Seattle University United States

Photography, BFA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at Seattle University invites you to explore the dynamic intersection of visual art, critical theory, and social impact. You will delve into diverse photographic modes and methodologies, responding to contemporary and historical issues of social justice through your creative practice. This undergraduate degree is ideal for aspiring artists who wish to develop a critical understanding of photographic history and theory while mastering professional-level techniques. You will engage with a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts, fostering both artistic expression and a deep awareness of the world around you.

This full-time, on-campus BFA program is structured over four years, providing you with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art digital labs, alternative processes darkrooms, and lighting studios. You will build a robust portfolio through assignments that emphasize photographic technique, critical theory, and professional exhibition standards, including opportunities for a photography internship. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of visual culture studies and the business of photography, prepared for diverse career paths in the arts and media industries, or for further graduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Fine Arts program in Photography provides a comprehensive education in the visual arts, encompassing core curriculum requirements, college-specific courses, and intensive major coursework. Students will explore foundational principles of photography, including black and white techniques, light control, and digital imaging, alongside historical and theoretical contexts. The curriculum also emphasizes professional development through courses on the business of photography and internships, culminating in a portfolio and contemporary practices seminar.

1 I. Core Curriculum Requirements

Academic writing seminar
Quantitative reasoning
Creative expression and interpretation
Inquiry seminar in the humanities
Inquiry seminar in the social sciences
Inquiry seminar in the natural sciences
Theological explorations
Philosophy of the human person
Ethical reasoning
Religion in a global context
Social sciences and global challenges
Natural sciences and global challenges

2 II. College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Constructing past and present I
Constructing past and present II
US in the world

3 III. Major Requirements

Foundations II: An introduction to video & sound art
Introduction to visual culture studies
Histories of photography
Introduction to film and media
Filmmaking I
Filmmaking II
Black and white photography seminar I
Black and white photography seminar II
Light control for photography
Business of photography
Photography production seminar
Theory and methods in photography
Documentary photography for social change
Contemporary practices and portfolio
Photography internship
Digital imaging
Digital illustration
Robots, machines and the body in avant-garde art in the 1920s and 30s
Art, culture, power
Modernism and the wider world
The contemporary art world
Histories of photography
Self-portrait: Picturing identity
Trauma, image, text
Dandies and dangerous women: Decadence and symbolism around 1900
Art and place in the Western United States
Ancient art’s contexts
History of design
New world baroque

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 57,825.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 57,825.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 57,825.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 57,825.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 231,300.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,039.00 - USD 1,919.00
Food & Groceries USD 4,200.00 - USD 6,000.00
Transport USD 1,200.00 - USD 1,800.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,440.00 - USD 2,400.00
Estimated Total USD 6,840.00 - USD 10,200.00

Living cost estimates are based on Seattle Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Blockchain & Emerging TechnologiesConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesCorporate Training & DevelopmentData Science & AnalyticsDevOps & Site Reliability EngineeringHardware & Semiconductor EngineeringLuxury Goods & AccessoriesNetworking & Internet ServicesSoftware Development & EngineeringSupply Chain & Freight Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Nordstrom

Seattle Public Schools

Why Study Photography, BFA at Seattle University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at Seattle University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Photography, BFA at Seattle University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without needing separate permits. Off-campus work is allowed after the first year with university approval.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as photographers, photojournalists, art directors, or curators.

What will I actually study in this course?

About this Program

Leading Edge Techniques That Make a Difference

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography at Seattle University allows you to explore diverse modes of expression and incorporate multiple perspectives and methodologies.

In collaboration with the renowned Photographic Center Northwest, our instructors and diverse course offerings encourage you to reflect on how the arts—and your own work—respond to contemporary and

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Photography BFA program has three intake months: January, March, and September. Make sure to apply for your desired start date in advance.
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