Programs of Study / Minors

The 2D studio arts minor allows students to develop and refine the practices inherent in the production of two-dimensional fine art forms, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and photography. Students develop conceptual, analytical, and technical skills in these media while learning to connect inspiration and ideation to creative visual expression in two dimensions. Once the two required introductory courses are completed, students may use elective courses to explore diverse two-dimensional media, such as painting, printmaking, and photography, or they may choose to work more intensively within one medium.

In the 3D studio arts minor students develop and refine the practices required for the production of three-dimensional art in various media. Students develop conceptual, spatial, analytical, and technical skills while working through the process of art making from ideation to the production of creative visual expression in three dimensions.

Explore the history of art, architecture, craft, design, photography, and aesthetic theory across multiple cultures, eras, and intellectual perspectives. Art historians examine a society’s artistic production, analyzing form, content, and process to better understand how art expresses meaning within specific cultural contexts. Students completing this minor will be able to use art historical and related methodologies to evaluate works of art, formulate a history of artistic styles, analyze art in relation to its historical setting, and engage with the world of contemporary art. The minor's emphasis on writing and critical thinking complements any academic program while the inclusion of visual analysis, historical context, and theoretical approaches to artistic production make this a useful addition for students seeking careers in areas such as the fine arts, education, design, communication, game design, museum and gallery work, or digital humanities.

The ceramics minor enables you to develop craftsmanship and skills in both traditional throwing, hand building, and sculptural work in clay while also engaging in aesthetic and creative problem solving associated with the material and processes. You will investigate an individual design language and personal aesthetic through the creation of various processes and techniques in ceramics.

Students will develop knowledge of specific media, including wood, metal, ceramics, glass, and textiles. They also will study the material properties of these media and hone technical skills while expanding and applying critical thinking skills as they work through design process from ideation to fabrication. Students will also learn about expected working practices within collaborative studio spaces and within the discipline more broadly.

The furniture design minor enables you to develop craftsmanship and fine woodworking skills while also engaging in aesthetic and creative problem solving associated with furniture design. You will investigate an individual design language and personal aesthetic through the creation of various pieces of furniture.

The glass minor provides students with an opportunity to diversify their voice and vision through an extensive experience in all glass working processes supported by the glass studios in the College of Art and Design. Aside from developing a breadth of technical understanding in working with glass, the minor culminates in a portfolio of work demonstrating a diversified approach to glass making and glass thinking. Completing the glass minor will further amplify students' creative potential and supplement each student’s overall education at RIT.

The imaging systems minor offers students an introduction to the business and technology of photographic imaging services. Courses cover digital imaging capture systems, professional practices, output technologies, color management, and imaging workflows. The minor provides the foundation students need to pursue opportunities in photo technology management, color workflows, technical support, digital imaging technology, and sales for photography and imaging manufacturers.

The metals and jewelry design minor gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in a creative environment of problem solving and to develop traditional and contemporary metals and jewelry design skills. Through a personal investigation of traditional metal techniques and material processes for the fabrication of small objects and jewelry, you will develop a personal design aesthetic and vocabulary. This will be demonstrated through the creation of a portfolio of work.

The photography minor explores the diverse subject of photography from either an art or science perspective. Students develop both technical and aesthetic skills needed for creative, communication, or scientific applications. Students choose one of the following areas of emphasis: general photography, fine art photography, photojournalism, or photo sciences. Course selections are based upon career goals and aspirations, personal interests, and the availability of photography courses. Courses are selected from the School of Photographic Arts and Sciences’s comprehensive portfolio of offerings in photographic sciences, photojournalism, applied photography, and fine art photography.