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Two people stand in a gallery looking at a wall of photographs.

Our bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree program begins with the premise that photography is aesthetically complex and varied.

A group of people look at a cluster of framed photographs on a gallery wall.

Rather than promoting a particular tradition, we provide essential critical and technical skills to help you gain confidence to take risks and find your own voice.

And because contemporary photographic practices embrace a wide array of idioms, including cinema, documentary, fashion, ecology and other contemporary art, our classroom discussions are a marriage of professional skill development and a strong engagement with the world.

When we recently redesigned our B.F.A. degree program, we grappled with several questions: how has technology impacted the craft and concepts of photography? To what degree have commercial practices informed fine art photography? What skills and knowledge do students need to prosper during and after their education?

With these questions in mind, we created a program that immerses you in the creative process, giving you the confidence to produce work that is both technically and visually professional. Students have easy access to a range of professional cameras and lighting equipment through our check-out program. We maintain excellent digital, color and black-and-white facilities, allowing students to produce museum-quality photographs. And with our strong partnership with Light Work, a world-renowned photography center housed on the Syracuse campus, students benefit from access to their production facilities, lectures and workshops. Light Work also hosts our annual B.F.A. student exhibition, the Photography Annual.

By emphasizing creativity, intellectual development and the acquisition of skills, our students have succeeded in finding employment at museums, photo studios, magazines, galleries and in the fashion industry.

Video: Art Photography Open House

Art photography faculty and alumni talk about the program in this previously recorded virtual open house.

Watch the video

Program Highlights

Curriculum

The 121-credit curriculum includes major and academic requirements as well as studio and academic electives. As one of our students, you will be assigned a professional academic advisor who will guide you through your academic career and help you navigate class schedules, course selection and more.

Two people hang photographs on a wall.

Global Study

You can participate in study abroad or study away programs through VPA or Syracuse Abroad. Your VPA academic advisor can discuss your options with you.

A person takes a picture of a historic building in Torino, Italy.

Career Exploration

In addition to the career exploration opportunities offered by their major, art photography students have access to career advisors and services through the College of Visual and Performing Arts’ Office of Academic and Career Advising. The office connects VPA students with networking events, mentors and more.

Two people sit at a table looking at a laptop.