A visit to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private R2 research university located in Rochester, New York, founded in 1829. Renowned for its strong focus on technology, hands-on learning and a robost co-op program, RIT is a leader in innovation, practical applications, and interdisciplinary research.
Creative students are drawn to RIT because it offers a unique blend of artistic and technical education that sets it apart from traditional art schools. While RIT provides top-tier programs in fields like illustration, photography, and film and animation, it also integrates these disciplines with cutting-edge technology and research. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to explore and develop their creativity in ways that are highly relevant to today's digital world. The university's emphasis on hands-on learning, innovation, and real-world problem-solving equips students with the skills needed to excel in creative industries that increasingly rely on technology. At RIT, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration across diverse fields, and opportunities to engage in research that pushes the boundaries of traditional art and design, making it an ideal choice for those who want to merge creativity with technological expertise.
The RIT co-op program (one of the largest and oldest in the United States) is designed to integrate classroom learning with hands-on, real-world experience, allowing students to work in their fields of study while still in school. Students participate in paid, full-time work placements with companies that range from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. These placements often last several months, providing students with valuable industry experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings. The co-op program is a cornerstone of RIT's educational approach, helping students to graduate with a strong resume, a clear sense of their career path, and, frequently, job offers from their co-op employers.
Rochester, NY, is an appealing city for college students, offering a blend of culture, affordability, and rich history. Known as the birthplace of major innovations in photography and film, Rochester boasts a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues that provide ample opportunities for creative exploration and entertainment. The city is home to several colleges and universities (University of Rochester, Nazareth College, St. John Fisher University, Roberts Wesleyan University, SUNY Brockport), fostering a lively and diverse student community. With its numerous parks, scenic views along Lake Ontario, and the iconic Genesee River, there are plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to kayaking. Rochester is a destination city for foodies, with a thriving culinary scene that includes diverse restaurants and local favorites. The city’s cost of living is lower than many other college towns, making it an affordable choice for students. Its strong local economy, with industries ranging from tech to healthcare, provides valuable internship and job opportunities for students.
Winters in Rochester, NY, bring cold temperatures and significant snowfall, with frequent lake-effect snow and temperatures often dropping below freezing. Students take full advantage of the campus's network of skyways and tunnels, which connect buildings and allow them to move between classes, dining halls, and residence halls without stepping outside. This indoor network is especially valuable during the coldest months, offering a warm and convenient way to navigate campus and helping students stay comfortable despite the winter weather.
RIT’s athletic teams are known as the Tigers competing primarily in NCAA Division III, except for men's and women's ice hockey, which play in Division I. Ice hockey is a major highlight, drawing passionate fans to the Gene Polisseni Center. The university also excels in men's lacrosse, consistently ranking among the top Division III teams. RIT offers a broad range of other sports, including soccer, basketball, and swimming, with strong facilities supporting both competitive and recreational athletics, fostering school spirit and community on campus.
One of RIT's unique aspects is its dedication to inclusivity, exemplified by the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), which is integrated into the university. NTID provides a supportive environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, making RIT a leader in accessible education. NTID also provides deaf and hearing impaired (including auditory processing issues) students with a very generous Federal scholarship financial aid opportunities.
While there are 11 colleges/schools at RIT, we focus here on the ones most of interest to creative students, however, students are able to take classes in all 11 regardless of their major. Some of the most interesting multidisciplinary majors can also be found as part of the New Economy Majors where students can study subjects ranging from Human Centered Computing BS to New Media Design BFA (and many in between). RIT’s website is very well designed and for most majors clearly presents the course sequence required for the degree.
College of Art and Design
The College of Art and Design is home to about 1,800 undergraduates and offers 10 BFA degrees and 2 BS degrees. It is comprised of the School for American Crafts which is dedicated to developing one-of-a-kind art using both traditional skills and modern technology. At the undergraduate level it offers a 2-year AOS degree in Furniture Design. It also has numerous craft related facilities including a glass hot shop; woodworking studio; flameworking and glass studios; and buffing, casting, and welding rooms.
The School of Art and Design also offers undergraduate degrees in studio arts and digital arts. Some highlights are:
Medical Illustration (BFA) one of the few programs of its kind in the nation, prepares students to convert complex medical and scientific information into visual formats that effectively communicate with diverse audiences, from patients and doctors to researchers.
3D Visualization (Digital Design) BFA which teaches students to provide 3D digital backgrounds and environments used in virtual reality, game design, and other visual simulations.
