Photography, BFA
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Photography
This program is no longer accepting applications as of Fall 2023.
The curriculum in photography requires 122 credit hours; its purpose is to encourage the study of photographic media for personal expression, to explore the social implications of pictures, and to develop the skills needed for careers in photography. General art requirements and electives provide a broad foundation in the visual arts, and photography courses provide a strong background in the history, theory, and practice of photography as art.
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Art and Design.
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Photography
Students in the School of Art and Design must complete the Campus General Education requirements. Some Art and Design courses will also apply toward the General Education requirements.
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Art and Design.
Students majoring in this degree program must complete the First Year Curriculum requirements before beginning other major requirements.
First Year Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FAA 101 | Arts at Illinois | 1 |
| ARTF 101 | Contemporary Issues in Art | 2 |
| ARTE 101 | Art, Design, and Society | 2 |
| ARTH 110 | Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture | 3 |
| Select one Drawing course: | 3 | |
| Observational Drawing | ||
| Expressive Drawing | ||
| Visualization Drawing | ||
| Select one course in 2D Category: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking (required for Studio Art: Printmaking) | ||
| Fashion Illustration (required for Studio Art: Fashion) | ||
| Beginning Painting (required for Studio Art: Painting) | ||
| Basic Photography (required for Studio Art: Photography) | ||
| Select one course in 3D Category: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Industrial Design | ||
| Ceramics Sculpture I | ||
| Jewelry/Metals I | ||
| Beginning Sculpture (required for Studio Art: Sculpture) | ||
| Select one course in 4D Category: | 3 | |
| Image Practice | ||
| Time Arts I | ||
| Interaction I | ||
| Total Hours | 20 | |
Photography Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 257 | History of Photography | 3 |
| ARTD 260 | 3 | |
| or ARTS 264 | Basic Photography | |
| ARTD 261 | 3 | |
| or ARTS 265 | Photography II | |
| ARTD 360 | 3 | |
| or ARTS 364 | Photography III | |
| ARTD 460 | (repeat twice in senior year) | 3 (6) |
| or ARTS 461 | Advanced Photography | |
| ARTD 393 | 3 | |
| or ARTS 394 | Special Topics in Photography | |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Photography Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select 18 hours from the following: | 18 | |
| Independent Study | ||
ARTD 262 | ||
or ARTS 266 | View Camera | |
ARTD 263 | ||
or ARTS 267 | Digital Photographic Output | |
ARTD 362 | (May be repeated up to 12 hours) | |
or ARTS 365 | Photography Workshop | |
ARTD 363 | ||
or ARTS 367 | RAW Photography | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art History Requirements | 9 | |
Advanced art history (200-level or above) | ||
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art + Design electives (art + design courses not in photography requirements or used as photography electives) | 15 | |
| Open electives as needed to total 122 hour degree | ||
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Photography
Undergraduate Photography graduates will have:
- acquired the ability to control the procedural construct of an image via camera, software and darkroom techniques.
- an understanding of and an ability to employ photography’s unique narrative structure.
- acquired a critical appreciation of the historical and social influences of the medium and the ability to evaluate their own work as well that of others via this construct.
- developed a cohesive body of work demonstrating technical competency and conceptual awareness.
for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Photography
School of Art & Design
School of Art & Design
Art & Design Faculty
Academic Coordinator of Undergraduate Academic Affairs: Michael Foellmer,
143 Art and Design Building, Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 244-8462
Academic Coordinator of Undergraduate Academic Affairs email
College of Fine & Applied Arts
Fine & Applied Arts