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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Deep dive into academics, financial aid, co-op, student life, and more.
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 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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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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December 4, 2020
![two people looking at a historic printing press.]()
RIT Cary Collection acquires archive of prominent printing historian; establishes research grant
RIT's Cary Graphic Arts Collection has received a donation of books and printing equipment from the estate of a noted historian of typography and early printing technologies. Stephen Saxe was an expert on American type foundries from the 19th century and a founding member of the American Printing History Association.
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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.
