At a Glance
The Photography program produces artists who are technical masters, creative problem-solvers and professionals prepared for careers in photography.
Through a studio-based curriculum enhanced by studies in the liberal arts, BFA students explore all forms of lens-based media including digital and film photography, photoshop manipulation, alternative processes, studio lighting, video editing and large format photography.
An interdisciplinary approach enables students to develop their photographic skills supported by a knowledge of art history, visual culture and design.
Dedicated, professional faculty mentor students through a highly-individualized education tailored to each student’s artistic and academic goals, preparing them for careers in fine art or commercial photography or to pursue graduate work in the arts.
- Students will communicate with visual elements using the principle of design.
- Students will master the skills and processes required for film, digital photography, and video upon successful program completion.
- Students will understand and respond to historical and cultural influences that shape the contemporary art world.
- Students will be prepared for photo related careers by ensuring an understanding of technical, critical, ethical and professional skills.
- Black and white darkroom
- Alternative process darkroom
- Lighting studio (equipped with strobes, cool lights, large format cameras, backdrops, tripods, lighting accessories and props)
- Digital lab with: iMac workstations, large format Canon Printers, high resolution film scanners, Adobe CC
- Each student completes a professional internship. They gain experience, explore an area of personal interest, get on the job training and begin to form their network of professionals.
- In their final year, each student completes a yearlong senior project, which includes both research and visual work. It culminates with an exhibition, which is mounted in the gallery in Reisman Hall. Students have a hand in the entire process, from making postcards to installing the work and presenting it to the public.
- Most Photography majors choose one or more minors to complement their major. Popular choices are Art History, Studio Art, Multiplatform Journalism and Production and Pre-art Therapy.
- Portrait and event photography
- Commercial photography
- Fine art photography—exhibiting and selling work
- Photography educators at workshops and art centers
- Photojournalism and documentary photography
- Graduate studies in such areas as art education, studio art, photography, art therapy, art history and theory
Curriculum
All-College Competency #9: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Information Literacy:
SA 498 Senior Project: Research and Development (3 credits)
All-College Competency #10:
First Year Seminar (3 credits)
SA 499 Senior Project: Thesis Exhibition (3 credits)
Total General Education Credits: 39 or 40
FA 112 Art History II (3 credits)
FA 125 History and Contemporary Trends in Photography (3 credits)
FA 401 Contemporary Development in the Arts (3 credits)
Total Arts & Sciences Program Credits: 9
SA 111 Drawing: Composition and Perception OR SA 132 Structuring Human Space (3 credits)
SA 115 Careers in Art and Photography (1 credit)
SA 131 Design and Color Theory (3 credits)
SA 161 Digital Photography I (3 credits)
SA 168 Time, Movement and Narrative (3 credits)
SA 252 Black and White Film Photography (3 credits)
SA 263 Digital Photography II (3 credits)
SA 270 Studio Photography (3 credits)
SA 276 Computer Imaging (3 credits)
SA/FA 309 Special Topics in the Arts (3 credits)
SA 320 On Assignment: Editorial, Location and Documentary Photography (3 credits)
SA 325 Large Format Photo and Fine Printing (3 credits)
SA 361 Site and Space OR VC 375 Web Design I (3 credits)
SA 365 Alternative Processes (3 credits)
SA 372 Breaking the Frame (3 credits)
SA 381 Internship (3 credits)
SA 393 Internship Prep (1 credit)
SA 410 Professional Photography Practices (3 credits)
SA 493 Professional Practices and Portfolio (3 credits)
SA 3/4XX Intermediate SA (photo only) courses (6 credits)
SA XXX Career Elective (3 credits)
VC 118 Digital Foundations (3 credits)
Total Career Studies Credits: 65
Courses (Credits)
100-400 level (9)
Total Open Elective Credits - 9