Undergraduate
The undergraduate photography program develops the student's knowledge of various conceptual approaches to the medium supported by strong technical skills in both traditional and innovative methods of production. Students develop verbal and critical skills necessary to participate in contemporary discourse in the field, and investigate various methodologies in the development of significant portfolios of work. Students have the opportunity to complete advanced technical work in the areas of black and white, color, view camera, computer imaging and studio lighting. History of photography courses are regularly offered by the Art History Department, and field trips and an extensive visiting artist/photographer lecture series are offered to broaden the learning environment and explore a variety of viewpoints. Recent visiting photographers have included Joel-Peter Witkin, Barbara DeGenevieve, Chester Higgins, Andres Serrano, Lorie Novak, Anne Turyn, Gregory Crewdson, Ann Fessler, Merry Alpern, Sylvia Plachy, David Armstrong and Judith Golden.
Opportunities after graduation
The primary emphasis of the program is the development of conceptual abilities, technical skills and critical thinking in photography. Students emerge from this background equipped for a range of careers. Many students continue their involvement with photography as exhibiting artists and go on to attend some of the best graduate photography programs in the country. A sampling of recent graduates also includes students who are successful commercial studio photographers, skilled computer technicians, managers of their own architectural or studio photography businesses, in-house industrial photographers, practicing photojournalists, picture editors and gallery/museum personnel.
