October 2, 2003 -- Computer technology is injecting swift changes into the photographic industry. As one of the premier providers of photo education, Rochester Institute of Technology introduces a groundbreaking program designed to enhance the industry’s evolution.      Visual Media becomes the newest BFA program within RIT’s School of Photographic Arts and Sciences. In addition to the study of photography, Visual Media incorporates elements of graphic design, print media and management. “Changes in technology have resulted in rapid integration of the graphic arts industry,” explains Joan Stone, dean of RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. “The visual media program will allow interested students to pursue these areas while maintaining a strong base in photography.” Graphic design, print media and photography now use the same tools for communication and production. Due to the blending of these careers, employers are searching for graduates with a strong base in photography and the ability to work efficiently with graphic designers, print media specialists and multi-media specialists.      Visual Media offers a new career track that allows photography students to broaden their skill base to include either graphic design or print media—if not both. It will produce graduates prepared to enter fields such as photographic studio management, graphic design production management and printing management. “These professionals drive the projects and manage the budgets while also being able to speak the lingo of each industry,” states Bill DuBois, RIT’s photographic arts chair. “They become the conduits between various creative forces and their clients.”      In its inaugural season at RIT, 37 students have enrolled in Visual Media. Student must complete two years of core academic requirements before entering the program in their third or fourth year. In addition to Visual Media, RIT's renowned School of Photographic Arts and Sciences offers degree programs in biomedical photography, advertising, fine art, imaging and photographic technology, imaging systems management, and photojournalism.