Susquehanna University
BA in Studio Art – Photography

Selinsgrove, USA

DEGREE TYPE

DURATION

4 years

LANGUAGES

English

PACE

Full time

APPLICATION DEADLINE

EARLIEST START DATE

STUDY FORMAT

On-Campus

* November 1 — Early Action 1. November 15 — Early Decision. December 1 — Early Action 2. February 1 — Regular Decision admission application deadline; late applications welcome as space permits. March 1 — International Students

Key Summary

About : The BA in Studio Art – Photography offers a comprehensive exploration of photography as an art form. This program focuses on both technical skills and artistic expression, preparing students to create compelling visual narratives. Students will engage in hands-on projects and critique sessions that enhance their understanding of photographic techniques and concepts.

Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including roles as professional photographers, photo editors, art directors, and photographic artists. This degree also provides a strong foundation for further study or teaching opportunities in the arts.

Focus on art and profession

The photography major is focused on the development of students as artists and practicing professionals. In addition to mastering the camera and associated technology, students will develop a distinctive personal style through their experiences inside and outside the classroom. Majors are well versed in historical and contemporary art and are given numerous opportunities to exhibit their work, travel, and receive feedback from faculty and peers. Prior to graduation, students will professionally mount a public exhibition of the work in The Lore Degenstein Gallery, where they will gain experience in a professional gallery with museum standards.

Majors enjoy 24-hour electronic card-swipe access to all art facilities and state-of-the-art computer labs, open only to departmental students. The digital photography classroom is equipped with high-end professional studio lighting, seamless cloth and paper backgrounds, and dedicated lecture, critique, and production spaces.

Required independent coursework and a cross-disciplinary approach allow students to investigate and experiment with multiple ways of creating art. Students are encouraged and given ample time to develop a distinctive and personal visual style.

Requirements for Photography Concentration

When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s), and the Academic Planning Tool.

Double-counting rules within the department of Art and Design

Students may double count 16 semester hours BA to BA;
Students may double count 8 semester hours department minor to BA or BFA;
Students may double count 4 semester hours department minor to department minor;
Students may not have a photography minor and a studio art major;
Students may not have a BA and BFA within the department.

Double-counting restriction

Students in the Art and Design Department may, with department head approval, complete more than one major and/or minor in the department.

Departmental Honors

The department awards honors status for graduation for students receiving a 3.70 or higher GPA in the studio art, graphic design, or art history major.

Off-Campus Study

Junior and senior studio art and art history majors are encouraged to spend a semester studying away from campus as part of the university’s GO program. Susquehanna studio art and art history majors have access to art centers all over Europe, particularly in London, Florence, the south of France, and Paris. A liberal arts program at Regent’s College in London is one of the special programs available to art majors. Others may choose extended off-campus study in New York or Washington, D.C. This experience enriches the artistic spirit and opens up avenues for future careers. Students with modern language interests can combine language and art studies abroad.

Art History, Studio Art, and Graphic Design Internships

The department encourages its majors to complete internships, which provide a valuable introduction to the professional art world. Studio art and art history majors typically complete internships at museums and galleries, while graphic design majors are expected to pursue internships at design firms, publishing houses, and advertising agencies. All students may receive major credit for approved internships.

Requirements for the Major in Studio Art

The Bachelor of Arts in studio art requires 46 semester hours of art department courses with grades of C- or better.

20 General Requirements

4 ARTH-101 Introduction to World Art I: Prehistory to 1400
4 ARTH-102 Introduction to World Art II: 15th to 20th Century
4 ARTS-111 Foundations of Art I
4 ARTH-300 or higher Art History Elective
4 ARTS-402 Senior Portfolio

6 Art Electives:

Choose 6 semester hours from art department courses.
Additional independent study and internship credits are applicable.

Photography Concentration: 20 hours

4 ARTS-243 Digital Photography
4 ARTS-244 Advanced Photography
8 ARTS-341 Topics in Photography
4 ARTS-400 Independent Study (combination of two- or four-semester-hour sections)

Requirements for Minor

The minor in photography requires five courses, totaling 20 semester hours, with a grade of C- or above. Required courses are ARTS-243 Digital Photography; ARTS-244 Advanced Photography; one elective course chosen from ARTS-113 Drawing, ARTG-251 Computer Applications in Graphic Design, and ARTS-341 Topics in Photography; and one art history course chosen from ARTH-215 History of Photography, ARTH-310 Modernism and the Avante-Garde, ARTH-412 Contemporary Art and ARTH-313 Women in Art.