Visual Communications Studies

Overview

The Visual Communications Studies department creates new and exciting opportunities for you to explore visual communication and imaging arts. Our innovative programs, combining traditional creative skills with computer-based technology, provide you opportunities to enter various careers where you can design, organize and produce print and Web-based media in business, communication, publishing, manufacturing, entertainment, and advertising fields.

Degrees and Programs

Master the concepts of 3D graphics to craft a range of creative solutions for animation and multimedia projects.

Learn more about the 3D Graphics Technology AAS program 

Design the future with an AAS program in Design and Imaging Technology. Turn your creativity into a career.

Learn more about the Design and Imaging Technology AAS program 

Immerse in the art of design with an AOS program in Design and Imaging Technology. Create visual masterpieces.

Learn more about the Design and Imaging Technology AOS program 

Visualize your future with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications. Create a canvas for your career.

Learn more about the Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications program 

Visual Communications Academic Support Services

Services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in RIT's College of Art and Design

Students interested in a bachelor’s degree can study in any of approximately 20 bachelor's degree programs that are offered by RIT’s College of Art and Design that includes the schools of Art, Design, Photographic Arts and Sciences, and Film and Animation.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students enrolled in RIT's College of Art and Design programs are supported by faculty who are professionals in the fields of art, design, photography, and film production. In addition, they are skilled in working with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They provide tutoring services for students who are enrolled in the College of Art and Design.

The Visual Communications Studies department has several faculty who work with students enrolled in the College of Art and Design and have developed a positive liaison with the college's faculty, staff, and administration. These VCS faculty and staff also help prospective students apply to bachelor's degree programs by explaining requirements, assisting with the transfer process, and describing the experience of being in courses with hearing students and access services. NTID faculty working in the other colleges of RIT make up the first line of contact for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in bachelor's degree programs looking for information or advice. These VCS faculty have their offices in Booth 7A and Gannett 7B buildings.

Look for the support faculty corresponding to your area of interest for further help.

Students taking mainstream courses in the College of Art and Design benefit from an impressive array of support services. The CAD Support Team provides:

Tutoring

Every effort is made to match faculty expertise with student major so in the best possible situation their tutor can be the same person as their academic advisor (our faculty members' areas of expertise are listed below).

Assisting Prospective Students

The CAD Support Team helps prospective students apply to baccalaureate programs by explaining requirements, reviewing and giving feedback on portfolios, helping with paperwork, and describing the mainstreamed experience. They also facilitate with Access Services.

CAD Support Services Faculty/Staff

Stacy Bick
Senior Lecturer

Support Faculty Expertise: School of Film and Animation

Booth 7A-1536

Laural Hartman
Senior Lecturer

Support Faculty Expertise: School of Art - Illustration, Medical Illustration, Studio Arts

Booth 7A-1532

David Hazelwood
Assistant Professor
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Support Faculty Expertise: School of Photographic Arts and Sciences

Gannett 7B-2214

Alexis Lazaro
Visiting Lecturer

Support Faculty Expertise: School of Design; 3D Digital Design

Booth 7A-1532

Ernest Roszkowski
Principal Lecturer

Support Faculty Expertise: School of Design; New Media Design

Booth 7A-1528

Facilities

There's no question that RIT has one of the most modern, high-tech campuses in the nation. As a Visual Communications Studies student, you'll work on state-of-the-art equipment in specialized computer labs, an art studio and a press lab.

With plenty of feedback from faculty and fellow classmates, everyone in the art studio learns from each other. Here you can develop your skills with traditional media like markers, paints and pencils.

The department has a new multi-purpose photo and video studio equipped with numerous digital cameras, studio lighting and backdrops, panoramic and small set image capture capabilities.

The department has six state-of-the-art labs to support design, desktop publishing, scanning, imaging, multimedia and Web productions. These also serve as open labs that you can access during evening and weekend hours to support your skill development.

You’ll get hands-on learning using a direct-imaging computer-to-plate, full-color offset press, an assortment of small-format binding and finishing systems, and wide-format inkjet printers with laminating/mounting/cutting systems.

Photo and Video Equipment
  • The Visual Communications Studies department own a variety of photo and video equipment which VCS students may borrow to complete course projects and assignments.
  • VCS faculty are expected to demonstrate proper use of photo and/or video equipment before students will be allowed to borrow the equipment.
  • The cage room is managed by Jim DeMarco, VCS Facilities Coordinator.
Available Photo & Video Equipment
  • Digital Cameras and Lenses
  • Digital Video Cameras
  • Tripods
  • VR Panorama kits

Some equipment can be borrowed only with special permission from the VCS chairperson or faculty.

Procedure to Borrow Equipment
  • An equipment loan agreement slip must be completed by borrower and verified by staff.
  • All equipment will be inspected by VCS staff at the time of the loan.
  • All equipment will be loaned for a specific time period which will be written on the loan agreement slip. Time limits will vary depending on the type of equipment and the needs for different courses.
  • Any damage or loss must be reported immediately.
  • All equipment will be inspected by VCS staff when returned.
Renewal of Loan
  • Equipment may be renewed if it is not needed by other students for their assignments and projects. Any student who wishes to renew an equipment loan must return the equipment to the cage and have it inspected and approved for renewal.
  • A new loan agreement slip will be required.Renewals must be made in person; no renewals will be made based on email or phone messages.
Late Return Policy
  • Equipment that is returned late cannot be renewed. A student returns equipment late may lose equipment loan privileges for a specified period of time to be determined by the department chairperson.
Damage and Loss Policy
  • A student who damages or loses equipment may lose loan privileges for a specified period of time to be determined by the department chairperson.

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