Distance Learning Program
Rochester Institute of Technology is one of the nation's leaders in online learning education programs. RIT online learning students have access to more than thirty full degree and certificate programs, including ten graduate degrees, four undergraduate degrees, twenty-one certificate programs, and more than 300 courses. The commitment to quality education is an integral part of RIT online learning programs.

Professors deliver course materials through the Internet and a combination of textbooks, videotapes, audiotapes, audio conferences, chats, electronic library resources, and other components that enhance that particular course experience. Students submit most assignments online, but professors may request students to fax or mail assignments. Students may order course materials online and have complete access to a full range of library services and academic advising online.

In order to participate, students must have full access to the Internet and a personal computer. Students must also have basic computer skills and some Internet experience to be successful. In addition, a VCR that is capable of playing NTSC (American standard video) and a telephone are required. For specific computer requirements, students should visit the Web page listed in the Contact section.

RIT's faculty members are world-renowned and teach both on-campus and distance education courses. More than 200 full- and part-time faculty members teach distance learning courses.

Programs of Study
All programs offered through RIT are available to students worldwide. Applications for all programs are available online. Most students have some college experience before coming to RIT, but admission into the undergraduate certificate and bachelor's-level programs can be accommodated without previous college experience. Master's degree candidates must meet the admissions standards required by that program and must have completed a baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, usually through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL scores vary by program, but most programs require a score of 550 or better.

The B.S. in applied arts and science program presents a flexible opportunity for a student to create a program tailored to meet his or her educational needs. It requires the completion of 180 credit hours. Twelve concentrations are available.

The B.S. in electrical/mechanical engineering technology program requires experiences that must be completed over several weekends at RIT or by taking an alternative course from an approved institution. The undergraduate degree requires 194 credit hours. This program is accredited by ABET-TAC.

The B.S. in telecommunications engineering technology program (the technical option) is currently available to both working professionals and full-time students. The academic emphasis is placed on backbone technologies that transmit, switch, and manage networks and the information they carry. Individuals who have no background or have not completed basic lab work in this field may need to come to RIT for intensive weekend labs. This program is accredited by ABET-TAC.

The B.S. in safety technology program is structured to be at the leading edge of this field, providing high-quality academic preparation and relevant work experience. All students completing RIT's safety technology bachelor's degree program are eligible to take the associate safety professional examination upon graduation. Individuals may enter the upper-division program from an associate degree program or with two years of college, including appropriate courses in math, science, and liberal arts.

The M.S. in print media program is oriented toward educating individuals for production and management positions in the ever-evolving printing and publishing industry. This master's program addresses publishing from the technological/production viewpoint, including its management, and considers interrelationships among e-commerce, cross-media publishing, and the many digital and variable data aspects of printing as well as traditional printing models. The program is open to students with a variety of undergraduate degree backgrounds. While all courses are provided online, students attend a one-week summer technology practicum course on campus after completing the first five required courses. This M.S. degree requires completion of 48 credit hours.

The M.S. in applied statistics program is designed for full-time professionals who want to learn state-of-the art statistical techniques to enhance their careers and their value to their companies. Students must complete 45 credits. Admission to the degree program is granted to qualified holders of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university who have acceptable mathematics credits, including one academic year of calculus.

The M.S. in software development and management program consists of 48 credit hours, comprising the software engineering core foundation, the software engineering project, and electives. A minimal background is required in mathematics (discrete structures, statistics) and computing (programming in a high-level language, data structures, elementary computer architecture, and digital logic).
The M.S. in information technology program consists of 48 credit hours of graduate study in core courses, with a choice of electives and concentrations in application development, electronic commerce, and telecommunications. Entering students are expected to have programming skills at an intermediate level in an appropriate language and understand the fundamentals of computer hardware.
The M.S. in health systems administration program is designed to meet the needs of health professionals who desire a nonclinical degree in management and administration. Students typically enter in cohort groups, which improves the learning environment, and take two courses per quarter until completion of the 57 credit hours.

The M.S. in cross-disciplinary professional studies program consists of 48 credit hours, which comprise two or three concentrations from various areas. These areas are designed to give the student a comprehensive and customized plan of graduate study tailored to meet either career or educational objectives. Students must take a course in interdisciplinary research techniques and finish a capstone project to complete this degree.

The M.S. in environmental health and safety management program requires 48 credit hours drawn from core courses like environmental health and safety management system design and performance measurement, 20 credits from professional electives, and 6 credits from the graduate thesis and graduate project.

The M.S. in imaging science program emphasizes a systems approach to the study of imaging science, and, with a background in science or engineering, this degree prepares the student for positions in research, product development, and management in the imaging industry. The program requires completion of 45 credits.

The M.E. in microelectronics manufacturing engineering program is designed for students with a B.S. degree in electrical or chemical engineering or other related engineering areas. The degree requires the completion of nine 4-credit courses and a 9-credit thesis for a total of 45 credits.
RIT also offers twenty-one certificates for those wanting to improve or obtain skills in specialized areas. Courses in the certificate programs may be applied toward a degree.

Applying for Distance Education
Online learning students follow the same procedures as all other students attending RIT. Decisions for selection rest within each college. Correspondence between the student and the Institute is conducted through the Offices of Part-time and Graduate Enrollment Services, which reviews applications as they are received.

Requirements for admission and completion of degree or certificate programs vary by academic department. Students should refer to Programs of Study descriptions.

Students have a number of options available for credit, including transfer credit, credit by exam, College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior College Examinations, credit for educational experiences in the armed forces and noncollegiate organizations, and credit for nontraditional learning. Advisers work with students to evaluate the number of credits that can be transferred, since the number of non-RIT credits accepted varies by program.

Costs
Graduate tuition is $956 per credit hour. Undergraduate tuition is $490 per credit hour.

Financial Aid
RIT offers a full range of traditional financial aid programs as well as a number of innovative financing plans. Scholarships and assistantships are available to matriculated students in most graduate departments.

For Additional Information

Offices of Part-time and
Graduate Enrollment Services
Rochester Institute of Technology
58 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623-5604
Telephone: 585-475-2229
800-CALL-RIT (oll-free)
Fax: 585-475-7164
E-mail: opes@rit.edu

Go To Top Of Page