minimum of 12 quarter credits required.