Color science is broadly interdisciplinary, encompassing
physics, chemistry, physiology, statistics, computer science
and psychology. Graduates are in high demand and have accepted
industrial positions in electronic imaging, color
instrumentation, colorant formulation and basic and
applied research.
The color science major provides graduate-level study in both theory and practical application. The program gives students a broad exposure to the field of color and affords them the unique opportunity of specializing in an area appropriate for their background and interest. The degree program in color science revolves around the activities of the Munsell Color Science Laboratory within the Center for Imaging Science. The Munsell Laboratory is the preeminent academic laboratory in the country devoted to color science.
Students must enroll in either the research-thesis or graduate paper/project option at least one year before completion of required course work. Candidates who wish to enter the program but lack adequate preparation may have to take bridge courses in mathematics, chemistry, or physics before matriculating with graduate status.
Research Thesis Option -
Students without research experience are encouraged to
select the research thesis option. Topics are
chosen that complement the candidate's undergraduate
education and career interests. The technical advisory
board of the Munsell Color Science Laboratory, as well
as the program coordinator, can aid in the selection of a
thesis topic.
Graduate Paper/Project Option - Students with research experience may select the graduate project option. The project has the same intellectual level as a research thesis but is less lengthy. It might take the form of an experiment, demonstration, research project or critical review. The graduate project is normally performed during the last quarter of study.
The M.S. in Color Science requires 45 total credits, 36 of which must be taken at RIT. For more information on admission and graduation requirements please see the Graduate Handbook.
Classes in curriculum:
| Core courses | ||
| Course Number | Class Name | Credit Hours |
| 1050-701 | Vision & Psychophysics | 4 |
| 1050-702 | Applied Colorimetry | 4 |
| 1050-721,722 | Color Measurement Laboratory I & II | 4 |
| 1050-703 | Color Appearance | 3 |
| 1050-813 | Color Modeling | 4 |
| 1050-801 | Color Science Seminar | 3 |
| Elective courses | ||
| Course Number | Class Name | Credit Hours |
| 1051-801,802 | Design of Experiments I, II | 6 |
| 1051-830,831 | Multivariate Analysis I, II | 6 |
| 1051-841,842 | Regression Analysis I, II | 6 |
| 1051-761 | Fundamentals of Computer Graphics | 4 |
| 1051-726 | Programming for Scientists & Engineers | 4 |
| 1051-736 | Geometrical Optics | 4 |
| 1051-737 | Physical Optics | 4 |
| 1051-738 | Optical Image Formation | 4 |
| 1051-749 | Color Reproduction | 4 |
| 1051-738 | Optical Image Formation | 4 |
| 1051-771 | Silver Halide Science I, II, III | 12 |
| 1051-782 | Intro to Digital Image Processing | 4 |
| 1051-816 | Color Systems | 4 |
| Any other course with advisor approval | ||
Click here for the official RIT course descriptions for the M.S. Color Science curriculum.