Master of Science in Print Media

Overview

This program is transitioning to the College of Engineering Technology, to be completed on July 1, 2019. The MS program in print media offers students 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. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience by working with faculty as graduate assistants either in the classroom or assisting with faculty research. Graduates are employed as industry leaders in advertising, publishing, business operations, communication processes, and product developments.

Plan of study

The program requires 36 credit hours of study and includes seven core courses, three 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 School of Media Sciences or with other graduate departments and programs at RIT with approval of the graduate director.

Thesis

All 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.

Industries

• Advertising, PR, and Marketing
• Consumer Packaged Goods
• Design
• Journalism, Media, and Publishing

Typical Job Titles

• Customer Management Representative
• Account Executive
• Marketing and Communications Coordinator
• Graphics Coordinator
• Application Specialist / Systems Engineer
• Media Producer
• Technical Support Analyst
• Pre-Media
• Digital Services Specialist
• Quality Management
• Estimator
• Graphics Technician
• Print Production Manager
• Pre-Press Technician
• Media Job Planner
• Production Specialist
• Publishing Coordinator
• Digital Pre-Press Artist

Curriculum

Print media, MS degree, typical course sequence

First Year

• PPRT-601 Materials and Processes in Printing
• PPRT-602 Tone and Color Analysis
• PPRT-603 Operations Management in Graphic Arts
• PPRT-703 Cross Media Workflow
• PPRT-704 Research Methods and Trends in Graphics Media
• DECS-782 Statistical Analysis and Decision Making
• PPRT-780 Thesis Seminar
• Free Elective

Second Year

• PPRT-790 Thesis
• PPRT-892 Continuation of Thesis
• Free Electives

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MFA program in print media, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete a graduate application.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent). Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may be considered, but are required to submit standard GRE scores.
• Submit scores from the GRE.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.