Print and Graphic Media Science Master of Science Degree
Overview for Print and Graphic Media Science MS
Why Pursue a Print and Graphic Media Science MS at RIT?
STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
Dynamic Curriculum: Focused on establishing quality and efficiencies pertaining to business, technology, and processes in graphic communications.
Hands-on Experience: Work alongside esteemed faculty as either a classroom or research assistant.
Flexible Options to Complete Your Degree: Choose between a thesis, capstone project, or research applications and problem-solving option to earn your master's degree.
Print and Graphic Media Science MS
The print and graphic media science MS offers you an opportunity to explore new areas of research in the graphic communications field. The program's faculty and curriculum focus on establishing quality and efficiencies pertaining to business, technology, and processes in graphic communications. Recent student research includes 3D printing quality analysis, consumer preferences for printed textiles, user experience in digital publishing, and implementation of lean techniques in printing. Our faculty are experts in many different areas, including print, business, color management, web and IT, digital publishing, imaging, and typography. You will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience by working with faculty as graduate assistants either in the classroom or assisting with faculty research.
Print and Graphic Media Science Degree Courses
The print and graphic media science degree includes core courses, electives, and a thesis. The thesis provides an opportunity for students to explore in-depth research and present their findings.
Electives: The program encourages cross-disciplinary and interdepartmental collaboration. Students may choose elective courses from a variety of courses offered in the department of graphic media science and technology or with other graduate departments and programs at RIT with approval of the graduate director.
Capstone/Research/Thesis Options: As part of the program, students must complete a capstone project, a research option, or a thesis. This choice of option provides flexibility for students to choose the path that best aligns with their career goals.
- Capstone Option: Students interested in developing an individual interest in an aspect of print media and/or the graphic communication industry may complete a unique capstone project. This option includes one additional elective course.
- Research Applications and Problem-Solving Option: Students interested in focusing on the application of their knowledge in a team-based environment may choose to complete a research course. This option includes one additional elective course.
- Thesis Option: Students are required to complete a research thesis that demonstrates original thinking and creativity in the search for new knowledge in the graphic communication industry. Students work with expert faculty and focus on a particular topic of thesis research in areas including content management, publishing workflows, typography and layout, business trends, color management, media processes, materials, and applications of printing.
Print and Graphic Media Science Careers
Graduates are employed as industry leaders in advertising, publishing, business operations, communication processes, and product development.
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Start Your Graduate Program this Spring
This program offers a spring start, which means you can jumpstart your graduate journey and begin your studies this January.
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30% Tuition Scholarship for NY Residents and Graduates
Now is the perfect time to earn your Master’s degree. If you’re a New York state resident with a bachelor’s degree or have/will graduate from a college or university in New York state, you are eligible to receive a 30% tuition scholarship.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Account Executive | Application Specialist / Systems Engineer | Customer Service Representative |
| Digital Services Specialist | Estimator | Marketing and Communications Coordinator |
| Pre-Press Technician | Print Production Manager | Publishing Coordinator |
| Quality Management |
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-op is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MS in print and graphic media science.
Featured Work and Profiles
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![Print graphic media packaging MS student at apple on co-op from RIT.]()
Kanishka's Unstoppable Path to Apple Inc.'s MarCom Team
Her dedication and passion secured her a coveted opportunity at Apple, a dream beyond her imagination, working with the team behind the tech giant’s innovative products and iconic packaging.
Read More about Kanishka's Unstoppable Path to Apple Inc.'s MarCom Team -
![Nhung Pham Picture]()
Student's Thesis Shows Old-School Sharpening Technique Outperforms Newer Method
Nhung Paige Pham Nhung “Paige” Pham’s research reveals that an older image sharpening technique, Unsharp Masking (USM), often works better than the newer High-Pass Filtering (HPF) method, combining her photography...
Read More about Student's Thesis Shows Old-School Sharpening Technique Outperforms Newer Method -
![Image of David López]()
Student Defends MS Thesis on Inkjet Ink Durability
David López David López successfully defended his MS thesis at RIT, revealing that latex-based inkjet inks are more lightfast than traditional water-based inks, enhancing their performance for various...
Read More about Student Defends MS Thesis on Inkjet Ink Durability -
![Emily Shriver, a graduate student in print media, stares at the camera.]()
Student Research Reveals Public Struggles with Identifying Edited News Images
Emily Shriver Emily Shriver's study finds that many people have difficulty distinguishing between original and manipulated images in news media, highlighting the need for greater media literacy in the age of...
Read More about Student Research Reveals Public Struggles with Identifying Edited News Images -
![Payal Sharma is a 2018 graduate of the MS degree in print media.]()
Print Media Grad Helps Produce Award-Winning, Digitally-Produced Engineered Surfaces
Payal Sharma Payal Sharma '18, earned an MS in print media and it now employed as a digital print technology specialist at Wilsonart.
Read More about Print Media Grad Helps Produce Award-Winning, Digitally-Produced Engineered Surfaces -
![Andrew Lim a student in the master's degree in print media, presents his thesis.]()
Grad Student Presents Thesis on Digital Painters Establishing Brand Equity
Andrew Lim Andrew Lim, a graduate student in the master's degree in print media, presented his thesis on the "Exploration of the Process of Building Brand Equity as a Digital Painter."
