Media Arts and Technology Master of science degree
Media Arts and Technology
Master of science degree
Deepen your understanding of the importance of graphic communication and immerse yourself in the technologies that are changing the industry.
Overview
All businesses and organizations rely on graphic communications to increase their effectiveness in communicating ideas, instructions, and concepts. A graduate with a media masters understands 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 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.
The MS degree in media arts and technology is a one-year program that concludes with a capstone project. Students develop relevant knowledge and skills with a technical emphasis and business-oriented approach. Students recognize new ways for operating and identifying emerging technologies to meet and exceed evolving market demands, and for becoming leaders in the improvements of cross-media products and processes. The program provides students with the ability to create meaningful and measurable changes in graphic communications through applied cross-media initiatives. The required capstone project allows students to develop and demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a specific topic area. Led by senior faculty, the capstone project is designed to prepare students to be innovators in the rapidly evolving media landscape.
The curriculum concentrates on the latest technologies, processes, and strategies that allow students to employ knowledge of print, web, mobile, and social media workflows to solve communication problems. Students may choose elective courses from a range of graduate departments and programs at RIT. The diverse expertise of the faculty assures a breadth of relevant experience while educating students on issues and trends across the graphic communications field. The program aims to create a collaborative environment where students combine course work with access to faculty expertise, staff support, and extensive facilities to extend their current knowledge base.
Capstone project
The program requires a capstone project, which enables students to develop and demonstrate extensive knowledge in a specific topic related to graphic communications. Students complete original work through experiments, comprehensive case studies, surveys, focus groups, and research analysis. Outcomes from the capstone experience results 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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Dive into graduate academics and research to expand your future career opportunities.
Industries
Typical Job Titles
| Client Service Manager/Coordinator | Content Manager |
| Creative Director | Cross-media Specialist |
| Digital Production Specialist | Director of Creative Strategies |
| Director of Media Planning and Analysis | Doctoral Candidate |
| Manager of Media Technology | Multimedia Account Executive |
| Marketing and Communications Project Coordinator | Mobile Media Specialist |
| Production Manager | Project Manager |
| Social Media Project Manager | Teacher |
| Web Applications Manager | Web Consultant |
Featured Work
Thesis Projects 2020
Thesis projects from Media Arts and Technology (MS) program's Class of 2020. The final research project for the one-year program is designed to prepare students to be innovators in the rapidly...
Prepped for Success
Students in RIT's Media Arts and Technology master of science program are prepared to enter various fields upon graduation. They develop a diverse skill set that allows them to succeed as...
Digital Image Archive
Students in RIT’s Media Arts and Technology MS program take a variety of courses during their rigorous, one-year curriculum. Courses in the degree were selected to give students immersive experiences...
Featured Profiles
Course Spotlight: Industry Issues, Trends and Opportunities
In this class, students explore important trends and issues related to the graphic communications and imaging industries.
Combining Industry Experience with Grad Studies
Lynne Tseng '20 completed the Media Arts and Technology MS program to advance her career as a photographer and digital designer in Rochester Regional Health's marketing department.
Alumni Spotlight: Ben Camp
As a graphic designer for a clinical sales training and development agency, Ben Camp '13, '18 creates graphics for e-learning modules and custom content.
Curriculum for Media Arts and Technology MS
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 |
|
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in media arts and technology, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete a graduate application.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 88 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with balanced sub-scores) is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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December 18, 2020
![A diagram of the Diffusions of Innovation model.]()
Course Spotlight: Industry Issues, Trends and Opportunities
Students in the Media Arts and Technology MS program explore important trends and issues related to the graphic communications and imaging industries.
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December 17, 2020
![A photo of hallway walls knocked down and getting ready for construction.]()
Multi-million dollar photo renovation set for summer 2021 completion
The $3.5 million project includes state-of-the-art editing labs and major upgrades to the student lounge and photography equipment cage.
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May 11, 2020
![A graphic with text promoting the Cross Media Workflow project.]()
Graduate class prepares promotional plan for Vignelli archive
Students in the Cross Media Workflow course collaborated with the Vignelli Center for Design Studies to produce an innovative and sustainable cross-media project.
