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.
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 Visual Media Option - 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
Engineering Excellence
Robert Latorre
Robert Latorre ’75 (photography) is an award-winning photographer responsible for creating a famous and widely used camera system that quickly creates eye-popping visual effects.
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 4, 2020
![Will Moran sits on a stool in a studio on the photo school's annual trip to New York City.]()
Graduating senior creates 'quaranzine' to connect creatives
Photography student Will Moran '20 reacted swiftly to create Cabin Fever, an online publication highlighting work by artists while in quarantine.
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April 26, 2020
![A grid of students part of a Zoom call.]()
Photo alumni prepare Class of 2020 for post-graduation
Sam Kang '19 (Photographic Sciences) organized a Facebook group where photography alumni are reviewing graduating seniors' portfolios.
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April 16, 2020
![A photo of a rock structure in the ocean.]()
Famous photographer, former faculty John Pfahl dies
John Pfahl, an influential landscape photographer, spent 17 years as a professor in the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences.
