School of Photography
About Our MFA Program
The graduate program in Photography imparts a high level of digital and traditional photography
skill, graduate quality theory, and substantially educates and supports students in their
investigation of the applied and fine arts specializations. This is accomplished through the
mastery of specific skills according to the student’s needs; strong education in relation to
relevant theory; emphasis on the student’s personal vision; a professional faculty that provides
depth as well as breadth of experience; and facilities that provide a professional context for
study. Students have the opportunity to concentrate in the area of photography of specific interest
to them while becoming aware of core principles related to photography as a medium.
The philosophy of the Department is to support graduate students in becoming leaders rather than
followers in their area of specialization. Photography courses include a mix of studio courses,
individual advisement and seminars. Strong conceptual and technical knowledge is the underpinning
of the curriculum with a powerful and cohesive final Thesis Project being the tangible result.
MFA Program Learning Outcomes
School of Photography
MFA graduates of the School of Photography 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. Graduate students are
required to present a mid-point proposal and final presentation of the project to a review
committee prior to being granted an MFA degree.
-
Conceptual and Design Skills
- Make creative decisions that optimize the conceptual impact, cohesiveness, and memorability of
their images.
- Integrate conceptual and technical elements of photography to convey a story and elicit an
emotional response from the viewer.
- Effectively deploy design elements within the photographic image and intentionally compose to
lead the viewer’s eye within the frame.
-
Technical Skills
- Select effective lighting concepts, techniques and equipment for commerce, fine art and/or
photojournalism/documentary applications.
- Full technical understanding of 35mm, medium and large format cameras.
- Master exposure, lighting ratios and capture of the image.
- Facility with relevant technology and software for capture, manipulation and output.
-
Communication and Analysis
- Communicate ideas and proposals clearly. Verbally and in writing, defend their work and choices
made during capture and output.
- Critique 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.
- Understanding of business aspects of running a successful photography business.
- Effectively library and archive complete body of work.
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of
art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis
of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual,
oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and
design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and
contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for
art and design.
For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 800.544.2787
or
info@academyart.edu.
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