Print and Graphic Media Science Master of Science Degree
Print and Graphic Media Science
Master of Science Degree
A media science degree that explores how technology and innovation are changing the graphic communications industry.
Overview
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.
Students are also interested in: Media Arts and Technology MS, Packaging Science MS
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Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
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 |
Salary and Career Information for Print and Graphic Media Science MS
Cooperative Education and Internships
Cooperative education and internships are work experience in your field of study. And they set RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. Cooperative education and internships are designed for your success.
Co-op is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MS in print and graphic media science.
Featured Work
An Assessment of An Assessment of Media Consumers’ Ability to Distinguish the Level of Post-Processing in Journalistic Images
Emily Shriver
Emily Shriver, a graduate student in the master of science in print media, headed a project to assess how individuals recognize manipulated images used in news.
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."
Print Media Alumnae Wins Rising Star Award
Stephanie Fallon '12 (new media publishing), '14 MS (print media) is awarded the 2019 Rising Star Award.
Featured Profiles
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.
Curriculum for Print and Graphic Media Science MS
Print and Graphic Media Science, MS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| GRCS-701 | Research Methods This is an introductory graduate-level survey course on research design/methods and analysis. 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. 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 (Fall). |
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 |
| 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 | |
| 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 |
|
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.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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December 13, 2021
![RIT Gravure Day]()
RIT Hosted Speakers for Gravure Day
Rochester Institute of Technology’s internationally recognized Department of Graphic Media Science and Technology (GMST), College of Engineering Technology, working in association with GAA (Gravure AIMCAL Alliance) of AIMCAL, celebrated Gravure Day on December 1st.
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October 4, 2021
![environmental portrait of Twyla Cummings.]()
RIT Graduate School Dean Twyla Cummings to retire
RIT Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School Twyla Cummings will retire from RIT effective June 30. Cummings oversaw the evolution of the Office of Graduate Education to the RIT Graduate School in support of RIT’s Strategic Plan 2018-2025, and RIT added five new Ph.D. programs during her tenure.
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July 20, 2021
![Students holding flexographic labels printed during "Recognition Run"]()
Students produce flexographic labels in “Recognition Run”
At the end of the Spring 2021 term, students in Dr. Greg D’Amico’s Print Production course in the Department of Graphic Media Science and Technology completed the semester with a “Recognition Run,” consisting of full-color pressure-sensitive labels printed on the Department’s six-color Mark Andy flexographic press.
