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Photography, Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Photography provides experience, training, and theory in the techniques of digital photography, as well as the opportunity for students to develop their creative eye. The coursework includes studio and location photography, the use of computer image adjustment, working with light, and managing workflow. In addition, the core communication courses provide the essential skills of writing, critical thinking, and communication. Students who pursue this degree will have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and will be required to produce a senior portfolio project.

University Requirements

To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, students must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

• All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
• All requirements for the specific academic plan(s).
• At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
• At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above).
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

Overview

In addition to University Requirements:

• 39 units of major requirements
• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
• Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units. Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact an advisor for details.
• Minimum Units for Completion: 120
• Major GPA: 2.5
• Highest Mathematics Required: MAT 114
• University Honors Program: Optional
• AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A: Recommended
• Progression Plan Link: View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The BS in Photography combines the science, art, application, and practice of creating images digitally or on film through industry-based software, studio lighting, and on-location field instruction. Coursework provides students with a theoretical and technical sequence of instruction to professionally create, print, and display photographic work; work in varied lighting situations; adapt to the environment around them; critically analyze photographic art; develop profitable business and marketing strategies.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate working knowledge of industry standard business practices in commercial, fine art, and editorial disciplines by:
  • Competitively pricing products and services.
  • Competently negotiating fees and agreements with clients.
  • Handling image rights and model releases.
  • Developing profitable business and marketing strategies.
  • Selecting the best technology for each photographic project.
• Produce photographic work that is consistent with high professional standards.
  • Solve creative and technical problems that include project parameters and modeled client expectations.
  • Make creative decisions that optimize conceptual impact, cohesiveness, and memorability of created images.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of metering, lighting ratios, color compensation, and digital workflow.
• Create works in a variety of lighting situations including: available light; studio lighting, both electronic and continuous; and location lighting.
• Articulate in verbal and written form the key technical, formal, and conceptual issues in their creative work and the work of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, political, and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed.
• Critically analyze and evaluate examples of photographic art, and revise their work based on faculty and peer critiques.

Field Photography Courses

• Exercise safety and precaution necessary for photography in urban and remote outdoor environments.
• Describe, discuss, and conduct photography according to ethics of various urban and remote outdoor subjects and environments.
• Utilize advanced mobile photographic equipment to produce images that meet professional standards in a variety of on-location photographic approaches.
• Manage dynamic, unpredictable, and potentially harsh urban and remote outdoor subjects and environments for the purposes of photography.

Studio Photography Courses

• Employ advanced studio photographic equipment to produce images that meet professional standards.
• Conceptualize and stage in-studio projects while manipulating light, composition, color, backdrops, and other mise-en-scene elements.
• Shoot and develop film & utilize alternative photographic processes.
• Conceptualize and construct photographic images for strategic audiences.

Details

Major Requirements

This major requires 39 units distributed as follows:

• Photography Common Course Requirements: 27 units
• Photography Electives: 12 units

Take the following 39 units with a minimum GPA of 2.5:

• Photography Common Course Requirements (27 units)
  • COM 101, COM 200 with grades of 'C' or better (6 units)
  • PHO 100, PHO 101, PHO 200, PHO 300, PHO 409 (15 units)
  • PHO 310W which meets the junior-level writing requirement (3 units)
  • PHO 410C which meets the senior capstone requirement (3 units)
• Photography Electives (12 units)
  • Select 12 units from the following:
    • Field Photography Courses
      • PHO 305, PHO 306, PHO 307, PHO 405, PHO 406, PHO 407
    • Studio Photography Courses
      • PHO 302, PHO 303, PHO 304, PHO 402, PHO 403, PHO 404
    • Other Photography Courses
      • PHO 400, PHO 401, PHO 408

General Electives

Additional coursework is required if, after meeting the previously described requirements, a total of 120 units of credit has not yet been completed. These remaining courses can be taken from any academic area, allowing students to pursue their specific interests and goals.

Additional Information

See the School of Communication page for information about the Communication Core, Advising and Student Responsibilities, and Graduation Requirements. Students may take PHO 408 in their final two years before graduation; however, prior approval from photography faculty members is required. Some courses may have prerequisites; for prerequisite information, consult with an advisor.