After more than a century of leadership in print education, RIT is sunsetting its Print and Graphic Media Technology bachelor’s and master’s programs due to declining enrollment. Once known as “the Harvard of printing,” the program peaked in 1981 with 775 students but has since struggled to attract new interest, particularly as younger generations associate print with outdated formats like newspapers. Bruce Myers, associate professor at RIT, noted the challenge of competing with other design and media programs that dominate student interest and offer overlapping digital tools.
Current students voiced frustration, though not surprise, over the program’s closure. International student Mathew Kipruto, who moved from Kenya to pursue his passion for print, described the deactivation as deeply disheartening. While no new students will be admitted, a teach-out plan will allow enrolled students to complete their degrees. Some elements of print education will live on through two print-related courses in the Packaging Science program and through the TAGA student club, which offers hands-on production experience.
Illustration by Danielle Williams.
Proofed (Human)
Listen to This Article
Loading...
Login
New User? Signup
Reset Password
Signup
Existing User? Login here
Login here
Reset Password
Please enter your registered email address. You will recieve a link to reset your password via email.
New User? Signup
Currency Exchange Graph