Integrated Lens-Based Media

Program Overview

The Integrated Lens-Based Media program at Montana State University combines aspects of Film and Photography, allowing students to explore both disciplines in their art practice. Under the guidance of two advisors, students design a customized curriculum culminating in a comprehensive interdisciplinary capstone project. Graduates may pursue careers as professional artists or continue their studies in graduate school.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Integrated Lens-Based Media program combines aspects of Film and Photography programs, allowing students to explore aspects of filmmaking and photography in their art practice.
• Objectives: The program aims to prepare students to pursue careers as professional artists or continue their studies in graduate school.
• Description: Under the guidance of two advisors, one filmmaker and one photographer, students design a customized curriculum culminating in a comprehensive interdisciplinary capstone project.

Outline:

Year One

• Fall:
• FILM 112 - Aesthetics of Film Production I (3 credits)
• PHOT 113RA - The Magic of the Darkroom I (3 credits)
• Choose one:
• ARTZ 105IA - Visual Language: Drawing (3 credits)
• ARTZ 109IA - Visual Language: Comprehensive Foundation (3 credits)
• ARTZ 110RA - Visual Language: Ideation and Creativity (3 credits)
• University Core and Electives (16 credits)
• Spring:
• FILM 101IH - Understanding Film and Media (3 credits)
• PHOT 213 - The Magic of the Darkroom II (3 credits)
• University Core and Electives (19 credits)

Year Two

• Fall:
• FILM 212 - Aesthetics Film Production II (4 credits)
• PHOT 258 - View Camera (4 credits)
• University Core and Electives (17 credits)
• Choose one:
• FILM 201D - Film History I: Origins to the 1960s (3 credits)
• FILM 202D - Film History II: 1960s to the Present (3 credits)
• PHOT 255 - Intro to Color Photography (4 credits)
• Spring:
• University Core and Electives (18 credits)
• Choose one:
• FILM 201D - Film History I: Origins to the 1960s (3 credits)
• FILM 202D - Film History II: 1960s to the Present (3 credits)
• PHOT 255 - Intro to Color Photography (4 credits)

Year Three

• Fall:
• PHOT 401 - Contemporary Issues in Photography (3 credits)
• Choose two of the following:
• FILM 381 - Studies in Film (4 credits)
• FILM 481 - Advanced Studies in Film (4 credits)
• Production Electives (12 credits)
• Choose two from FILM and two from PHOT
• University Core and Electives (15 credits)
• Spring:
• PHOT 301 - Photography: Global Histories and Perspectives (3 credits)
• Production Electives (12 credits)
• Choose two from FILM and two from PHOT
• Additional Relevant Courses (2 credits)
• Senior Capstone (10 credits)
• FILM 490R - Undergraduate Research
• PHOT 490R - Undergraduate Research
• FILM 499 - Senior Production

Teaching:

• Students work closely with a photographer and a filmmaker to design their own customized curriculum.
• The program's faculty includes members whose work has been celebrated at national and international film festivals.
• Montana State University offers hands-on experiences in research labs, art studios, teaching farms, and the surrounding wilderness.

Careers:

• Graduates may pursue careers as:
• Cinematographers
• Film & Video Editors
• Sound Designers/Mixers
• Fine Art Photographers
• Installation Artists