Rochester Institute of Technology
- Academics

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Rochester Institute of Technology - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.85

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Full-Time Student Population 13,004
Part-Time Student Population 2,154
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 945
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 481
Total FT Faculty 1,056
Faculty with Terminal Degree 80%
Average Faculty Salary $82,359
Full-Time Retention Rate 88%
Part-Time Retention Rate 57%
Graduation Rate 64%
Programs/Majors Offered 128
Average Course Load 12–18 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 40%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 53%
  • 50 or More Students: 7%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

RIT is consistently ranked among the elite colleges for technical degrees. The programs generally bring out the “intensive” in intensive learning, and many departments are currently offering ground-breaking new majors. All of RIT’s programs have the advantage of offering a hands-on approach to learning by way of the co-op system. Overall, the professors are intelligent and helpful. There are, as in any school, good and bad apples, but the bottom line is that if you need help you can find a professor who is willing to help you. All professors often have an online presence either through the mycourses.rit.edu Web site or their own personal Web sites. Full-time professors are also required to have posted weekly office hours, and most professors will make appointments to meet with their students if they need assistance. The professors at RIT are very concerned that their students closely follow course material. In addition, most professors at RIT have some field experience, so they can give students an accurate depiction and show them what to expect out of the professions they are studying.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the RIT educational experience is the quarter system. The rigors of the quarter system keep RIT students on their toes, and if they can handle it for four years, transition from college to the real world will be made that much easier because of this system. The quarter system can seem daunting at times, though, and it has been known to break even the most committed student. The 10-week period leaves little room for procrastination and makes it all the more important for students to stay on top of their work and seek help the moment they begin having problems. Fortunately, at RIT, seeking help is not a problem. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is not to be afraid of your professors. I cannot stress this point enough: ask for help! The professors can’t help you if they don’t know there is a problem. The professors at RIT possess many fine qualities, but as far as I know, none of them are clairvoyant.

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RIT Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Rochester Institute of Technology

Ian177

Computer Engineering '16

4.6
A

Strong Academically

Great school, strong computer/tech, engineering, and art programs. Also has a good business school.

May 08, 2012

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Academics at Rochester Institute of Technology

dkool20

Robotics and Automation Engineering '16

3.5
B

Brooklyn Community Arts & Media

The school is for creative young students to build up their future.

Feb 09, 2012

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Academics at Rochester Institute of Technology

MellK

Graphic Design '15

5.0
A+

RIT's 3D Digital Graphics Program

We're such a small major!! When I first came into the program I was really nervous about what it would be like, but it turns out that everybody is really friendly and inviting! The upperclassmen got me and a few friends involved in our school's SIGGRAPH branch that is entirely run by students. Also, there are lab hours in our 3D lab, and there's always somebody to help you out and answer questions! Previous experience with 3D modeling software (Like Autodesk Maya or Max) would have been helpful to me (as I had never touched the stuff in my life, previously), but I'm getting along just fine and the intro courses are just at my level of difficulty. The professors in my major are all really friendly and nice. They won't bite your head off and they don't give projects that are too unreasonable.

Jan 11, 2012

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User rating for Rochester Institute of Technology - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 44 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: Yes
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: Yes
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 3 or higher
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 5 or higher
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences (GCCIS)
  • College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)
  • College of Business (COB)
  • College of Imaging Arts and Sciences (CIAS: Schools of American Crafts, Art, Design, Film and Animation, Photographic Arts and Sciences, and Print Media)
  • College of Liberal Arts (COLA)
  • College of Science (COS)
  • The Kate Gleason College of Engineering
  • National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 3%
  • Informatics: 2%
  • Mechanical Engineering: 3%
  • Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other: 3%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • Grace Watson Hall Lounge Area
  • Java Wally’s
  • Library
  • Lounges in colleges and dorms
Did You Know? RIT boasts one of the oldest and most extensive Cooperative Education programs in the world. Many of the majors require at least one co-op. These paid internships can be found in all 50 states, as well as in countries spanning the globe. The co-op office is available to help students find jobs that will fulfill the requirements, though you are encouraged to look for co-ops on your own and ask companies that you are interested in working with. Many companies who do not advertise internships will make arrangements if possible upon student inquiries.

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Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Alecia Crawford
Hometown
Candor, NY
Major
Advertising and Public Relations

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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