In Focus: The MFA Review: Rochester Institute of Technology
In Focus: The MFA Review: Rochester Institute of Technology
http://lenscratch.com/2026/06/in-focus-the-mfa-review-rochester-institute-of-technology/
Publish Date: 2026-06-07 05:02:00
Source Domain: lenscratch.com
©Gregory Halpern, Professor
Each installment of In Focus: The MFA Review highlights a different MFA program for photographic artists, offering readers a concise overview of its identity, curriculum, faculty, student experience, financial support, and post-graduation outcomes. It also serves as a showcase of the creative work produced by faculty, students, and alumni. Rather than functioning as rankings or endorsements, these features are intended as practical starting points—tools to help prospective students compare programs, identify what matters most to them, and make more informed decisions about their graduate education. While certain details shared in these articles may change over time, my hope is that these program snapshots offer a clear sense of what each represents in the present moment.
Thank you to Joshua Thorson for completing this interview and compiling all the images/resources!
Institution name: Rochester Institute of Technology
Degree Title: MFA in Photography and Related Media
Location: Rochester, NY
Link to Program Page: https://www.rit.edu/study/photography-and-related-media-mfa
Link to Application Page: https://www.rit.edu/admissions/graduate/application-instructions
Instagram: @rit.photo.mfa

©Ahndraya Parlato, Assistant Professor
Tell us a little about your program. How would you define its scope and purpose?
The MFA Photo program at RIT takes an expanded view of photography. We provide students with critical tools for developing concept, form and practice through large projects. By guiding our students through the process of critique, articulating themselves and writing about their work we also prepare them professionally for a career in the arts.

©Juan Orrantia, Assistant Professor
What would you say makes your program special?
Our program supports student experiments with diverse techniques and processes. While we are up to date with the newest equipment, we also support analog and alternative practices and…