Photography and Related Media Master of Fine Arts Degree drafted
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-02 | - |
| 2024-01-20 | - |
| 2024-09-15 | - |
Program Overview
Earn your graduate photography degree at RIT, ranked by as the 6th best fine arts school for a graduate degree in photography.
Co-op/Internship Encouraged
6th
Graduate Studies in Photography (MFA)
Program Outline
RIT's graduate degree in photography emphasizes an expansive interpretation of photography as a conceptual art form, with the intention of engaging and nurturing the individuality of each student in their continued development as innovative, critical artists in the world. Successful completion of the MFA in photography enables you to become a successful visual artist and to seek careers in education, archives, museum or gallery work, and as a professional photographer.
MFA in Photography
RIT's MFA in photography is among the best photo schools in the country. We are ranked 6th by (2022) as one of the best fine arts school for a graduate degree in photography.
In the photography MFA, you'll refine your technical and artistic photographic skills while you create a new body of work. Ample time is spent creating work and refining your personal artistic vision. Elective courses are available in dynamic areas such as video, printmaking, painting, sculpture, communication design, crafts, bookmaking, graphic design, new media, computer graphics, art history, and archival preservation and conservation. Students also have opportunities to enhance their studies through independent studies and internships.
Graduate Photography Thesis
Your MFA in photography culminates in a graduate thesis exhibition, where you will install and exhibit an original body of work. The thesis publication is documentation of the thesis project, which must be submitted in digital form. It must contain an extended artist statement and a presentation of the majority of thesis artwork. The thesis defense is a public presentation made by the student, in explanation of the thesis project, creative research, and exhibition.
Photography Faculty
Eleven full-time faculty members, all critically regarded for their artistic work in exhibition and publication, contribute to the MFA in photography. The faculty brings individual expertise and dedication to their work with graduate students, encouraging intellectual inquiry of contemporary art-making practices and aesthetics. The MFA in photography is supported by a staff of 30 full-time faculty members from the RIT's School of Photographic Arts and Sciences and School of Art; adjunct faculty members from George Eastman Museum; as well as noted regional, national, and international practitioners, critics, and historians.
World-Class Photography Studios and Facilities
You'll spend time creating in a range of top facilities designed for you to explore, learn, and develop your photography skills and techniques. The William Harris Gallery supports the exhibition of graduate thesis work, student work, and the works of contemporary image-makers. It maintains a calendar of exhibitions, public lectures, and receptions. Importantly, it also provides real-world experience for graduate students to learn firsthand about gallery operations, installation, and marketing and communications as a gallery manager or staff member.
The Photo Cage puts state-of-the-art photography equipment right at your fingertips. It includes a range of equipment you can checkout for your use, including cameras (DSLR, film, medium- and large-format), video cameras, and camera accessories including lights, audio recorders, computers, monitors, tripods, rigs, cine rails, and more.
In addition to gallery spaces, students have open access to dedicated studio spaces and world-class imaging equipment, including:
- Professional gallery spaces
- Kreonite analog color processor
- Lambda digital chromogenic processor
- Alternative process facilities and chemicals
- Black and white and color darkrooms
- Lighting studios
- 35mm, medium, and large format film cameras
- 35mm and medium format digital cameras
- Video equipment, such as Ronin stabilizers, dollies, and more
- Sound equipment and dedicated recording studio
- Access to printmaking, glass, woodshop, and other art-making facilities
Students are also interested in: Fine Arts Studio MFA, Film and Animation MFA
Careers and Experiential Learning
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Co-op in the College of Art and Design provides hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in photography and related media.