The Photography Department supports a wide range of serious photographic genres. Central to the Photography Department’s curricular structure is the idea that all undergraduate students in photography will receive a core foundation, which encompasses a broad range of photographic practices.

The common goals and objectives for all BA students are:

• Students should demonstrate the ability to produce photographic work consistent with high professional standards.
• Students should demonstrate an applied understanding of the visual grammar of photography and the ability to incorporate technical, formal and conceptual competencies in their creative work.
• Students should be able to articulate in verbal and written form the key technical, formal and conceptual issues in their creative work and the work of others.
• Students should develop portfolios representative of their advanced photography coursework.
• Students should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the history of photography and contemporary photographic practice and be able to relate their work to this history and practice.

A note about the BA/BFA distinction:
The distinction between the BA and the BFA is not merely one of credit hours, but also of curricular intent.

The BA is a liberal arts degree that focuses on photography in the context of a broad program of general studies at the college level. The BA offers the option to choose a 12 credit area of concentration within photography but students may also elect to take a general BA in photography. The BA involves a higher portion of courses outside the department than the BFA, including substantial interdisciplinary opportunities and the option of a minor or a double major in other departments. Students may, of course, choose to take additional electives in photography beyond the required 42 credit hours without choosing to apply for the BFA and may pursue those additional courses in a self-directed manner.

Optional concentrations include Fine Art, Photojournalism, and Commercial. Students may also choose a general Photography degree.

Students must earn a “C” or better in all major courses. The Photography Department also offers a Second Bachelor of Arts in Photography with no concentration, and a Minor in Photography.

Program Requirements  

Learn about the Department