BFA.PHOTO.120 - BFA in Photography
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2025 - 2026 | Curriculum | 4-year program
Following the first-year program in Experimental and Foundation Studies, in your sophomore year you begin the Photography BFA program by exploring analog and digital processes and techniques via various camera formats, traditional darkroom print production and digital workflows. Through close examination of photographs, you engage in deep critical thinking to develop a visual literacy informed by the history of photography, as well as seminars focused on the impact of photography in visualizing difference in class, race, gender and identity.
During junior year you expand on this knowledge, focusing on experimentation within the photographic medium and others, as well as materials, subjects and approaches to making. At this time you begin to produce self-directed projects, areas of inquiry, methods of research and articulation of conceptual and abstract ideas through group critiques, writing assignments and public presentations.
Your senior year is focused on developing work that will map a trajectory for an artistic practice that sustains itself beyond the bounds of the BFA and into a professional practice. The capstone degree project is a written thesis composed of critical reflection, influence and a definition of the scope and evolution of your own work, complemented by self-designed solo and two-person exhibitions in the Red Eye Gallery, the department’s dedicated exhibition space.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the BFA program are prepared to:
develop personally driven work that demonstrates complexity and individuality.
approach their practice as an evolving, exploration of forms, ideas, issues, and materials that are the culmination of work ethic, reflection and research.
shape the context and dialogue around their work through oral presentations and writing.
show proficiency in advanced analog and digital techniques and how those techniques relate to the construction of meaning.
demonstrate understanding and sensitivity of the power relationships of representation and photography.
present ability to critically reflect on one's own work and others from open, challenging and collective viewpoints.
First year | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
15 | studio elective | 3 | 12 | ||
Sophomore | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
PHOTO 5302 - Sophomore Lab | 3 | optional | PHOTO 5303 - Sophomore Studio | 3 | |
LAEL 1034 - Histories of Photo I | 3 | LAEL 1039 - Histories of Photo II | 3 | ||
Liberal Arts | 3 | PHOTO 5308 - Digital Imaging I | 3 | ||
major, non-major or open electives | 6 | PHOTO 2183 - Topics: The Image & Difference | 3 | ||
Liberal Arts, major, non-major or open electives | 3 | ||||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 | ||
Junior | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
PHOTO 5305 - Junior Studio | 3 | optional | PHOTO 5306 - Junior Studio | 3 | |
PHOTO 5311 - Advanced Digital Imaging I | 3 | Liberal Arts | 6 | ||
Liberal Arts | 6 | major, non-major or open electives | 6 | ||
major, non-major or open electives | 3 | ||||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 | ||
Senior | |||||
FALL | WINTERSESSION | SPRING | |||
PHOTO 5307 - Senior Studio | 3 | optional | PHOTO 5398 - Degree Project | 6 | |
Liberal Arts | 6 | PHOTO 5360 - Undergraduate Seminar | 3 | ||
major, non-major or open electives | 6 | Liberal Arts, major, non-major or open electives | 6 | ||
total credits | 15 | total credits | 15 |
notes:
LIBERAL ARTS - 39 TOTAL CREDITS, 30 TAKEN AFTER THE FIRST YEAR including HPSS S301. See Liberal Arts Division for specific requirements. LAEL 1034 Histories of Photo and LAEL 1034 Histories of Photo II are required Liberal Arts electives for Photography majors
MAJOR ELECTIVES -12 CREDITS in Photography
NON-MAJOR ELECTIVES - 12 CREDITS from studio subjects outside of Photography
OPEN ELECTIVES - 6 CREDITS may be a combination of studio courses, including Photography