Media Arts and Technology Master of Science Degree
Media Arts and Technology
Master of Science Degree
This media master's degree will deepen your understanding of the importance of graphic communication and immerse you in the digital media technologies that are changing the industry.
Overview for Media Arts and Technology MS
Graphic communication increases a business's effectiveness in communicating ideas, instructions, and concepts. Today's organizations need professionals who understand the value of information design and recognizes the many ways it can be used to positively impact the bottom line. In the media arts and technology program, you will learn to leverage emerging digital technologies to your advantage. With a management focus, technical expertise, and comprehensive knowledge of how to drive the graphics process from concept through completion, you will be an attractive prospect in a wide range of industries, including education, engineering, marketing, research science, human resources, public relations, and more.
A Media Master's Degree Designed for Today's Digital Environment
Media arts and technology is a one-year media master's degree in which you will develop relevant knowledge and skills with a technical emphasis and a business-oriented approach. You will learn to recognize new ways of operating and identifying emerging technologies to meet and exceed evolving market demands, and you'll become a leader in the improvements of cross-media products and processes. The program provides you with the ability to create meaningful and measurable changes in graphic communications through applied cross-media initiatives. The degree requires a capstone project that allows you to develop and demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a specific topic area. Led by senior faculty, the capstone project is designed to prepare you to showcase your knowledge of innovation in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.
Digital Media Courses
The media arts and technology degree includes a curriculum that concentrates on the latest digital technologies, processes, and strategies that allow you to employ a deep knowledge of print, web, mobile, and social media workflows to solve communication problems. You will:
- understand the creation, workflow, and output of digital media files, using a range of media devices including digital cameras, smartphones, 2D/3D scanners, and audio and video recording devices;
- gain an overview of critical trends and issues related to the graphic communications and imaging industries;
- explore and understand digital asset and content management;
- learn concepts in project management as they apply to leading cross-media projects and teams; and
- examine how media has evolved and how it has responded to changes in digital technology and social habits.
Elective courses enable you to explore additional areas of interest in graphic communication, media arts and sciences, and digital technologies. The diverse expertise of our faculty assures a breadth of relevant experience on issues and trends across the graphic communications field. The program aims to create a collaborative environment where you will combine course work with access to faculty expertise, staff support, and extensive facilities to extend your current knowledge base.
As part of RIT's media master's degree, you'll complete a capstone project, which enables you to design, develop, and demonstrate your extensive knowledge in a specific topic related to graphic communications. You'll complete original work through experiments, comprehensive case studies, surveys, focus groups, and research analysis. Outcomes from the capstone experience result in tangible solutions, such as the innovation of a process, recognizing unmet customer needs, solving cross-media issues, or identifying resources required for business transformation or media solutions.
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Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
| Marketing Assistant | Customer Service Representative |
| Assistant Director of Marketing and Brand Identity | High School English Teacher |
| Client Experience Manager |
Salary and Career Information for Media Arts and Technology MS
Cooperative Education
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. An art and design co-op provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education is encouraged for graduate students in the MS in media arts and technology.
Featured Work
Capstone Research Projects 2022
Michael Peres, Susan Lakin, Jenn Poggi, Daniel Hughes
Graduate students in RIT's media arts and technology MS program each complete a capstone research project related to graphic communications.
Viewfinder Magazine, Edition 2
Michael Peres
A trio of graduate students — Rebekah Greenberg, Billy Lawrence and Ashley Somchanhmavong — designed and developed the second edition of Viewfinder, a publication that takes a fun look at...
Capstone Research Projects 2021
Capstone projects from Media Arts and Technology (MS) program's Class of 2021. The final research project for the one-year program is designed to prepare students to be innovators in...
Featured Profiles
Embracing creativity and exploration
Alex Lobos, Gregory Halpern, Elizabeth Kronfield, Todd Jokl
The College of Art and Design at RIT offers distinctive graduate degrees that combine the best of art, design, creativity and technology. Our diverse portfolio of graduate program offerings includes...
Students Reflect on Global Fundraising Campaign
Michael Peres
Media arts and technology MS students launched a collaborative fundraising campaign as a class assignment, providing a platform for real-world application of marketing, media and communication...
Graduate Assistantships Offer Valuable Experiences
Go inside the life of graduate assistants in the Media Arts and Technology MS program.
Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Media Arts and Technology MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Media Arts and Technology, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| PHMS-611 | Media Foundations: The Digital File This course will investigate the creation, workflow and output of digital media files, using a variety of capture devices including digital cameras, smartphones, 2D/3D scanners, audio and video recording devices. Course content will focus on device preferences, file attributes, workflow, output, compression with consideration of data management using different media. Hands-on exercises reinforce concepts such as: file types, data compression, color management, media delivery, and distribution. Students will evaluate the influences of operator choices at each stage along the image chain. Special attention will be given to identifying and cultivating industry best practices. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to create optimized files using a variety of devices that include metadata construction. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-623 | Leadership in Creative Spaces This course is designed for students from a variety of educational backgrounds, and will explore leadership skills required in collaborative, contemporary, and dynamic professional environments. Course content will cover the intersection and divergence of management and leadership concepts using large group discussions, small group activities, and self-reflective exercises. Students will identify their own personal leadership strengths and goals and develop management strategies used in modern business environments. Students will also incorporate ways to succeed in progressively challenging roles and learn methods for fostering inclusive environments. At the completion of this course, students will be able to leverage their personal and professional networks to create a diverse community of peers and collaborative partnerships that will lead to innovative work. (This course is restricted to MEDART-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PHMS-711 | Industry Issues, Trends, and Opportunities This course will present a detailed overview of critical trends and issues related to the graphic communications and imaging industries. It will provide an in-depth analysis of key technologies with a special emphasis on emerging, disruptive innovations as well as business, environmental and regulatory issues. The course content will emphasize cultural, economic, and technological trends and is intended to provide students with industry accepted methods used to identify changes in the industry. By tracing historical roots, analyzing present issues and detailing future trends, students will be prepared to develop insights into the nature and scope of the challenges and opportunities facing industry leaders and how to manage these challenges. As a part of the experience, students will develop sharply focused analytical skills and the ability to summarize findings based on industry normals. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-721 | Implementing Imaging Business Change This course will provide students with the knowledge required to improve an imaging or graphic communications business. Students will gain an understanding of the business assessment process and decision-making skills required for implementing change in the graphic communications and imaging industries. At the completion of this course, students will learn how to evaluate a firm’s economic, operational, and market positions and apply practical solutions that improve business practices. (This course is restricted to MEDART-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-731 | Digital Content Management This course will explore the subject of digital asset and content management. Course exercises will investigate the organization of digital media and optimized architecture of storage systems. Students will learn how to manage and optimize digital content efficiently in various traditional and emerging applications. At the completion of this course, students will be able to articulate, analyze, and apply digital content solutions in various business and workflow models in media organizations. (This course is restricted to MEDART-MS Major students.) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-743 | Contemporary Media and Communications This course will examine how media has evolved and how it has responded to changes in technology and social habits. Course content will cover various forms of media communication using both historical and contemporary perspectives. Topics include: trend recognition, monetization in media communications, materials, processes, audience, usability, accessibility, aesthetics, content, typography, copyright issues, and innovations in publishing. At the completion of this course, students will gain an understanding of various media structures and communication types through the analysis of audience and content. (This course is restricted to MEDART-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-746 | Capstone I This is the first of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their capstone. This course will guide students from their capstone proposal toward the completion of a capstone project. Students will learn project management skills required to successfully propose and begin a meaningful, relevant and feasible capstone project. Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| PHMS-747 | Capstone II This is the second of two courses designed to advance a student towards completion of their capstone. This course will guide students from their capstone proposal through the completion of a meaningful and significant capstone project. Projects can either be research oriented or developmental and must include implementation and dissemination of the project using appropriate distribution technology. (Prerequisites: PHMS-746 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PPRT-703 | Cross Media Workflow This course is designed to expose students to all the elements needed to execute media projects across platforms. Students will learn concepts in project management as it applies to leading cross media projects and teams. Concepts and tools necessary for the implementation of a cross media workflow will be discussed and reinforced with hands-on exercises. Additionally, content management and industry standards and practices such as color management, asset management, and image optimization for output will be studied and applied through the context of cross media workflows. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
Open Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall | February 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Media Arts and Technology MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Writing samples are optional.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 88 | 6.5 | 60 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Latest News
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August 30, 2023
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New School of Design director, faculty hires ready for 2023-24 academic year
The College of Art and Design welcomes new hires to its faculty roster while longtime faculty Alex Lobos assumes a role as director of the School of Design.
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May 9, 2023
![Headshots of Mary Barnard, Willie Osterman, Kim Sherman, and David Walter.]()
Longtime faculty/staff to retire after noteworthy careers at RIT
Mary Barnard, Willie Osterman, Kim Sherman and David Walter are retiring from RIT with a combined 117 years of experience at the university.
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April 12, 2022
![A group of students work together at a table.]()
Media arts and technology graduate students present learning outcomes
The media arts and technology Class of 2022 shares what they learned in the one-year graduate program.
