Photography, BA

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.

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 choose to take additional electives in photography beyond the required 42 credit hours and may pursue those additional courses in a self-directed manner.

Students can choose to pursue a general photography degree or select from a list of concentrations that include Commercial, Fashion, Fine Art, and Photojournalism.

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 | 4 Year Planning Tool | Transfer Planning Tool

Commercial

The Commercial Concentration offers students the opportunity to study and practice multiple roles and skills in the increasingly diverse field of commercial photography. Students will take a core set of photography courses that focus on photographic principals and skills including digital imaging, studio lighting and photo history. Students will have the opportunity to study and practice the roles of photographer, stylist, digital technician and studio assistant at various points in the concentration preparing them for a wide variety of career opportunities. Advanced level commercial courses offer students the opportunity to refine their skills, create a personal vision, and build a unique body of work.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool

Fashion Photography

The Fashion Photography Concentration offers students a unique experience to work with industry professionals and collaborate with Photography Department partners as they explore what it means to be a fashion photographer in the 21^st century. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with students in the Fashion Studies Department to gain a greater understanding of how the latest fashion trends are developed. Students will take a core set of photography courses that focus on photographic principals and skills including digital imaging, studio lighting and photo history. Advanced level courses offer students the opportunity to refine their skills in the studio and on location in order to refine their personal vision and create a unique body of work.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool

Fine Art

The Fine Art Concentration offers students the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of photographic history and contemporary art practice to support the development of a body of work in upper level topical and seminar classes. The Fine Arts Concentration offers a core set of photography courses that focus on photographic principals and skills including digital imaging, studio lighting and photo history. The Fine Art Concentration aims to prepare students for graduate school and/or a variety of careers centered on making, exhibiting and publishing photographs. The Fine Art Concentration invites students to progress through a rigorous and engaging curriculum in which one can refine their personal vision and develop a unique body of work.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool

Photojournalism

The Photojournalism Concentration offers students the opportunity to practice a variety of photojournalism topics including, but not limited to, spot news, sports, editorial and documentary. The Photography Department takes a multi-media approach to photojournalism in order to reflect the rapidly changing field. Students will take a core set of photography courses that focus on photographic principals and skills including digital imaging, studio lighting and photo history. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the Communication and Media Innovation (‘CMI’) Department in order to gain a greater understanding of what it means to be a Photojournalist in the 21^st century. Photojournalism courses and internships offer students the opportunity to refine their skills, create a personal style, and build a unique body of work.

Degree Requirements | Transfer Planning Tool