Read More about Grad Student Presents Thesis on Digital Painters Establishing Brand Equity
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Print and Graphic Media Science MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Print and Graphic Media Science, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods Understanding research and academic writing are foundational skills for all graduate students regardless of degree culmination. This is a graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis, with the goal of all students becoming better consumers of research, and preparing those who choose an empirical research degree culmination and future doctoral pursuits. The course provides a broad overview of the process and practices of research in applied contexts. Content includes principles and techniques of research design, sampling, data collection, and analysis including the nature of evidence, types of research, defining research questions, sampling techniques, data collection, data analysis, issues concerning human subjects and research ethics, and challenges associated with conducting research in real-world contexts. Research strategies using library sources, including academic databases and citation management, are emphasized; as are academic writing skills, including adherence to academic style. The analysis component of the course provides an understanding of statistical methodology used to collect and interpret data found in research as well as how to read and interpret data collection instruments. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| PPRT-600 | Graduate Seminar This course provides students that are new to the PPRT program an opportunity to develop an understanding of the school’s research activities. The students will become more knowledgeable about the Print Media program, career options, and exit strategies including thesis, capstone and culminating experience. Relevant topics including finding an advisor, required documentation, and policies regarding program completion and Co-op, as well as school policies and procedures relating to the successful completion of the PPRT program. Seminar 1 (Fall). |
0 |
| PPRT-602 | Tone and Color Analysis This course covers fundamentals of color measurement, color management system, and color reproduction technology for color matching and color image reproduction. Emphases are placed on CIE colorimetry, device calibration and characterization, and color management systems. (Students cannot take and receive credit for this course if they have taken MAAT-544.) Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| PPRT-641 | Digital Printing and Publishing This course provides students with the opportunity to learn the concepts and applications of digital printing. The course examines the technology of several major digital print engines and compares digital printing to conventional print processes. The economics and application of specific digital printing processes are examined from a workflow perspective. This course is cross-listed with MAAT-541; students may receive credit for MAAT-541 or PPRT-641, not both. (Not if MAAT-541) Lab 3, Lecture 2 (Fall). |
3 |
| PPRT-703 | Cross Media Workflow This course is designed to expose students to all the elements needed to execute media projects across platforms. Students will learn concepts in project management as it applies to leading cross media projects and teams. Concepts and tools necessary for the implementation of a cross media workflow will be discussed and reinforced with hands-on exercises. Additionally, content management and industry standards and practices such as color management, asset management, and image optimization for output will be studied and applied through the context of cross media workflows. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
| PPRT-705 | Graphic Standards and Specifications Students will evaluate the differences between standards and specifications, and comprehend their respective roles in various graphic production processes. Governing bodies and the processes involved in standards creation are addressed. Relevant information and metrics are reviewed, and students will analyze and prescribe the standard(s) most relevant to particular production or research settings, as well as discuss the interrelationships and dependences of standards and process-specific specifications. Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| PPRT-751 | Advanced Materials in Graphic Communication This course offers an in depth study of the materials used in graphic communication. Students will learn the chemical and physical properties associated with consumables required by processes studied in the course in order to obtain an understanding necessary to make informed decisions about their use and application, with an emphasis on safety concerns. Lab 2, Lecture 2 (Spring). |
3 |
Technical Electives |
6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Choose one of the following: | ||
| PPRT-790 | Thesis To conduct research on a topic relevant to the graphic arts industry. Topic must be approved by a committee comprising graduate faculty and an advisor. (Prerequisite: GRCS-701 or equivalent course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
6 |
| or | ||
| PPRT-796 | Capstone Research Applications and Problem Solving The culminating experience provides students the opportunity to combine and incorporate learnings gained in coursework and other experiences and apply this knowledge in a pragmatic undertaking relevant to the graphic communication and allied industries. Topic must be approved course instructor. (Prerequisite: GRCS-701 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
Technical Elective |
3 | |
| or | ||
| PPRT-797 | Capstone The capstone course provides students the opportunity to combine and incorporate learnings gained in coursework and other experiences and apply this knowledge in a written capstone project relevant to the graphic communication and allied industries. Topic must be approved course instructor. (Prerequisite: GRCS-701 or equivalent course.) Project 3 (Fall). |
3 |
Technical Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | Yes |
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Print and Graphic Media Science MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Satisfy prerequisite requirements and/or complete bridge courses prior to starting program coursework.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit one letter of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
| TOEFL | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| 79 | 6.5 | 56 |
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
Additional Information
Prerequisites
Applicants must have two semesters of undergraduate statistics courses.
Bridge Courses
Applicants must complete one semester of graduate statistics if the prerequisite has not been met.
Related News
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November 6, 2024
![Undergraduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology at the Flexographic Technical Association Flexo Forum in Kansas City as part of the Phoenix Challenge]()
Students recognized for excellence in graphics and research at national flexographic printing challenge
Undergraduate students at Rochester Institute of Technology took top placements at the Flexographic Technical Association Flexo Forum in Kansas City this Spring. Their project, Aş Evi, was part of the Phoenix Challenge, an annual student design competition, and was recognized for Excellence in Research, Excellence in Graphics, and Excellence in Execution categories.
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June 15, 2022
![magnifiers on a paper with different color blocks.]()
Podcast: Innovating the print industry
Intersections: The RIT Podcast, Ep. 60: When people think of printing, they think of copiers, toners, or pamphlets, but the print industry is growing and new technologies are impacting how products are developed and printed. Alumna Stephanie Fallon, publishing leader at Wayfair, talks to Cecilia Savka and Emi Knape, students in the graphic media science and technology department, about the skills needed in today’s print industry.
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May 23, 2022
![students and professor watching a printing machine.]()
College of Engineering Technology combines print and packaging departments to elevate strategic, career focus
This change comes about to further address the interdisciplinary trends and growth taking place in both the evolving print and packaging industries. It reflects the college and RIT’s focus on aligning programs to better provide a highly skilled workforce for each area.
Contact
- Bruce Myers
- Program Director
- Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science
- College of Engineering Technology
- 585‑475‑5224
- blmppr@rit.edu
Department of Packaging and Graphic Media Science