While RIT is traditionally a teaching and career-focused university, its research programs are gradually expanding. The total value of the institute's research grants for FY 2003-2004 exceeded 30 million dollars.

In 1986, the institute founded the Chester Carlson Center for Imaging Science , and started its first doctoral program in Imaging Science in 1989. The Carlson Center features a diverse research portfolio; its major research areas include Digital Image Restoration, Remote Sensing, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Microdensitometry, Color Science, Silver Halides, Astronomical Imaging, Visual Perception, and Ultrasonic Imaging.

The Center for Microelectronic and Computer Engineering  was founded by RIT in 1986. The institute was the first university to offer a Bachelor's degree in Microelectronic Engineering. The Center's facilities include 50,000 square feet (4,600 m²) of building space with 10,000 square feet (930 m²) of clean room space; the building will undergo an expansion later this year. Its research programs include nano-imaging, nano-lithography, nano-power, micro-optical devices, photonics subsystems integration, high-fidelity modeling and heterogenous simulation, microelectronic manufacturing, microsystems integration, and micro-optical networks for computational applications. In 2002, RIT launched its second doctoral program in Microsystems Sciences and Engineering, the first of its kind in the nation, giving a boost to the Center's research activities.

The Center for Advancing the Study of CyberInfrastructure(CASCI)  represents the computing research arm of the university. The Departments of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, Imaging Science, and Bioinformatics collaborate in a variety of research programs at this multidiscliplinary center housed in its College of Computing and Information Sciences. RIT was the first university to launch a Bachelor's program in Software Engineering in 1996, and was also among the first universities to launch a Computer Science Bachelor's program in 1972.