Program Overview

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Visual Media Option - Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA

Overview

RIT’s visual media degree allows students to integrate the graphic communications professions of photography, media design, and business.

Why Study Visual Media at RIT

• Industry Exposure: The School of Photographic Arts and Sciences brings various visiting professionals, events, and talks.
• Real-World Experience: Gain hands-on experience in the classroom and through paid work opportunities like internships and co-op.

RIT’s Visual Media Degree

RIT’s visual media degree prepares you 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, multimedia specialists, and social media professionals. This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA program.

The visual media degree emphasizes photographic proficiency, in both photographic and digital imaging techniques, and has two specialized focuses on media design and business (management and/or marketing). You may also utilize electives to enrich your personal visual expression. Many students in this program choose to earn a minor in business.

Visual media photography is ideal for those who wish to experience various aspects of the graphics industry. Upon graduation, students with a visual media degree are diversely skilled and ready to enter an exciting career in:

• Photography
• Media design
• Social media
• Advertising
• Business management
• Marketing (including art directing and project management)

Careers and Experiential Learning

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

Industries

• Design
• Advertising, PR, and Marketing

Cooperative Education and Internships

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.

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.

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.

Featured Work and Profiles

• Connecting Creatives
• 'Triad of Learning': Merging Photography, Design and Marketing
• Why You Belong in RIT's College of Art and Design
• Mixing Design and Photography
• Industry-standard Photography Equipment
• Unmatched Photo Studios

Admissions and Financial Aid

This option is part of the Photographic and Imaging Arts BFA. Please visit the degree program page for admission requirements.

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.

Faculty

• Laurie O Brien
• James E McGhee Fellow

Facilities

• Moving Media Lab
• Digital Photo Lab
• Imaging Services Lab (ISL)

Events

• Film+FotoFest@RIT'25

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Contact

Program Contact

• Laurie O Brien
• James E McGhee Fellow
• School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
• College of Art and Design