National Technical Institute for the Deaf

RIT offers more than 200 outstanding programs in business, engineering, art and design, science and mathematics, liberal arts, photography, hotel management, computer science, information technology and other areas. Few universities provide RIT's variety of career-oriented studies.

RIT is dedicated to providing superior career preparation for students with hearing loss. This has attracted excellent faculty to RIT and has led to the development of academic programs that combine outstanding teaching, a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, modern classroom and research facilities, and work experience gained through the university's cooperative education program. RIT is consistently ranked among top universities in U.S. News & World Report: America's Best Colleges.

 

Yes, if you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree you can combine any number of programs to create a double major that best meets your academic and professional goals. Learn about the guidelines that apply to the creation of a double major.

Tutoring is available through The NTID Learning Consortium and includes the NTID Learning Center and the Sprint Relay Experimental Distance Learning/Access Demonstration Lab. Consortium goals center on supporting the academic success of RIT/NTID students, and experimenting with instructional access technologies to support the learning of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Tutoring also is available for deaf or hard-of-hearing students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in RIT’s other colleges.

RIT's Wallace Library is a multimedia center offering a vast array of resource materials. The library provides access to 250 electronic databases, more than 36,000 electronic journals and 75,000 e-books. Resource materials include more than 12,000 audio, film and video titles and more than 500,000 books and print journals.

Yes, at the graduate/master's degree level we offer the Master of Science program in Secondary Education (MSSE). It is a dual certification program, which means upon completing the program you can be certified to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades K-12, as well as hearing students in grades 7-12. You also will be qualified to teach one of four content areas: English, Social Studies, Science or Math.

You are considered an NTID supported student, which means your access services are provided through NTID and you qualify for the NTID reduced tuition rate.

The RIT academic year includes three quarters (fall, winter and spring) and generally runs from September through May. Each quarter is approximately 10 weeks in length. There also is a 10-week summer quarter. You can confirm specific dates for each quarter by checking the institute calendar.

RIT/NTID offers a range of programs to match your interests and abilities. If you want to collect additional information about careers and majors before deciding on a program of study, you may choose one of our career exploration/decision options.

A cooperative work experience, sometimes called co-op, allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to a real job. Most programs at RIT/NTID require at least one co-op as part of students' training and preparation.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and graduates benefit from our employment specialists who travel coast to coast connecting with employers to create a climate for successful job placement for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT professionals network with employers to build relationships and educate them about the value of hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Some other ways our employment specialists contribute to student success include:

Students received more than 3,000 hours of employment advising from NTID Center on Employment staff last year.

A Job Search Process course provides preparation in resume writing, correspondence, and dressing for success; networking and contacting employers; and interviewing and evaluating job offers.

Students seeking co-ops or nearing graduation can take advantage of valuable interviewing experience during practice job interviews conducted by faculty, staff and community volunteers.

Our on-campus RIT/NTID job fairs give employers interested in enhancing the diversity of their workforce an opportunity to meet and interview deaf and hard-of-hearing RIT/NTID students. Some of the employers who have hired RIT/NTID co-op students and graduates include:  Microsoft, NASA, IBM, Sprint, HSBC, the U.S. Department of Defense, JP Morgan Chase, Merck, Walt Disney World, and many more.

If you take NTID courses and programs, instructors will communicate directly with you using a variety of communication strategies, including sign language, spoken language, fingerspelling, printed/visual aides, Web-based instructional materials and individual tutoring. The faculty member is responsible for facilitating communication in the classroom.

If you take courses and programs in the other colleges of RIT, you can request sign language interpreting services, assistive listening systems, real-time captioning services or notetaking. Alternative services also will be provided as required.

RIT/NTID provides one of the most accessible education communities in the world for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

 

No. You can enter the program with no prior knowledge of sign language. However, sign language interpreting is a specialized area of study. It is very helpful if you have had some exposure to sign language and Deaf people. Get additional information on RIT's ASL-English Interpretation program.

The NTID Office of Admissions provides admissions information and materials as well as an online application. Get answers to frequently asked questions about the admissions process. For additional questions email us.