Industrial Design BFA which can be combined with an MArch to allow students to enter as a second year MArch student and complete their architecture licensure requirements faster.
Film and Animation (BFA) with concentrations in animation and production.
The Animation Option emphasizes artistic and narrative animation, covering techniques such as 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation with a strong focus on storytelling and character development. This track combines artistic and technical aspects of animation, offering courses in drawing for animation, character design, and visual storytelling. Students develop proficiency in animation software and work on a diverse range of animated projects. Graduates often pursue careers as animators, character designers, storyboard artists, and visual effects artists.
The Production Option focuses on live-action filmmaking, equipping students with technical skills in cinematography, editing, sound design, and screenwriting through hands-on projects, including short films and documentaries. Career paths for Production graduates typically include roles such as director, producer, cinematographer, and editor.
Motion Picture Science (BS) combines imaging science and engineering with the arts to inspire innovation in feature film, television, and animation production.
Facilities: Dedicated studios for ceramics, painting, sculpture, and printmaking, each equipped with specialized tools and resources. The metals and jewelry studios offer facilities for casting, fabrication, and finishing, while the expanded forms studio supports experimental and large-scale works. The glass studio, with its kilns and forges, facilitates various glass techniques. For medical illustration students, there are advanced imaging and drawing labs. Digital media labs provide high-performance computers and software for multimedia projects, and on-campus galleries offer opportunities for exhibitions and public engagement. Advanced production studios equipped with high-end cameras, lighting, and sound equipment for filmmaking and animation projects. Dedicated animation studios with industry-standard software and hardware for both 2D and 3D animation. The motion capture studio provides tools for capturing and analyzing movement, essential for realistic animation. Sound design labs for recording and mixing audio, as well as editing suites featuring professional software for post-production work. Screening rooms and gallery spaces where students can showcase their projects and engage with the community.
Experiential Learning: Study Away SOFA in Los Angeles, co-op program is optional for the BFA degree, there is an in-house design studio that employs many students.
Creative Supplement: BFA applicants to the Schools of Art and Design, including the Film and Animation program. There is no portfolio requirement for the Motion Pictures Science BS program. Make sure to check each program’s portfolio requirement as they can be quite specific.
Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
Though many students study animation at the College of Art and Design, students who are interested in a more technically oriented game design track may choose the Game Design and Development BS offered by the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. While RIT does not offer a degree specifically in animation from this college, students can study game design and interactive media, which incorporates animation as part of the curriculum. Studying animation as part of the Interactive Games and Media (IGM) program emphasizes the integration of animation within interactive environments such as video games and virtual reality, combining animation with game mechanics, programming, and interactive storytelling. The curriculum includes 2D and 3D Animation and Asset Production, Game Graphics Programming, and Interactive Media Development, focusing on the technical aspects of game development and creating interactive animations. This path prepares students for careers as game animators, technical artists, and game designers, emphasizing technical proficiency and the creation of animations that enhance gameplay and user experience.
Facilities: The Game Design Studios are equipped with high-performance computers, game development software, and hardware to support students in creating and testing their games. Virtual Reality (VR) labs including headsets and motion tracking systems, enabling students to develop and experience immersive environments. Augmented Reality (AR) labs provide access to AR tools and technologies for exploring and creating augmented experiences. The Motion Capture Studio allows students to capture and analyze motion data, essential for creating realistic animations and interactive experiences. Sound Design and Music Studios are equipped for recording and mixing audio, supporting the creation of high-quality soundscapes and music for games and interactive media. Collaborative workspaces are also available, offering flexible areas for group projects and brainstorming, which foster collaboration among students working on game and media projects.
Experiential Learning: Co-op program participation is required for all undergraduate degrees from this college.
Creative Supplement: No portfolio requirement.
College of Liberal Arts
While it seems as though RIT is only for creative tech oriented students, the College of Liberal Arts at RIT is one of the few undergraduate majors in the country for Museum Studies (BS). This major is perfect for students who want to infuse museum, collections and other exhibit spaces with modern technology.
As you can see, RIT offers many different options for creative students, both those who are interested in a BFA in traditional arts and those wishing to study arts in the digital arena. There is so much to choose from at RIT that it might be hard to decide. Fortunately, many areas of study offer “exploration” majors where freshmen can take courses required by the terminating degrees in that school and then determine where they want to focus their studies and continue on to receive a specialized bachelors degree.
If you need help with applying to RIT schedule an appointment today.