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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Photography

Studies in photography at Grand Valley State University encompass the history, critical and aesthetic theory, and varied practice of photography as a medium of visual communication and expression in culture and society.

The photography program, in supporting the mission of the Department of Visual and Media Arts and the university, develops liberally educated professional image-makers and media scholars through student-centered inquiry and practice in visual communication and the history, theory, criticism, and production of photographic images using state-of-the-art methods, tools, and facilities.

Students are encouraged to explore a variety of photographic formats, including 35mm and 4x5 view camera, and to acquire experience in black and white, color, and digital imaging processes.

Working closely with a faculty advisor, students plan at least 37 semester credits directly relating to photography, plus the communications core (nine credits), and the Capstone (three credits). Students connect photography to related fields in the visual arts, performing arts, business, media and publications, and the humanities. The emphasis of the photography program is on the students' growth as educated picture makers who not only know photography, but also know something about themselves, about the world around them, and about the culture that has shaped them. Students are expected to develop working knowledge in many areas of visual communication and are encouraged to pursue elective studies in areas that provide a broad understanding of social and cultural issues and the role of the visual communicator in contemporary society.

Students beginning the photography curriculum with no prior credits toward the major are encouraged to take PHO 171 - Photo I and PHO 266 - History of Photography I in the fall semester, and PHO 172 - Photo II in the winter semester of their first year. All others are encouraged to meet with their advisor before scheduling courses in the photography sequence. A digital SLR and a laptop are recommended for the program.

Requirements for a Major in Photography

Core Courses

All students majoring in photography must complete the following core courses, for a total of nine credits:

B.A. and B.S. Requirements

B.A. in Photography Degree

The Bachelor of Arts degree in photography requires a third-semester proficiency in a foreign language of the student's choice.

B.S. in Photography Degree

The Bachelor of Science degree in photography requires the following three courses:

Photography Core

Nine courses, for a minimum of 28 credits.

Elective Courses

Required: Any course in ART or FVP not included previously AND a minimum of nine elective credits must be chosen from the following list of courses:

Suggested Order of Coursework

Students should complete the following courses during year one:

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

Photography Program Description

Click here for the program description.


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