You can apply for transfer admission at any time. We do not require that transfer students have an associate degree. Some programs have restrictions on entry term (fall, winter, spring or summer quarter), so please contact the NTID Office of Admissions Office at 585-475-6700 (voice/TTY) or toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-644-6843 (voice/TTY) for more information.

Transfer requirements vary depending on the program to which you apply. For specific requirements, send your transcripts from all previous colleges to the NTID Office of Admissions along with your application so that our admissions counselors can advise you on what is needed.

You must submit official college transcripts from all previous colleges along with your application. Transfer credits are awarded based on grade and appropriateness to your program. Upon admission, you will be sent a complete listing of transfer credits awarded.

Yes, students should request that a copy of their A.P. scores be sent to the NTID Office of Admissions. Depending on the grade of the AP exam, a student may be awarded college credit. If the AP exam is for a liberal arts course, a grade of 3, or higher will waive you out of one of your core courses. For technical AP's or courses related to the major, a 4 or 5 may be necessary to waive out of a course. During orientation, your academic advisor can answer questions about AP credit for specific courses in your program of study.

No foreign language courses are required for admission.

An audiogram is required. Students must demonstrate a significant hearing loss, and demonstrate the ability to benefit from the models used at RIT/NTID designated specifically to provide access to academic programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

The audiogram should include the date it was performed, the signature of the audiologist who performed the test, and all other information as stated on the Audiogram Form. Audiograms should have been done within the past three years. The form may be copied and sent electronically, mailed in, or faxed to us at 585-475-2696.

The RIT/NTID code for the ACT is 2824. The RIT/NTID code for the SAT is 2760.

Yes, either test is acceptable. We recommend that students who are deaf or hard of hearing take the ACT because research has shown that deaf students perform better on this test than the SAT. To learn more about the tests and the dates they are being offered, visit ACT or SAT on the Web.

No, RIT/NTID operates on a quarter system. Accepted students may begin classes in September, December, March or May. Some programs may only be available for entry in fall.

If you normally receive accommodations in school, such as extended test taking time or interpreting services, we recommend that you request those services for the ACT or SAT as well. For more information, visit ACT and SAT on the Web.

Based on the number of college credits you have and the types of courses you have taken, you may need to still submit ACT or SAT scores. You will want to discuss this with your Admissions Counselor, who will assist you regarding your particular situation. Generally, students with a limited number of college courses in liberal arts and math need to submit ACT or SAT test scores.

Requirements for test scores vary by major. See this document for a detailed explanation of scores and requirements, including the SAT and ACT scores for the middle 50% of accepted applicants.

We must receive all your application materials prior to June 1 to be considered for admission the following fall. However, we strongly encourage you to submit all materials by February 1 for acceptance into your first choice program. You must submit your application and academic records by February 1 to be considered for some merit scholarships. See the application timetable for further details.

Applying through NTID's Office of Admissions means you will be eligible for NTID's tuition rate. Because RIT receives special federal support, students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing pay about one-third of RIT's regular tuition rate. NTID's admissions staff are experienced in working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It doesn't matter which RIT college you wish to attend, the NTID Admissions Office can help your application process go more smoothly!

With more than 1,300 deaf and hard-of-hearing students and 16,000 hearing students on campus, RIT/NTID offers you a unique opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Rochester is the third largest urban area in New York State, and was rated sixth overall in the "best places to live" category by Places Rated Almanac. Rochester is also home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of deaf or hard-of-hearing residents.

Whether you're in the mood for museum hopping or antique shopping, nouveau cuisine or a burger, cultural adventures or sporting pleasures, scenic cruising or bargain choosing, history, mystery, artistry... when you visit Rochester you'll discover an exceptional place to indulge all your senses. High-tech industry, history and culture, entertainment, and recreations that you will find all this in Rochester.

There are seven colleges and universities located in the city and surrounding county, and more than 50,000 college students call Rochester. Rochester has a strong technology-based economy and consistently ranks in the top 10 exporting cities in the United States. Eastman Kodak Company, Bausch & Lomb Corporation, Xerox Corporation, and a host of smaller companies have a strong presence in the area. Rochester's reputation as an active and inventive community is supported by extensive cultural and intellectual opportunities. There is always something to do and something to learn in Rochester.

