Photography, BFA
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Photography, BFA
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Mary Schiller Myers School of Art
Program Contact
- Melissa Stallard
-
Associate Professor, Photography Area Coordinator
330–972–5958
Overview
The photography program in the Myers School of Art provides in-depth experience in black-and-white and color fine art photography using both film and digital technologies. You’ll also explore commercial photography and alternative approaches to the medium. The program emphasizes technical mastery and conceptual thinking, grounded in the historical and contemporary issues that shape photography today.
Admissions Requirements
Students must meet the general admissions requirements of The University of Akron.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Photography BFA pursue careers and opportunities in:
Fine art photography
Commercial photography
Studio practice or freelance work
Gallery/museum exhibition and curation
Graduate study in MFA programs
Arts nonprofits, publications, or creative entrepreneurship
What makes us unique?
Discover the experiences and connections that extend your photography education beyond the classroom.
Visiting artists
Learn from working photographers
Meet emerging and established photographers through visiting artist programs, including opportunities for one-on-one portfolio reviews.
Professional opportunities
Take your learning beyond campus
Explore opportunities to attend Society for Photographic Education regional and national conferences and connect with the broader photography community.
Student involvement
Connect with fellow photographers
Get involved with the Folk Photography Association, which builds connections among photography students through activities and its Visiting Artist Series.
The Akron Advantage
Explore photographic processes and develop your artistic voice through hands-on learning and creative practice.
Build experience in black-and-white and color fine art photography using film and digital technologies while exploring commercial photography and alternative approaches to the medium. Develop an understanding of the tools, materials and processes used in photography today, along with the historical and contemporary developments that shape the field.
Strengthen your conceptual thinking as you develop your individual approach to photography. Through your coursework, explore self-expression and personal development while building the technical and conceptual foundation for a final portfolio that reflects your growth as a photographic artist.
Build experience in black-and-white and color fine art photography using film and digital technologies while exploring commercial photography and alternative approaches to the medium. Develop an understanding of the tools, materials and processes used in photography today, along with the historical and contemporary developments that shape the field.
Strengthen your conceptual thinking as you develop your individual approach to photography. Through your coursework, explore self-expression and personal development while building the technical and conceptual foundation for a final portfolio that reflects your growth as a photographic artist.
Connect with visiting artists
Meet emerging and established photographers through visiting artist programs that bring lectures, conversations and portfolio reviews to Myers.
The Fred & Laura Ruth Bidwell Artist Series brings a visiting artist to Myers each year. The residency includes a public lecture and one-on-one portfolio reviews for current photography students.
Past artists: Philip-Lorca di Corcia, Jen Davis, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Chris Verene, Doug Dubois, Todd Hido, Andrea Modica, Martin Parr, Thomas Roma, Jason Salavon, Paul Shambroom, Brian Ulrich and William Williams.
The Folk Photography Association invites emerging and established fine art photographers to speak about their work and review photography student portfolios.
Past artists: Nate Mathews, Jeff Rich, Krista Wortendyke and Mike Smith.