Rochester Institute of Technology is a diverse and collaborative community of engaged, socially conscious, and intellectually curious minds. Through creativity and innovation, and an intentional blending of technology, the arts and design, we provide exceptional individuals with a wide range of academic opportunities, including a leading research program and an internationally recognized education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT is an intentionally inclusive and equitable community, where students of all backgrounds, genders, races, and interests thrive and achieve exceptional success through our cooperative education and paid work programs, supportive environment, and career network.
Introduction
Highly ranked by most ranking organizations and with more than 80 graduate programs in high-paying, in-demand fields and scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships available, we invite you to take a closer look at RIT.
Don't be fooled by the word "technology" in our name. At RIT, you will discover a university of artists and designers on the one hand and scientists, engineers, and business leaders on the other – a collision of the right brain and the left brain.
RIT focuses on applied learning - a "hands-on" approach involving the direct application of skills, theories, and models.
We offer a high Return on Investment (ROI) in terms of starting salaries and lifetime earnings as well as job satisfaction and personal growth.
Flexible study options include online programs and the ability to work and study. Many of our graduate programs are collaborative and interdisciplinary, allowing you to benefit from and take advantage of the strengths of several of our colleges. Co-op (cooperative education) is a hallmark of RIT, and graduate students have the optional opportunity to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program. Tuition is not charged while on co-op, and many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education.
International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.
We offer graduate programs in the following areas:
Art, Design, and Architecture
Business and Management
Communications and Digital Media
Computing and Information Sciences
Engineering and Engineering Technology
Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Game Design and Development
Health Professions and Medical Sciences
Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
Photography, Film, and Animation
Science and Math
Undeclared and Individualized Study
More advantages of RIT include:
Unmatched career preparation and work opportunities including a world-renowned cooperative education program that lets you gain valuable experience from and exposure to potential employers and earn money while not paying tuition. International students - RIT offers 50+ STEM-designated graduate programs to choose from, all of which are eligible for OPT extension.
Excellent Return on Investment - 94.3% of our most recent graduate class are employed and the average starting salary for that class was $93,800.
Strong reputation and rankings - ranked 105th among "National" US universities, 11th among top schools' co-op or internship programs and 48th among "best-value" schools in the latest US News rankings; a Money Magazine top-50 for adding value; Morning Consult places RIT in the top third of most trusted US universities.
Equal opportunity for generous financial aid - last year we awarded $40 million in aid to 2,800 US and International graduate students
Career-enhancing research opportunities with abundant funding and resources.
Safe campus in an Ideal location just outside a thriving, accessible but not-too-big city - a community where racial and thought diversity is appreciated and celebrated.
Flexibility to work and study and 8,000 on-campus student jobs available each year.
Faculty who love to teach and mentor you and small class sizes that facilitate personalized education.
State-of-the-art facilities on a campus recognized for innovation and sustainability.
Diverse student population - 2,600 International students from 100 countries with resources and support to match.
140,000 well-connected alumni to help you network.
International Students: With one of the largest lists of OPT-certified graduate programs of any US university, coupled with our strong reputation among US employers, RIT is one of the most successful in placing students into OPT.
RIT has well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities that are rarely matched on other campuses. We have the tools, tech, and specialized spaces that will enhance and support your learning. Explore and excel in an environment rich in the latest equipment, software, studios, laboratories, and conveniences. It’s an ideal place to make, innovate, and discover. The Princeton Review consistently ranks RIT among the most connected campuses in the country. Whether you’re in the classrooms, labs, residence halls, or public areas on campus, we provide free, direct, high-speed computing access that is hard to beat.
RIT is much more than its high-quality academic facilities; it offers many welcoming spaces on campus. You’ll find vibrant locations for social and intellectual activity just about everywhere you look. The physical beauty of the campus comes from an interplay of natural and park-like settings with modern buildings, architectural features, and artwork prominently on display. Comfortable spaces throughout campus offer places to relax or work on projects and team assignments.
In addition, our community of more than 18,000 students, faculty, and staff has made a commitment to advance sustainability in all areas—in academic programs and research initiatives, in our campus operations and consumption practices, and in efforts to promote social sustainability within the RIT family. By making the campus more environmentally friendly and by engaging in and learning more about sustainable practices, we can take steps now to ensure that the campus, the Rochester area, and the greater world in which we live will be cleaner, healthier, and more livable tomorrow than they are today.
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Admissions
To be eligible to apply for any RIT graduate program you must hold (or be in anticipation of) a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college. Work experience is not required.
Applying to RIT is quick and easy. Our online application will typically take you 15-20 minutes to complete, and you can get started and submit your online application with or without the required application fee and supporting documents. Application for all graduate programs requires submission of an online application and the following supporting documents: $65 application fee, personal statement, resume, and undergraduate transcripts.
Most programs require letters of recommendation. Additional requirements vary by program and may include a writing sample, portfolio or an entrance exam (GRE or GMAT).
When you apply, you begin by creating a FREE portal account. From your personalized admissions portal you can start and manage your application. The portal provides a checklist to help determine any additional materials you need to complete your application. Your application will be sent for review to the Admissions Committee once all required items have been submitted.
