Documentary and news photographers inform and influence our grasp of current events; commercial photographers meet the image needs of business and industry; and fine art photographers help us comprehend culture and society. Since photography is a medium that contributes to both the cultural and economic aspects of society, its students are well-positioned to pursue art as a life’s work.
In Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s photography program, vision – design sophistication and the ability to see photographically – is of primary importance, regardless of its application. Students discover how craft and vision are inextricably bound, and develop strong visual skills and knowledge of traditional, digital and experimental photographic processes.
A required internship provides an opportunity to make contacts within the industry and discover aspects of photographic practices that correspond with one’s abilities and interests. These professional opportunities, in addition to coursework, prepare students for life after graduation.
Photography Curriculum
Sophomore Year
Fall Semester
PH 205 History of Photography I: 1800 – 1925 1.5 CR
PH 207 Photographic Techniques: Pre-Visualization to Print 3.0 CR
PH 209 Digital Methods for Black-and-White Image Making 3.0 CR
General Elective 1.5 CR
Liberal Arts 6.0 CR
Spring Semester
PH 206 History of Photography II: 1925 to the present 1.5 CR
PH 212 Lighting and Advanced Digital Camera 3.0 CR
PH 214 Digital Methods for Color Image Making 3.0 CR
PH 215 Color Materials and Process 3.0 CR
Liberal Arts 6.0 CR
Junior Year
Fall Semester
PH 307 Advanced Color: Theory and Practice 3.0 CR
PH 308 Contemporary Issues in Photography I 3.0 CR
PH 313 Introduction to Large Format Photography 3.0 CR
Photography Core Elective 1.5 CR
Liberal Arts 6.0 CR
Spring Semester
PH 310 Advanced Lighting Studio 3.0 CR
PH 311 Professional Practices I 3.0 CR
PH 314 Narrative Structures: Videography and Digital Editing 3.0 CR
Photography Core Elective 1.5 CR
Liberal Arts 3.0 CR
Summer Internship (required, non-credit)
Senior Year
Fall Semester
PH 401 Senior Thesis I 3.0 CR
PH 406 Digital Color Management 3.0 CR
PH 422 Photo Installation and New Media 3.0 CR
Photography Core Elective 1.5 CR
General Elective 1.5 CR
Liberal Arts 3.0 CR
Spring Semester
PH 402 Senior Thesis II 3.0 CR
PH 407 Professional Practices II 1.5 CR
PH 423 Contemporary Issues in Photography II 1.5 CR
Photography Core Elective 1.5 CR
General Elective 3.0 CR
Liberal Arts 6.0 CR
For more information on the photography curriculum or course descriptions, please download our current catalog.
Statement of Goals & Outcomes: Photography Department
Students who successfully complete the program will:
• Learn to use form, content and context in the service of clear visual communication.
• Learn the technical skills needed to produce a body of work in both film-based and digital technologies that meet professional standards for fine art and applied photography.
• Demonstrate knowledge of historic and contemporary issues in the practice of the medium and understand its relevancy to their work.
• Learn to work as professionals both in class and in preparation for post-graduate careers in photography.