Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) at the Universite of the Incarnate Word equips students with the technical and creative skills, and the professional business preparation they need to succeed in the competitive photo industry, or for further study in a Master of Fine Arts program.
Why Photography?
Photography allows artists to communicate through imagery. With commercial and portrait photography in continual demand, students who pursue a degree in photography at UIW gain expertise in photography techniques such as studio lighting, studio portraiture and photography editing.Photography Curriculum
The B.F.A. in Photography is a 121-hour degree program with coursework that incorporates the skills necessary for a successful career in portrait photography, fashion photography, magazine photography and other photographic fields. To complement the Photography degree, requirements also include coursework in business, accounting and marketing, which provide an important foundation for future work in the arts and any related field.
Students learn from and work with internationally renowned faculty, who have had work exhibited in spaces all over the world.
Advanced Photography courses provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to further develop their knowledge of technological, artistic and creative skillsets to successfully produce competitive photographic work. Advanced courses include Digital Photography, Documentary Photography, Directorial Photography, Landscape Photography, Photographic Portraiture and Lighting and Art Photography. Additionally, Photography majors are to complete a Senior Capstone or Senior Photography Portfolio.
Internship in Photography
As part of their degree program, students will take ARTS 4388: Internship in Photography. In this course, students will acquire hands-on knowledge of professional photographic practices through internships with a professional photographer. Classes will take place at a photographic studio. Throughout the semester, students will refine their use of lighting, studio management, processing, printing and digital photography.
The Kelso Art Center provides the resources and facilities needed for students to receive a superlative arts education. The facility has separate spaces and designated studios for drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and art history as well as three galleries including a student gallery. It offers students updated technologies and resources including a computer lab for digital photography, two darkroom labs for photo classes, and a designated lighting studio for photography students as well as an exposure unit for photographic screen-printing processes.
Careers in Photography
UIW Photography graduates pursue careers in the arts and design industry such as commercial photography, editorial, advertising, journalism, editing and design. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for portrait and commercial photographers is projected to grow. Many photographers are also self-employed or entrepreneurs, which graduates of the UIW Photography program are well-prepared to pursue.