Program Overview

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Photography: Studio Art, B.F.A.

McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

From black-and-white film to modern digital photography, we will help you develop creative vision for powerful, concept-driven photography projects.

This close-knit program provides a supportive community while you build technical excellence in photographic concepts. You will learn not only how to compose and capture pictures but also about presenting them, preparing you for a career in photography or other creative fields.

Program Highlights

• Creative Support: Access darkrooms, digital printing labs, shooting studios, student exhibitions, and critiques to inspire creativity and build your network.
• Learn New (and Old!) Techniques: In addition to the latest technology in digital photography, you can experiment with film and get experience developing in the darkroom.
• Gear Provided: Check out a wide selection of cameras and other photography equipment to use for class projects and personal practice.
• Pursue Your Interests: Pursue individual projects and create cohesive portfolios, books, and exhibitions in our upper-level courses.

What You’ll Study

Courses cover digital and film photography, theoretical discourse, and the development of photography in multiple cultures. In addition to taking photos, you will learn about photo installations, printing, and book publishing. You will also complete a solo exhibition.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

• Problem Solving: Identifying, analyzing, and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies
• Research: Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems
• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions or judgments
• Innovation: Introducing new ideas, methods, or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
• Planning and Strategy: Developing and implementing a comprehensive and effective approach to achieve specific goals
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support

Using Your Degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

• Potential Careers:
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Digital Imaging Specialist
  • Art Director
  • Educator
  • Museum Curator/Gallery Owner
• Job Titles of Alumni:
  • Photographer
  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Fine Artist
  • Videographer / Editor
• Average Alumni Salary: Five to 10 years after graduation without additional education $66,398
• Workplace Settings:
  • Photography
  • Museums
  • Galleries
  • Education
  • Marketing/Social Media
• Employers of Alumni:
  • Google
  • Nike
  • Richland Library
  • Hubbell Incorporated
  • University of South Carolina
  • Gupta Media

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

• Master's:
  • Studio Art, M.F.A.
    • McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

As I entered into the photo program, my knowledge and understanding of my chosen craft grew much more vast and my style started to come out thanks to the artistic inspiration I was always surrounded with via my professors and peers.

Sarah Kobos