RIT’s Photojournalism Program Implements All-Digital Curriculum

Photojournalism students will soon be required to own digital photography equipment

Responding to the surging influence of digital technology, the photojournalism program at Rochester Institute of Technology is experiencing a broad change in philosophy—focused exclusively on digital education.

RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences—alma mater to seven Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalists—has implemented an all-digital curriculum for undergraduate students studying photojournalism. RIT’s program becomes the first of its kind nationally to make such a commitment.

“It’s all about documenting real-life events that evoke the strongest of emotions,” says Douglas Ford Rea, RIT’s program chair of photojournalism. “With few exceptions, professional photojournalists are now capturing those moments digitally. By refining our curriculum, we assure that the next generation of image makers hits the ground running and is positioned to lead their profession.”

During their first two years of study within RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences, students focus on the fundamentals of photography—establishing a foundation of creativity, visual literacy, problem solving and technical skills. This includes the use of traditional chemical photography. Beginning with their third year, students are immersed in the specialized skills of their chosen major.

This year’s new crop of RIT photography students interested in pursuing photojournalism will be the first class required to own professional digital equipment by the time they reach their junior year. Through the exclusive use of digital cameras and lenses, students are more likely to gain proficiency with the tools of today’s working photojournalists. Further enhancing their development, students will often be required to capture sound and also transmit images to a remote location.

In addition to photojournalism, RIT's renowned School of Photographic Arts and Sciences offers degree programs in biomedical photography, advertising, fine art, imaging and photographic technology, and imaging systems management. This year, RIT introduced a new photography curriculum in visual media. As an undergraduate degree program, visual media incorporates elements of graphic design, print media and management with the study of photography.

NOTE: Internationally recognized as a leader in computing, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and education of the deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology enrolls 15,500 full- and part-time students in more than 340 career-oriented and professional programs. Its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

For well over a decade, U.S. News and World Report has ranked RIT as one of the nation’s leading comprehensive universities. RIT is also included in The Fiske Guide to Colleges and Barron’s Best Buys in Education.