As digital image use continues to expand there is an increasing demand to fill the dynamic imagine science careers. RIT’s Imaging Science MS provides the training and research opportunities needed to excel in industries like computer vision, astronomical imaging, satellite-based imaging systems and applications, virtual and augmented reality, and the use of UAVs (drones) in precision agriculture.

This emerging field integrates engineering, math, physics, computer science, and psychology to understand and develop imaging systems and technology. Discover the “how” behind imagine systems. Explores the creation and interpretation of image forming systems that are used in a broad range of applications from environmental forecasting and remote sensing to the analysis of the physical properties of radiation-sensitive materials.

In core classes, you’ll study the physical properties of radiation-sensitive materials and processes, the applications of physical and geometrical optics to electro-optical systems, the mathematical evaluation of image forming systems, digital image processing, and the statistical characterization of noise and system performance.  Additionally, MS Imaging students complete either a research thesis or graduate paper/project. In general, full-time students are required to pursue the thesis option and in select areas will be supervised by faculty within the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. The project option is targeted to part-time and online students who can demonstrate that they have sufficient practical experience through their professional activities.

RIT’s master's in imaging science is geared toward advancing and broadening the skills of professionals working in the imaging industry and preparing you for research positions in the imaging industry or in the application of various imaging modalities to problems in engineering and science.

The curriculum is a combination of:

• required core courses in imaging science
• elective courses
• and either a research thesis or graduate paper/project.

The imaging MS program can be completed on a full- or a part-time basis. Some courses are available online, specifically in the areas of color science, remote sensing, computer vision, and digital image processing.

Specialty Track Courses

Students choose two courses from a variety of tracks such as: digital image processing, computer vision, electro-optical imaging systems, remote sensing, color imaging, optics, hard copy materials and processes, and nanoimaging. Tracks may be created for students interested in pursuing additional fields of study.

Research Thesis Option

The research thesis is based on experimental evidence obtained by the student in an appropriate field, as arranged between the student and their adviser. The minimum number of thesis credits required is four and may be fulfilled by experiments in the university’s laboratories. In some cases, the requirement may be fulfilled by work done in other laboratories or the student's place of employment, under the following conditions:

1. The results must be fully publishable.
2. The student’s advisor must be approved by the graduate program coordinator.
3. The thesis must be based on independent, original work, as it would be if the work were done in the university’s laboratories.

Faculty within the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science supervise thesis research in areas of the physical properties of radiation-sensitive materials and processes, digital image processing, remote sensing, nanoimaging, electro-optical instrumentation, vision, computer vision, color imaging systems, and astronomical imaging. Interdisciplinary efforts are possible with the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and the College of Science.

Graduate Paper/Project Option

Students with demonstrated practical or research experience, approved by the graduate program coordinator, may choose the graduate project option (3 credit hours). This option takes the form of a systems project course. The graduate paper is normally performed during the final semester of study. Both part- and full-time students may choose this option, with the approval of the graduate program coordinator.

Imaging Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
IMGS-606    Graduate Seminar I    1
IMGS-607    Graduate Seminar II    1
IMGS-616    Fourier Methods for Imaging    3
Choose two of the following:    
6
   IMGS-619       Radiometry     
   IMGS-620       The Human Visual System     
     
   IMGS Elective
 
Choose three of the following:    
9
   IMGS-613       Probability, Noise, and System Modeling     
   IMGS-633       Optics for Imaging     
   IMGS-682       Image Processing and Computer Vision     
     
   IMGS Elective
 
Second Year
IMGS-790    Research & Thesis    4
     
IMGS Specialty Track Course
3
Choose one of the following:    
3
   IMGS-790       Research & Thesis     
     
   IMGS Elective
 
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Imaging Science (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
IMGS-616    Fourier Methods for Imaging    3
Choose two of the following:    
6
   IMGS-619       Radiometry     
   IMGS-620       The Human Visual System     
     
   IMGS Elective
 
Choose three of the following:    
9
   IMGS-613       Probability, Noise, and System Modeling     
   IMGS-633       Optics for Imaging     
   IMGS-682       Image Processing and Computer Vision     
     
   IMGS Elective
 
Second Year
IMGS-740    Imaging Science MS Systems Project Paper    3
     
IMGS Specialty Track Course
3
     
IMGS Electives
6
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30
Electives
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
ASTP-613    Astronomical Observational Techniques and Instrumentation    3
CLRS-601    
Principles of Color Science
3
CLRS-602    Color Physics and Applications    3
CLRS-720    Computational Vision Science    3
CLRS-820    Modeling Visual Perception    3
CSCI-603    Computational Problem Solving    3
CSCI-630    Foundations of Artificial Intelligence    3
CSCI-631    Foundations of Computer Vision    3
CSCI-737    Pattern Recognition    3
EEEE-780    Digital Video Processing    3
ENVS-650    Hydrologic Applications of Geographic Information Systems    4
IMGS-606    Graduate Seminar I    1
IMGS-607    Graduate Seminar II    1
IMGS-609    Graduate Laboratory I    2
IMGS-613    Probability, Noise, and System Modeling    3
IMGS-616    Fourier Methods for Imaging    3
IMGS-619    Radiometry    3
IMGS-620    The Human Visual System    3
IMGS-622    Vision Sciences Seminar    1
IMGS-624    Interactive Virtual Env    3
IMGS-628    Design and Fabrication of Solid State Cameras    3
IMGS-632    Advanced Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing    3
IMGS-633    Optics for Imaging    3
IMGS-635    Optical System Design and Analysis    3
IMGS-639    Principles of Solid State Imaging Arrays    3
IMGS-640    Remote Sensing Systems and Image Analysis    3
IMGS-642    Testing of Focal Plane Arrays    3
IMGS-682    Image Processing and Computer Vision    3
IMGS-684    Deep Learning for Vision    3
IMGS-699    Imaging Science Graduate Co-op    0
IMGS-712    Multi-view Imaging    3
IMGS-719    Radiative Transfer I    3
IMGS-720    Radiative Transfer II    3
IMGS-723    Remote Sensing: Spectral Image Analysis    3
IMGS-724    Introduction to Electron Microscopy    3
IMGS-730    Magnetic Resonance Imaging    3
IMGS-740    Imaging Science MS Systems Project Paper    3
IMGS-765    Performance Modeling and Characterization of Remote Sensing System    3
IMGS-766    Geometric Optics and Lens Design    3
IMGS-789    Graduate Special Topics: Robot Vision    1-3
IMGS-790    Research & Thesis    1-6
IMGS-799    Imaging Science Independent Study    1-4
IMGS-830    Advanced Topics in Remote Sensing    3
IMGS-890    Research & Thesis    1-6
MATH-605    Stochastic Processes    3
MATH-645    Graph Theory    3
MATH-711    
Advanced Methods in Scientific Computing
3
MCSE-712    Nonlinear Optics    3
MCSE-713    Lasers    3
MCSE-731    Integrated Optical Devices & Systems    3
STAT-641    Applied Linear Models - Regression    3
STAT-758    Multivariate Statistics for Imaging Science    3

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in imaging science, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
• 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.
• Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Two letters of recommendation are required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
• Have completed courses in mathematics (through calculus and including differential equations), and a full year of calculus-based physics (including modern physics). It is assumed that students can write a common computer program.
• International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000