Program Overview

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Photography Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a major in Photography is a professional degree that provides an intensive, in-depth exploration of photographic media. The program provides the most current technologies to develop an informed, personal vision and practice.

Program Details

We offer courses on analogue, digital, alternative, and historic darkroom practices and provide cutting-edge digital media and state-of-the-art darkroom facilities. Students can explore socially-engaged art through courses that highlight sustainability, social justice, and global learning in conjunction with community partners and study-abroad programs.

Major Requirements

• VAF104 Foundation Drawing (3 credits)
• VAF112 Foundation 2-D Design (3 credits)
• VAF117 Foundation 3-D Design (3 credits)
• VAF216 Design and Color (3 credits)
• VAP101 Foundation Photography (Satisfies CAP Arts) (3 credits)
• VAR299 The Exchange (0 credits)
• VAP201 Photography II (3 credits)
• VAP240 Digital Processes I (3 credits)
• VAP302 Photography III (3 credits)
• VAP320 Studio Practice I (3 credits)
• VAP340 Digital Processes II (3 credits)
• VAP330 Alternative Photography I (3 credits) or VAP420 Documentary Photography
• Earn 3 credits from at least one of the following:
  • VAP450 Photography Internship
  • VAP490 Special Problems in Photography
  • Another 3 credits in VAP 410 (repeatable)
• VAP499 Senior/Professional Seminar Photography (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) (3 credits)

Art History Requirements

• Select one course from:
  • VAH201 Survey of Art I (3 credits)
  • VAH202 Survey of Art II (3 credits)
  • VAH203 Survey of Art III (3 credits)
  • VAH382 History of Photography I (3 credits)
  • VAH483 PostColonial and Global Art Histories (3 credits)
• VA Elective at the 300/400 level (3 credits)

Elective Studies

12 hours in a non-visual arts field but relevant to the student's major and assists the student in achieving career goals. Including but not limited to:

• Business
• Sustainability
• Human Rights
• Marketing
• Communication
• Women and Gender Studies
• Theatre These courses may fulfill Liberal Studies, Humanities, or CAP requirements.

Total Hours

• Total program hours: 78
• Total hours to graduate: at least 120
• Additional requirement:
  • ASI150 Introduction to the University Experience (1 credit)