The MS program in print and graphic media science 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.

Print and Graphic Media Science 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 bests 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, MS degree, typical course sequence
Course    Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
GRCS-701    Research Methods    3
PPRT-600    Graduate Seminar    0
PPRT-602    Tone and Color Analysis    3
PPRT-641    Digital Printing and Publishing    3
PPRT-703    Cross Media Workflow    3
PPRT-705    Graphic Standards and Specifications    3
PPRT-751    Advanced Materials in Graphic Communication    3
     
Technical Electives
6
Second Year
Choose one of the following:
   PPRT-790       Thesis    6
or    
 
   PPRT-796       Capstone Research Applications and Problem Solving    3
     
   Technical Elective
3
or    
 
   PPRT-797       Capstone    3
     
   Technical Elective
3
Total Semester Credit Hours    
30

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS program in print and graphic media science, 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 a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• 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 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.

Tuition fee-2 years1,06,000

Total fee-2 years1,44,000