Photojournalism Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA Option
Photojournalism Option
Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Overview
The photojournalism option teaches students to produce non-fiction visual reporting that tells the stories of people, social issues and events for diverse and modern media outlets including digital and print. Students learn to create and publish both still photographic reporting as well as moving and interactive media that document our diverse culture, evoking both the momentous and the everyday circumstances of contemporary life and society. The photojournalism option allows flexibility and individual specialization where students can find their primary interest. Students take required courses in photojournalism fundamentals, picture editing, and multimedia, including sound, video gathering, and video editing. This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA program.
Students then may choose to take extra courses in an area in which they want further specialization, including picture editing, still photojournalism field-work, or multimedia storytelling. Students contribute to the creation of special publications centered on community activity and awareness, and provide staff support to RIT’s student-run magazine, The Reporter. Students also have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., and New York to meet with potential employers that represent the wide spectrum where photojournalists currently work.
Career Opportunities in Photojournalism
Photojournalism graduates go to work for some of today’s best digital publications, newspapers, and magazines. A significant number of students also become self-employed freelance photographers. They seek freelance assignments with news organizations, picture agencies, non-profits, stock photo agencies, and as editorial photographers. Many graduates are employed as picture editors, website producers, content curators, and television or multimedia editors.
Creative Industry Day
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. The 2021 Creative Industry Day will be a week-long virtual event where you’ll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
National Press Photographers Association
Photojournalism students are the driving force in the school's National Press Photographers Associate (NPPA) student chapter. Students regularly attend activities sponsored by the NPPA, including regional and national conferences. The chapter manages a yearly contest of student work that is judged by alumni who also share their experiences in photojournalism and review student portfolios. The chapters also hosts guest speakers. The RIT student chapter was awarded the nation’s top chapter by the NPPA in 2016.
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Industries
Typical Job Titles
| Director of Photography | Multimedia Editor |
| Multimedia Journalist | Multimedia Producer |
| Photojournalist | Picture Editor |
| Picture Researcher | Visual Archivist |
Experiential Learning
Photojournalism Internships
Students apply for photojournalism internships with some of the nation’s most respected newspapers, websites, and magazines as both photographers and editors. They work collaboratively on a variety of stories and have the opportunity to learn from photographers, editors, and other professionals in the newsroom. Students receive assistance from their professors, as well as from the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, in identifying and applying for internships. Internships provide real-world work experience, which is an invaluable part of students’ educational experience.
Cooperative education experiences and internships are designed for your success.
Explore salary and career information for Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Featured Work
Documenting a Movement
As demonstrations calling for police reform and racial equality occurred throughout the U.S. in spring/summer 2020, RIT Photojournalism alumni documented the events.
Documentary Film
Annika Servin
Annika Servin '18 (Film and Animation; Photojournalism) was a co-winner in the Documentary category of the 2019 CILECT North America Best Film Award competition for her thesis documentary film, ...
Eddie Adams Workshop 2018
Main photo by Traci Westcott.
Featured Profiles
Multimedia Storytelling
As a photojournalist for a major daily newspaper, David Wallace ’01 Photojournalism Option (Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA) has produced compelling stories honored with prestigious awards.
Industry-standard Photography Equipment
RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences Cage is an unparalleled checkout space housing a range of photography equipment you won’t find anywhere else. From speciality lenses to camera...
Unmatched Photo Studios
With 28 photo studios and a well-stocked equipment cage designed to support studio needs, RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences students have access to all the necessary resources to execute...
Admission Requirements
This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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January 15, 2021
![two young girls in a crowd yelling at a police officer during a protest.]()
Tigers capture historic moments across the country
When demonstrations calling for police reform and racial equality occurred in cities across the country in 2020, alumni and faculty of RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences were there to capture the gripping moments through their camera lenses.
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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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November 16, 2020
![An animated alien dressed in a Santa suit.]()
Holiday animation special by alumnus set for Netflix premiere
"Alien Xmas," a 40-minute stop-motion animation special directed by Stephen Chiodo '76 (Professional Photographic Illustration), premieres Nov. 20 on Netflix.