Visa Requirements
Our team is here to help you understand the next steps for applying for your student visa. To apply for a student visa, U.S. government regulations require international students to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to meet the costs of tuition, fees, supplies, and living expenses for at least nine months of full-time study.
International students who need to apply for a student visa must submit to RIT an original bank statement showing the amount available for their education.
Scholarships and Funding
RIT awards more than $40 million in merit scholarships and assistantships to graduate students each year. Scholarship awards range from 10% - 40% of tuition. Awards are based on an applicant's academic excellence. Many things are considered when awarding scholarships - undergraduate grades, graduate placement test scores, and your research and work experience all factor in.
Graduate assistantships are offered to full-time matriculated graduate students to serve as teaching, research, or administrative assistants. Graduate Assistants receive wages (determined by the department making the appointment) in exchange for work performed. Many graduate assistants also receive tuition remission (i.e. tuition support) in addition to receiving wages for assistantship duties.
Graduate students can be awarded both scholarships and assistantships. These funding opportunities are the same for both US and international applicants.
Optional Co-Op: cooperative education is paid work assignments with corporations and organizations around the U.S. and abroad. Co-op allows students to spend one or more semesters employed in a full-time, paid position related to their academic program before they graduate. Many students use co-op earnings to help finance their education. Students do not pay tuition and fees while on co-op.
Work-Study: Graduate students studying full-time may apply to work part-time on campus. RIT has more than 7,000 jobs available each year, and students typically work 10 – 20 hours per week. International students studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa may work up to 20 hours per week on campus, and 40 hours during break periods.
Alumni Statistics
RIT's more than 145,000 alumni are a powerful force for change. To future and current students, they represent a large and powerful networking resource for career placement and advancement. The RIT Alumni Association, and our dedicated staff and alumni volunteers, provide our Tiger community with a variety of ways to connect to each other, to current students and faculty, and to the university. See https://www.rit.edu/alumni/alumni-stories for backgrounds and stories on many of our alums.
Rolling Application Deadlines
Most of our programs offer "rolling" application review - there is no specific deadline for applications; applications will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year.
Rankings
U.S. News & World Report
Ranked 105th in the “National Universities” category (2023)
Tied for 11th among top schools co-op or internship programs (2023)
Ranked 48th among “best value schools” (2023)
41st "most innovative school"
Princeton Review
Listed in 2022 edition of The Best Value Colleges: 200 Schools with Exceptional ROI for Your Tuition Investment
Listed in 2022’s “Best 388 Colleges”
Money Magazine - one of its Best Colleges (2023)
Morning Consult - 37th most-trusted university (2022)
Times Higher Education
Ranked 155th among U.S. colleges in The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rankings, placing RIT among the top 25 percent of colleges and universities in the nation.
The Student Exchange and Visitor Program
RIT has been ranked among the top U.S. schools for international students to engage in post-graduation employment in both STEM and non-STEM fields.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program named RIT one of the top 100 schools in two lists related to pre- and post-graduation optional practical training.
Student Testimonials
RIT's Applied Learning Style a True BenefitThe applied nature of the statistics BS/MS program gave me an enormous advantage when I entered the workforce. Melissa RoyoApplied Statistics MS __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Great Opportunity and ExperienceI chose RIT because of the Industrial Design program, facilities, professors and alumni network. Once I saw what RIT had to offer, Iwas convinced it would be a great opportunity and experience. I had the opportunity to collaborate with, meet other students and learn across boundaries and outside of art & design.
Anthony Parrucci Industrial Design MFA Pittsburgh, PA, USA___________________________________________________________________________ RIT's Reputation Benefits MeI feel really proud of all the hard work I put into getting my degree. People respect the reputation of RIT so they are impressed when they hear where I graduated from and what degree I achieved.
Caroline Sculimbrene Electrical Engineering BS/MS Pittsburgh, PA, USA___________________________________________________________________________ Met People from All Over the WorldRIT gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from people from all over the world.
Neel Sancheti Electrical Engineering MS Pune, Maharashtra, India___________________________________________________________________________
Helped Me Develop PersonallyThe institute gave me the self-confidence to discover myself, know who I am, what I want to do and where I want to go. Archana PandeyChemistry MS ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Great Experience Overall
I came to the program with limited design skills but was able to secure three quality internships while studying within the program. The faculty and staff members were all very experienced, friendly, and patient. Students are always able to get the help they needed from the department. I never regretted my choice to study in this program at RIT and I wish the current and future students there to also become a better version of themselves after their education at RIT.
The program helped me tailor my courses from an outstanding pool of courses and specializations. Professors are well experienced, friendly which also captures the Industry perspective. I gain experience working in projects, teams, learning from one another as well. The department helped me network and develop professionally. RIT offers a plethora of resources in research and projects. I'm a Proud RIT Tiger, I'm sure you will be too.
I loved that RIT gave me the ability to get to know your professors and utilize them as true mentors. I had lots of questions about different industries and jobs I was applying to and I asked multiple professors about career and industry advice that really helped me decide my career path.
Claire Candelori - Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
My favorite thing about my graduate program in Service Leadership was the real-time application of course materials.
Chris Hart - MS Service Leadership
Graduates from RIT's Class of 2023 share what's next for them. From jobs with Fortune 500 companies to service opportunities and start-ups, these students have some amazing futures ahead!
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