Program Overview
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Documentary Studies
Program Overview
Explore the theory and practice of documentary expression with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Documentary Studies from the University at Albany. This interdisciplinary degree draws on courses in journalism, anthropology, art, art history, communication, documentary studies/history, and music, offering a broad perspective on today’s information landscape.
Program of Study
- Introductory courses: Explore the history and theory of documentary expression across multiple platforms, including print, audio, still and motion picture photography, and the web.
- Electives: Choose from a variety of areas, including nonfiction writing, documentary photography, audio and video production, and web design.
- Core Courses:
- Introduction to Documentary Studies
- Documentary Studies Seminar and Fieldwork Practicum (senior capstone)
- Skills Courses: Choose 4 from:
- Intermediate Photography and Digital Imaging
- Intermediate Digital Imaging
- Advanced Photography and Digital Imaging
- Advanced Digital Imaging
- Advanced Film Production
- Communication on the Internet
- Narrative Journalism
- Foundations of Documentary Filmmaking
- Introduction to Documentary Photography
- Foundations of Documentary Web/Hypermedia Production
- Photojournalism
- Workshop in Oral History
- Readings and Practicum in Aural History and Audio Documentary Production
- Practicum in Historical Documentary Filmmaking
- Readings and Practicum in Digital History and Hypermedia
- Readings and Practicum in Nonfiction Media Storytelling
- Transmedia Storytelling
- Broadcast Journalism
- Digital Media Workshop I: Web Publishing
- Digital Media Workshop II: Desk-Top Publishing
- Digital Publication
- Music Composition in Electronic Media I
- Sound Design and Multimedia
Applied Learning
Participate in on-campus and off-campus internships to gain valuable experience working alongside faculty and other professional practitioners. Some specific possibilities include:
- Recording podcasts or web videos
- Working at a local radio station or broadcast TV channel
- Editing a documentary piece
- Creating a virtual museum
Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option
Combine your Documentary Studies degree with the MS in Information Science program, an ALA-accredited master's program covering a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library science, information processing, information management, and data analysis.
Career Paths
The bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in documentary studies prepares you for various career options, including:
- Associate Producer
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Communications Director
- Publicist
- Graphic Designer
- Program Coordinator
- Reporter
- Secondary School Teacher
What Makes The University at Albany Great
- Living-Learning Communities: Live and take classes with other incoming freshmen who share your personal interests, passions, or intended academic major.
- Study Abroad: Become a global citizen with international experience crucial to success in business, education, research, and public policy.
- Undergraduate Research: Engage in research, scholarship, and creative activities across all academic disciplines, building a long-lasting mentoring relationship with a faculty member or principal investigator.
Explore Minors
Build competency in a passion or strengthen your resume with a minor, consisting of 18–24 graduation credits, including a minimum of 9 graduation credits of advanced coursework at or above the 300 level. Choose from a wide range of minors, including Acting, Africana Studies, Anthropology, Art, and more.
Program Outline
Interdisciplinary Studies - Documentary Studies
Degree Overview: The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Documentary Studies from the University at Albany equips students to investigate and advocate for critical topics through documentary expression. This program draws upon various disciplines including journalism, anthropology, art, communication, and music. It provides a comprehensive perspective on the contemporary information landscape and equips graduates with valuable research, writing, and editing skills. These skills prepare graduates for careers in various fields such as journalism, publicity, media production, and advocacy. The program also serves as a strong foundation for graduate-level studies.
Outline:
Introductory Courses:
- Introduction to Documentary Studies: Provides a foundation in the history and theory of documentary expression across diverse platforms.
- Documentary Studies Seminar and Fieldwork Practicum (Senior Capstone): A culminating project that involves hands-on experience in documentary research and production.
Electives:
Students have the opportunity to select 36 credits from a diverse range of electives offered by various departments, including topics in art, art history, communication, documentary studies/history, journalism, and music.
Skills Courses:
Students can further hone their skills in specific areas by selecting 4 courses from the following:
- Intermediate Photography and Digital Imaging
- Advanced Photography and Digital Imaging
- Advanced Film Production
- Communication on the Internet
- Narrative Journalism
- Foundations of Documentary Filmmaking
- Introduction to Documentary Photography
- Foundations of Documentary Web/Hypermedia Production
- Photojournalism
- Workshop in Oral History
- Readings and Practicum in Aural History and Audio Documentary Production
- Practicum in Historical Documentary Filmmaking
- Readings and Practicum in Digital History and Hypermedia
- Readings and Practicum in Nonfiction Media Storytelling
- Transmedia Storytelling
- Broadcast Journalism
- Digital Media Workshop I: Web Publishing
- Digital Media Workshop II: Desk-Top Publishing
- Digital Publication
- Music Composition in Electronic Media I
Careers: The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Documentary Studies prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including:
- Associate Producer
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Communications Director
- Publicist
- Graphic Designer
- Program Coordinator
- Reporter
- Secondary School Teacher The program also provides a strong foundation for pursuing an MA, MFA, or PhD in the field.
Other:
- applied learning
- Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option allows students to earn credits towards both their bachelor's and master's degrees, saving time and money.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
