My d goes to RIT (she's a graphic design major). I don't think a portfolio is needed for photo majors. RIT does offer a photojournalism BFA. From what I see, the photojournalism major only takes one qtr of drawing and 2 qtr of 2D. My d was sort of in the same situation because she only decided junior yr she might be interested in art (after taking some drafting & computer based graphic communications/advertising art classes). She was definitely lacking in studio art (but did have 4 yrs of language, tons of lab science and math through calculus haha). She only had one basic art class freshman yr and another intro to studio senior yr (that she had to beg to get into - she didn't have the drawing and painting prerequisite classes. She also took a drawing class (out of fear) at a county college which was very basic. And she had to come up with a portfolio!
She has found RIT to be very demanding and most of the kids have LOTS of art experience/training BUT she has made up for it by working hard (and she's a perfectionist). She found that some of the more talented kids rush through (thinking they know everything or don't care if it's their best work) and get worse grade than she does. She works really hard, putting in lots of hours, but has received As and has had some of her work showcased (mostly 3D). She has found drawing to be the hardest class, especially figure drawing. Graphic Design majors have to take lots of drawing, 2D and 3D (unlike photo majors).
So, if your child is really interested in doing photo, don't let his lack of studio art hold him back. Maybe try a CC class or summer program to get him started.
Try this link to read more about RIT's curriculum (page 15 for photojournalism).
http://www.rit.edu/%7E932www/ugrad_b.../pdfs/cias.pdf ![bbtitle]](/images/misc/cc_logo.gif){kind=logo}
