Visual Media Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA Option
Visual Media Option
Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Overview
The visual media option allows students to integrate the graphic communications professions of photography, media design, and business. Most visual media students earn a minor in business. This option prepares students for a career as a visual media specialist or other professional positions that have a demand for photographically skilled professionals who can work effectively with graphic designers, print media specialists, multimedia and social media professionals. This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA program.
The visual media curriculum emphasizes photographic proficiency, in both photographic and digital imaging techniques, and has two specialized focuses on media design and business (management and/or marketing). Students also may utilize electives to broaden their interests.
This option is ideal for students who wish to experience various aspects of the graphics industry. Students are strongly encouraged to spend time in internships to strengthen their education and to gain hands-on experience. Upon graduation, students are diversely skilled visual media professionals who are ready to enter an exciting career in photography, media design, business management, marketing (including art directing and project management), social media, or advertising.
Career Opportunities in Visual Media
Visual media graduates go to work as graphic designers, multimedia designers, picture editors, social media and app developers, web designers, and advertising project managers. Recent employers include companies such as Crate and Barrel, Zipcar, Geico, MLB.com, and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, CURE International, and the Museum of Modern Art.
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.
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Industries
Typical Job Titles
| Art Director | Branding Specialist |
| Business Owner and Entrepreneur | Business Strategist |
| Graphic Designer | Photo and Graphics Editor |
| Photographer | Project Manager |
| Social Media Strategist | Web App and Print Designer |
Experiential Learning
Visual Media Internships
Students in the visual media option apply for internships with some of the nation’s most respected print and online photographic, graphic design firms, and printing/publishing venues. They work behind the camera or in creative collaboration in a variety of professional photo and multimedia environments, and have the opportunity to learn firsthand from photographers, picture editors, art directors, publishers, designers, and other professionals. Students receive assistance from their professors, as well as from the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, in identifying and applying for internships, which provide real-world work experience and is a invaluable part of students’ educational experience. RIT co-op is designed for your success.
Explore salary and career information for Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA
Featured Work
Capstone Projects
A unique capture of RIT's transforming campus, documenting the stories of women in Rochester, a rebranding and an exploration of rare type design are some of the themes in the RIT Visual Media Class...
Posters of a Pandemic
Students in the Elements of Visual Media class designed posters related to the global coronavirus pandemic. Main design by Caroline Brodt.
Grace Blondell
Featured Profiles
Connecting Creatives
Will Moran '20 created Cabin Fever, an online publication highlighting worked created by artists while in quarantine.
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 specialty lenses to camera...
Why You Belong in RIT's College of Art and Design
Todd Jokl, Mari Jaye Blanchard, Melissa Dawson, Clay Patrick McBride
Get an in-depth look at RIT's College of Art and Design from our faculty and students. Let us share with you how our community of artists pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. And...
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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May 3, 2021
![Trisha Pickelhaube stands behind a camera on a tripod.]()
Versatile photo student felt 'limitless' at RIT
Graduating Visual Media student Trisha Pickelhaupt '21 is a multimedia Swiss Army knife, having produced videos and digital experiences for classes, internships and collaborative projects during her RIT career.
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April 15, 2021
![artist rendering of a lounge space with tables and chairs.]()
Renovation to RIT’s College of Art and Design is coming into focus
Renovation work inside RIT’s College of Art and Design—including key areas within the internationally recognized School of Photographic Arts and Sciences—is part of a five-year masterplan that has already begun to renovate, rejuvenate, and transform spaces to meet the growing demands for a college that serves as the university’s intersection of technology, art, and design.
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March 5, 2021
![screenshot of 13 people on a Zoom videoconference call.]()
Creative Industry ‘Day’ a weeklong success for RIT students, alumni, talent seekers
RIT’s Creative Industry “Day” drew a wide range of talent seekers from companies such as Amazon, Forbes Media, and Microsoft last week, as the 16th annual event went virtual Feb. 22-26 this year due to the pandemic.
