Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications
Visualize your future with Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications. Create a canvas for your career.
Overview for Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications
The pre-baccalaureate studies program is available to students who are accepted by NTID and are close to, but not fully ready for, direct entry into a baccalaureate-level program through one of the other colleges of RIT. It is a bridge program for qualified students, based on academic transcripts, scores on admissions tests, and other evidence that supports a reasonable expectation of success in baccalaureate course work. Qualified students who are undecided as to a program of study may choose the career exploration studies program.
Enrollment in the pre-baccalaureate studies program is appropriate for students who need to further develop mathematics, English, or discipline-related skills. The academic program is flexible and individualized and allows students to focus on needed skills while concurrently progressing toward their chosen field of study. Students may take courses taught by NTID faculty, as well as entry-level courses taught in other RIT colleges. While in the program, students receive academic advising as well as career counseling.
Students cannot receive a degree in pre-baccalaureate studies. Rather, they will apply for admission into a baccalaureate program as soon as they are academically ready and the college offering their chosen baccalaureate program reviews their application for admission. After completing an entire academic year in the program, a student must transfer to a degree-granting program in NTID or one of the other colleges of RIT.
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Meet us on campus
Learn about academics, co-op and internships, financial aid, and more at one of our on-campus open houses.
October 13 | October 25 | November 8
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Apply for Fall 2026
Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1.
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies in Visual Communications Undeclared
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies, Visual Communications Studies
Notes:
- Please see the General Education Requirements for more information.
- Portfolio of original artwork is required to determine admission. See the College of Art and Design support coordinator for further information.
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies, Visual Communications Studies (Photographic Arts and Sciences, BFA degree)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NAIS-120 | Principles of Design and Color | 3 |
| NAIS-130 | Raster and Vector Graphics | 3 |
| NAIS-140 | Graphic Design and Typography I | 3 |
| NCAR-10 | Freshman Seminar | 0 |
| NGRD-111 | Drawing I | 3 |
| NGRD-115 | Visual Idea Development | 3 |
| NGRP-110 | Digital Photography I | 3 |
| NGRP-210 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
| General Education Courses | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Notes:
- Please see the General Education Requirements for more information.
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies, Visual Communications Studies (Photographic Arts and Sciences, BS degree)
Notes:
- Please see the General Education Requirements for more information.
- 1
Students many choose any mathematics course numbered NMTH-140 Mathematics in Society or higher
- 2
Students may choose any science course numbered NSCI-153 Processes of Science: Environmental Studies or higher
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies, Visual Communications Studies (Film and Animation Option)
Notes:
- Please see the General Education Requirements for more information.
- 1
Please see the College of Art and Design support coordinator for a list of current theatre electives
Pre-Baccalaureate Studies, Visual Communications Studies (Graphic Media Science and Technology)
Notes:
- Please see the General Education Requirements for more information
Admissions and Financial Aid
Specific English, Mathematics, and Science Requirements and other Recommendations
Students entering pre-baccalaureate studies in visual communications will typically be required to have:
- English: Placement into a First Year Writing course, such as FYW: Writing Seminar (UWRT-150)
- Mathematics: Placement into mathematics course NMTH-120 or higher for BFA degrees or NMTH-250 or higher for BS degrees
- Science: Placement into science NSCI-120 or higher for BFA degrees or NSCI-250 or higher for BS degrees
- ACT (optional): The ACT middle 50% composite score is 18-21
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Contact
Department of Visual Communications Studies