The Center for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation offers some of the finest athletic collegiate and recreational facilities in the country. Indoor and outdoor campus venues host intercollegiate practices, contests, intramural competitions, wellness courses and provide opportunities for recreational play. The Gordon Field House and Activities Center is available to students, faculty and staff and is home to a 60,000-square-foot field and event venue, an aquatics center and a fully equipped 16,000-square-foot fitness center. Read more about RIT's athletic facilities.

Students at RIT take their academic pursuits seriously—striving to get good grades and working hard to develop their talents—but they’ll be the first to tell you that there’s more to college than books and professors. At RIT, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved outside the classroom. Take advantage of your free time. Try something new. Our campus is alive with energy and activity, providing round-the-clock opportunities for leadership, entertainment, relaxation and personal growth. Your active participation in the many aspects of campus life helps ensure that you’ll graduate well educated and well rounded. You can join any of more than 175 clubs and organizations on campus related to hobbies, politics, sports, and cultural diversity as well as student government and Greek organizations.

Go Tigers! RIT is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) university where young and talented deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes participate alongside their hearing peers in a tradition of athletic excellence. Nearly 500 student athletes participate in 23 different Division III men's and women's sports and RIT's Division I men's hockey program.

An extensive program of intramural activities also is offered each quarter. Men's, women's and coed team activities include basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, softball, flag football and ice hockey and badminton. You can also compete individually in tennis, golf, racquetball and table tennis.

On the Student Employment Office website, you can find job listings and other information on finding a job on or off campus.

All students including freshmen are allowed to bring a car to campus. Public Safety requires all cars to be registered and have a permit affixed to them. There is enough space for all students to park on campus. You will need to register your car with Public Safety or you can go to the Public Safety office and fill out the form.

You don't need a car here at college because it's easy to get around campus and the Rochester area. Free shuttles travel campus daily to help students get from one end of the campus to another. There are also free shuttles that go from campus to area malls and stores on the weekends. There are two public transit buses that come to campus that students can use for a fee.

Yes, the Center for Religious Life provides worship and observances within diverse religious and cultural traditions at RIT. Several religious clubs also gather each week throughout the campus. Nondenominational Christian, Southern Baptist, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Lutheran and Orthodox Christian are among the many communities serving campus needs and interests. In a time of intellectual and spiritual growth, the center establishes an affirming environment for students, faculty and staff to explore and discuss values informed by religious beliefs.

RIT’s Interfaith Center, a gift of Kilian and Caroline Schmitt and other generous donors, is a focal point for the diverse religious traditions within the university, housing two chapels, meetings rooms and offices for the campus ministry staff.

For more information, contact the coordinator of the Interfaith Center at (585) 475-2135 (voice/TTY) or by e-mail.

Our residence hall assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis, depending upon the postmark date of your admission deposit and residence hall contract.

If you know someone who also will be attending RIT as an incoming student, and you would like to live with that friend, indicate this information on the residence hall contract. Any request for a specific roommate must be mutual. Requests should be received by May 1. We will make every effort to honor all requests. Please note that your preference cannot be guaranteed.

RIT offers a variety of room types, and room assignments are made by staff members in RIT's Housing Operations office. Entering students are assigned to double rooms. A limited number of single rooms are available for upper-class students.

An extensive program of intramural activities is offered each quarter. Men's, women's and coed team activities include basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, softball, flag football and ice hockey and badminton. You can also compete individually in tennis, golf, racquetball and table tennis.

RIT's Greek community is dedicated to building future societal leaders by providing a wealth of leadership opportunities for Greek members. From social issues to academic, business to philanthropy, the leaders of today are gaining their leadership edge from their fraternity and sorority experiences.

Membership in a fraternal or sororal organization is one of the most outstanding means of discovering and refining your leadership potential. Within each chapter, members have the chance to assume a wide spectrum of leadership roles. These roles may range from serving as rush chair to treasurer, social chair to president. Within each fraternity exists anywhere from five to twenty different leadership positions, all requiring different degrees of skills and investments. Opportunities to learn and practice leadership stretch beyond chapters.

