Graduate Degrees

It’s thinking about visual strategy as a way to approach things. You might tell it one way visually but you can also approach it from another angle, or do some experimentation to blur a boundary or support an idea. I probably wouldn’t have considered those things in such detail if it wasn’t for working with Ahndraya Parlato or the other artist faculty in the program like Greg Halpern and Eduardo Rivera.

My experience at RIT was more of a transformation of life. I learned to be dependent on myself to make decisions and take a stand for what I believe in. I not only learned techniques in making jewelry, but also how to be confident in myself as an artist.

As a grad entering the industrial design program with a fine art and education background I was welcomed in and encouraged to build on my previous knowledge and apply it to design thinking. The mentorship from faculty and staff in the program as well as the incredible facilities and resources at RIT allowed me to reach my full potential as a designer.

The industrial design MFA program helped me develop the skills and qualities essential to a good designer. I especially value the program’s emphasis on design thinking. Besides the projects, I enjoyed and benefited from RIT activities such as T-Minus 151, Thought At Work, Imagine RIT, and IdeaLab. They provided me with great opportunities to interact with clients on their real-life design issues, collaborate with my peers, and get exposed to successful designers in the industry.

The facilities and the professors were all incredibly helpful. I can’t speak highly enough about my experience. RIT allowed me to grow as an artist and how I think about my work. It pushed me in ways that I wasn’t expecting. I also tried to experience as much of the equipment offered here as I could. I shot about 90 percent of my thesis on one specific camera system that I never would have had access to if not for the Cage.

It really felt like I centered myself in a world of photography history, which was magnificent and something I desired. I couldn’t have asked for anything greater than to be (at RIT). I received exactly what I set out for. I sought to explore all facets of photography and other mediums in conversation with it. RIT became most ideal for grounding my interests.

I chose RIT for the faculty. Their investment in my work as one of the most valuable components of my RIT education. The faculty and administration were always willing to change the playbook to make sure there was a path for the work I wanted to make. I never really hit an unmovable roadblock. Plus, it seemed like there was an expert on everything.

During summer vacation, professors encourage everyone to participate in a workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, which has a close relationship with RIT furniture design. I also participated in Haystack Mountain School of Crafts' collaborative introduction, and also worked at the American Craft Show. Those experiences enriched my studies and provided me with opportunities to learn about the industry.

I was one of those students who wanted to take classes outside of my core discipline. All those perspectives infused me with a curiosity — the ability to communicate about other disciplines — and have me an open mind, not just about art but also how technology could influence it.

I couldn't imagine going to any other grad school than RIT. It is such a nurturing, creative environment where I was able to ask new questions about glass and explore interests that I've wanted to while being pushed creatively in every direction. It was 100 percent the right choice and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about getting an MFA in glass.

We got exposed to a little bit of everything. It's prepared me to be a more well-rounded designer and work in multiple programs and use other technical skills besides pure animation. I was prepare for the real world.

The program taught me invaluable design knowledge and provided unlimited opportunities to work with new technologies, along with the freedom to explore and implement ideas. The faculty's vast industry experience and their investment in us as students created a great learning environment to develop as designers. Words can't express how thankful I am to have attended RIT.

It was a game changer coming to RIT because the professors are so good. They genuinely care about you and make it a supportive environment.

Having a (high school art) teacher as the graduate director is huge because she is plugged in with what's happening right now in schools. It's not theoretical. Everything that comes down from New York State, she experiences it at the district level. I learned so much in one year. You have to absorb so much, so quickly, and it's well put together.

I was able to make connections with companies like Netflix — I was invited to a masterclass. I took a class with somebody from Disney. It has opened so many possibilities for me. It has been the best investment in my life.

I have gained not only knowledge from the course lessons, but better insights on course topics and how they relate to my work. One of the many benefits of working in the industry for a few years and then coming back to school is the appreciation and the experience you can apply to better understand complex topics.

I wanted to go to a program that wasn’t just renowned but was going to be challenging and was going to push me, not just as a photographer, but as an artist. I felt like I was definitely wanted. I felt like RIT was saying, ‘we’re here for you, we want you to be a part of our community,' adding to that type of diversity that the campus offers.