Photography (MFA)

Image of woman dressed in red framed by paper cutout flowers

The MFA program provides advanced practice and intensive study of the photographic medium. Core curriculum covers historical perspective, advanced theoretical and conceptual development in traditional, experimental and digital photography capture, post-production and output. The program culminates with a formal thesis project and complete body of work that supports the thesis and showcases each student's unique vision and talent.

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree
Major Classes

This program is available online and on campus

School of Photography

PH 601

Photography Concept Major/3

Discover the importance of concept in photography, sharpen your technical and creative abilities, and learn to apply your individual artistic style in a concept-driven body of work as you set the foundation for advanced portfolio projects.

PH 603

The Language of Photography Major/3

Explore the contemporary language of photography and visual communication strategies through aesthetic, technical, and practical aspects of the medium. Examine artistic interpretation and technique by studying image capture, processing, and presentation methods in fine art, commercial, and documentary photography.

PH 608

Lighting Major/3

Gain hands-on experience using lighting equipment. You will learn studio lighting techniques, light modification, and creative lighting design to advance your professional photography portfolio. Explore how quality of light affects concept and mood in numerous photographic applications.

PH 612

The Nature of Photography Major/3

Explore photography as an intricate visual language. You will discover individual artistic expression using applied composition and photographic design skills and understanding relationships of form and narrative in single images and complete bodies of work.

PH 616

Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers Major/3

Learn to organize, edit, and create finished images using innovative tools in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. You will gain asset management, RAW processing, image editing, color correction, and print preparation skills using the latest release of Adobe CC.

PH 635

Digital Printing Techniques Major/3

Learn to make professional quality prints that meet industry presentation standards. Using various paper and print options, you will gain file preparation, color management, scanning, and printing skills to accurately reproduce color and black and white images.

PH 673

Portfolio: Concept and Development Major/3

Apply your knowledge of photographic concepts and techniques to your photography projects through concept development, image capture, and advanced-level critique. You will develop a cohesive and professional body of work for graduate committee review.

PH 674

Portfolio: Capture and Critique Major/3

Utilize your capture and concept abilities on an advanced-level photography project. You'll put knowledge gained from PH 673 into the ongoing development of your unique body of work, while receiving in-depth critique from faculty and peers.

Degree Requirements

Unit Requirements	Units
Major Coursework	30
Directed Study	18
Electives	6
Graduate Liberal Arts	9
Total	63

MFA PHOTOGRAPHY DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum grade of C in all required 63 units.
Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic Sensitivity course
1 Cross Cultural Understanding course
1 Professional Practices & Communications course

Additional Information

Graduate Liberal Arts

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

Produce an advanced-level thesis project within a digital or traditional specialization, demonstrating mastery and synthesis of the skills taught in the program

Thesis Project Development

Propose a solid concept suitable for refinement and development
Select an appropriately challenging and feasible project
Present a cohesive body of work
Successfully articulate the end result of the project
Demonstrate sufficient preparation for their project (research, problem solving)

Conceptual and Design Skills

Make creative decisions that optimize conceptual impact, cohesiveness and personal style
Integrate conceptual and technical elements of photography to convey a story, idea, or emotion
Effectively deploy design elements within the composition and presentation of the imagery

Technical Skills

Utilize effective lighting styles, techniques and equipment appropriate to art for commerce, photojournalism/documentary, or fine art applications, as determined by projects and professional focus
Master exposure, lighting ratios, and post–production skills as appropriate to the project

Communication and Analysis

Communicate ideas and proposals clearly, verbally and in writing, including defending work and choices made during capture, output and presentation
Demonstrate professional behavior throughout the review process
Critique their photographs with an understanding of technical, aesthetic, and historical context
Build on feedback to improve their body of work

Professional Readiness

Assemble a cohesive portfolio, which shows a unique personal view and style
Produce and present professional quality materials
Clearly articulate future plans and goals in the area of photographic specialty