To earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography at SVA, students must complete 120 credits as follows: 72 credits in studio, 30 credits in humanities & sciences, 12 credits in art history, and 6 credits in open electives. FIRST YEAR
You'll receive a methodical grounding in the rudimentary tools and techniques of photographic practice, but will be encouraged to think creatively and conceptually through immersion in symposium modules. Throughout the first year, study of photographic principles, optical and chemical information, color materials and "seeing" is emphasized; digital technology and practice is also introduced to provide a well-rounded foundation year.SECOND YEAR
As a second-year student, you'll continue to develop your technique while undertaking more self-directed projects on which you're encouraged to work impulsively and intuitively. Our goal is to give you as broad a focus as possible, and to help you reinterpret each genre-whether fine art or commercial-on your own terms. A variety of electives are available, and you'll be asked to take both the art photography and photography on assignment classes, which together frame the ways of working on commission. Digital classes remain a requirement.
THIRD YEAR
By now, with your technique largely mastered, you'll primarily be concerned with developing your own vocabulary and sensibility. Seminar and critique classes will be the primary venue in which to discuss content and the mapping of subject matter. You'll also be required to take classes in contemporary photography and theory, and all students must participate in the Photography Since 1960 seminars.
FOURTH YEAR
In your final year, with prospects of graduation and career beckoning, it is critical to maintain your focus and sense of challenge while pursuing your thesis project. Paradoxically, while winding up your undergraduate work, you'll be expected to keep probing deeper into photographic issues and to develop a healthy questioning attitude that will last you a lifetime. Finally, our Mentor program for selected students will match you with professional photographers, art directors or designers and help you make the transition to a successful career in photography. |