RIT/NTID students have many housing options available to them. You can choose from residence halls, on-campus apartment buildings and a variety of specialty housing including Greek housing.All first-year students (including transfers) are required to live in campus residence halls and are guaranteed housing.

What will your dorm room look like?

Within the residence halls, all rooms and corridors are carpeted, and each room includes beds, desks, chairs and dressers based on the number of students assigned to that room. Window coverings and closet space also are provided. Each corridor has its own bathroom equipped with showers, and floors have two community lounges, one with a television and kitchenette and the other with tables, chairs, and couches used for studying. All residence hall rooms are equipped with cable television access and free, direct, high-speed Ethernet connections to the campus network and the Internet. All deaf and hard-of-hearing students are assigned to rooms with strobe fire alarms and doorbells.

Double rooms in the residence halls come in two basic shapes:
Rectangular, measuring approximately 18' long by 10' wide. These rooms are generally located in the high-rise sections of the residence halls.
Square, approximately 12' long by 14' wide. These rooms are generally located in the low-rise sections.

Several laundry facilities are available in the residence halls and are free to students.

RIT operates its own food service and offers a wide variety of cuisine. Our meal plans are flexible and convenient. Many dining options are located all across campus. Check them out.

RIT is located in Rochester on a safe, suburban residential campus, and is committed to a safe and secure learning and working environment.

RIT's Department of Public Safety is staffed by 30 full-time, uniformed, registered New York State State Campus Safety Officers. All Officers are trained in emergency medical procedures, CPR, automated external defibrillators, first aid, sign language and crisis intervention.

Public Safety services include:

• Escort service (mobile and walking)
• Blue-light courtesy call boxes
• Crime prevention awareness programs and informational displays
• Bicycle registration and engraving
• Lost and found
• Assistance with class projects
• Motorist assists
• Apartment lock-outs
• Emergency notifications
• Operation ID
• Fire evacuations
• Emergency first aid
• Security surveys
• Crisis intervention

RIT uses a comprehensive approach to emergency management that includes pre-incident planning, emergency response capabilities, a crisis management program, and operational recovery strategies. The approach is tied together with a robust communication system.

RIT’s campus encompasses 238 buildings on 1,300 acres and is located in the suburbs, about six miles from downtown Rochester—far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, but just minutes away if you want to explore and enjoy the city’s entertainment, cultural and employment opportunities.

In the academic heart of campus, you’ll find premier facilities—classroom, laboratory and research. There’s no question that we have one of the most sophisticated, high-tech campuses in the nation, and we stay ahead of the curve by continually investing in and upgrading our campus infrastructure.

We invite you to take a virtual tour of RIT.

Want to see the campus in person? Come for a visit!

RIT students don't have to leave campus for audiological, speech/language, or cochlear implant support. On-site audiologists provide services related to hearing and hearing aids, cochlear implants and assistive devices, and speech-language pathologists offer a broad range of speech and language services. RIT's comprehensive array of services and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing students is unmatched by any other university or college in the world.

Please refer to our online campus map to find the location of a particular building or office at RIT. Or, take a virtual tour!

From textbooks, school-spirit clothing, gifts and supplies, the new Barnes & Noble RIT Campus Connections has it all! If you have any questions please contact us at 585-475-2501.

Our graduates are in demand. Over the past five years, 93% of deaf and hard-of-hearing graduates who have chosen to enter the workforce found employment after graduation. RIT/NTID's employment specialists travel coast to coast connecting with employers to create a climate for successful job placement. They network with employers to build relationships and educate them about the value of hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Visiting campus gives you important information to use when making your college decision. When you visit, you’ll get a tour of campus, meet with an admissions counselor and with professors in subject areas that interest you, and chat with our financial aid coordinator. Just like your education at RIT, your visit will be customized to meet your interests.

Register online for Open House or call 585-475-6700 (voice/TTY) or toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-644-6843 (voice/TTY). If you have any questions please email us.

If you can’t make it to one of our group open house events, we encourage you to schedule a personalized visit tailored especially to you. In addition to the above activities, you can elect to meet with a coach, sit in on a class, meet club and organization officials and much more. Find out why RIT means a superior education and a unique college experience for you.

With more than 1,300 deaf and hard-of-hearing students and more than 16,000 hearing undergraduate students on campus, RIT/NTID offers you diverse academic, social and personal development opportunities unmatched by any university in the world. Enrolled students represent all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries.

RIT's reputation as one of the nation's top universities has been acknowledged by leading college guides and industry publications. As you search for the right university, consider what these experts have to say about RIT.

U.S. News & World Report has consistently rated RIT among America’s “best buys” in college education:

• For more than 20 years, RIT has ranked first or second in Academic Reputation among regional universities in the North.
• Our College of Engineering has been ranked in the top five master's degree level engineering colleges in the nation.
• Our College of Business has been ranked among the top 50 business schools in the United States.
• Our School of Photographic Arts & Sciences has been ranked first among all MFA-photography programs in the country.

Money magazine has rated RIT one of its top 15 “Best Values” for universities that specialize in science and technology programs.

The National Science Foundation has designated our College of Science as a national site for undergraduate research.

In a recent list of “101 Cool Campus Activities,” College Bound magazine chose seven popular activities at RIT, including our Swing Dance Club, Mini Baja Team, and ESPN Sports Center desk.

“RIT is an extremely challenging school that offers career-minded students a great background in a wide variety of technical fields. Students feel their practical degrees and on-the-job experiences will serve them well in today’s tough job market.” — The Insider’s Guide to Colleges

“This is a fast-paced, high-tech school for go-getters who already know where they want to be. After a rigorous education, more than 90 percent of RIT graduates go into the job market, with a significant boost from the school’s cooperative education program.” — Fiske Guide to Colleges

“For science and technology, RIT is a superior choice. RIT also has an excellent liberal arts program since students must understand both technological developments and philosophical and ethical issues presented by technology.” — Guide to 101 Best Values in America’s Colleges and Universities

“The excellent cooperative education program, required in most majors, has placed printing management students aboard the QE2 cruise liner, turning out menus and the daily newspaper, and photography students at NASA, developing photos of Neptune. In sum, RIT is Rich In Treasures, at a price that, with the help of cooperative earnings, doesn't send most students or their families to the poor house.” — Barron's Best Buys in College Education

Dr. William W. Destler became president of Rochester Institute of Technology on July 1, 2007. He is the ninth president in the university's 182-year history. He was formerly senior vice president for academic affairs and provost of the University of Maryland at College Park. At RIT, Dr. Destler is responsible for one of the nation's leading career-oriented universities with 17,200 students from all 50 states and more than 100 foreign countries, 3,400 faculty and staff, an annual operating budget of more than $629 million, and an endowment of nearly $600 million. The university has one of the oldest and largest cooperative education programs in the country.

 

Dr. Gerard Buckley is the NTID President and RIT Vice President and Dean. He has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including more than 20 years serving in a variety of capacities at NTID. Learn more about President Buckley here.

Financial aid may include student loans, student employment, combinations of grant-in-aid, Vocational Rehabilitation and federal and state grants that are available for students in need. RIT's Financial Aid Office has more information.

RIT is truly an affordable choice   Because RIT receives special federal support for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, you can get a top-quality education at a substantially reduced rate. Deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate and graduate students who attend RIT pay only about one-third of RIT's regular tuition rate. Hearing students studying ASL-English Interpretation or the MSSE program also receive this reduced tuition rate.

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additional information on financial aid and scholarships can be found at the RIT Office of Financial Aid.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides services to individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing who need help to qualify for or to find a job. VR may assist with paying for college. States have various names for VR, and services vary depending on need and the state in which a student lives. The RIT Financial Aid Office will include an estimate of VR contributions to your education on your financial aid award letter. You need to apply to your state VR agency in order to qualify for those funds. It is important that you contact VR as soon as possible to learn your state's VR process and requirements so that you can benefit from their services and funding resources.