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Studio Art: Photography Degree
As a digital native, you have grown up in the time of the image, with camera phones producing better photos and more sophisticated editing options. So much so that everyone is calling themselves a photographer. But, you know there is more to the art of photography than the quality of the equipment. Photography is a form of communication, and it is a language that each photographer creates for themselves.
At 体育买球官网 University, you will learn both about art and the technical aspects of lighting, directing and editing photography. You will have 24/7 access to computer labs with the most up-to-date technology, editing software and printers. The digital photography classroom is equipped with high-end professional studio lighting, seamless cloth and paper backgrounds, and dedicated lecture, critique and production spaces — everything you need to create and execute your vision.
By studying photography in 体育买球官网 University’s liberal arts setting, you can combine your artistic vision and cultural aesthetic with your academic interests ranging from ecology to social justice to history to anthropology. Or, you could merge your photographic interests with journalism, creative writing or graphic design, just to name a few majors that would create a robust professional portfolio as you enter the creative job market. Additionally, before you graduate, you and your fellow photographers will mount a public exhibition of your work inThe Lore Degenstein Gallery, where you will gain experience in a professional gallery with museum standards.
department of art and design
AT SUSQUEHANNA, THE ARTISTIC POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS
Explore the vibrant community of creators who enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from esteemed faculty members.
SUSQUEHANNA By the Numbers
More Than Metrics
97%
of 体育买球官网 students study abroad
100%
of 体育买球官网 students work with a faculty advisor all four years
100%
of students receive financial aid through academic merit scholarships and need-based grants
12%
Top ranked among U.S. colleges for ‘return on investment’ for lifetime earnings of grads
Georgetown ReportExplore Your Studies
Program Resources
Introduces the principles, theories, and aesthetics of three-dimensional artwork. Emphasizes conceptual expression, as well as understanding of the physical world of form, space, and texture as related to art objects. 4 SH.
Introduces the principles, theories and aesthetics of drawing. Focuses on visual perception and delineation incorporating traditional and nontraditional drawing media. Also addresses life drawing and conceptual expression. 4 SH.
Introduces the principles, theories, and aesthetics of painting. Focuses on understanding color, composition, light, illusion, abstraction, and other visual expressions using oil and/or acrylic paint. Prerequisite: ARTS-111. 4 SH.
Introduces the principles, theories, and aesthetics of printmaking. Focuses on aesthetic intentions and techniques of producing multiple prints through various processes such as woodcut, linocut, monotype, collograph, and etching. Prerequisite: ARTS-111. 4 SH.
Introduces the principles, theories and aesthetics of black and white photography. Focuses on the fundamentals of observation, composition, camera use and darkroom work, including film processing and printing. Requires a 35mm camera (SLR) with manual override. 4 SH.
Introduces the principles, theories, and aesthics of digital photography. Focuses on the fundamentals of observation, composition, and camera use, as well as digital image manipulation and printing using computer software. Requires a minimum 5-megapixel digital camera. 4 SH.
Advanced course that expands upon the principles, theories, and aesthetics of photography and photographic processes introducted in ARTD-241 or ARTD-243. Requires a 35mm camera (SLR) with manual override or a 5-megapixel digital camera. Prerequisite: ARTS-243. 4 SH.
This course will vary in content with each offering as areas of particular relevance in studio art are explored. Each course title under this offering will bear a specific subtitle indicating the content to be presented. May be repeated with permission of the department head when course content changes. Prerequisite: ARTS-111. 2 or 4 SH.
This course will vary in content with each offering as areas of particular relevance in photography are explored. The course will require either a 35mm SLR camera with manual override or a 5-megapixel minimum digital camera, depending on the nature of the course topic. Each course title under this offering will bear a specific subtitle indicating the content to be presented. May be repeated with permission of the department head when course content changes. Prerequisite: ARTS-243. 4 SH.
Independent work in advanced studio art or graphic design projects with faculty supervision and guidance. (May be repeated.) Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and department head’s permission. 1-4 SH.
Required capstone course for studio art majors, to be taken during the senior year. Students will complete a cohesive body of artwork and exhibit to the public. Students will work with a faculty member to select and professionally present their art, write an artist statement and produce an exhibition catalog and announcement. Prerequisite: Senior standing. 4 SH. Capstone.
Internships offer a valuable experience for all art department majors and are traditionally taken during the summer between the junior and senior years or during the academic year. Art history majors may work with a museum, gallery or other art institution; studio art majors may intern at professional studios, galleries or museums; and graphic design majors normally take internships with design firms or advertising agencies. Some interns work for the university’s Lore Degenstein Gallery. Prerequisite: Department head’s permission. 1-4SH
When you enroll at 体育买球官网, 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 thecomplete 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).
Learning Goals
- Studio Art majors will prepare a cohesive body of work that demonstrates artistic proficiency and/or professional competency, in either painting and drawing, or photography.
- Studio Art majors can clearly and critically articulate the formal and conceptual aspects of their work relative to their educational experience.
- Studio Art majors will understand how to navigate professional activities in preparation for a career in the arts.
Double-counting rules within the department of Art & Design
- Students may double count 16 SH BA to BA.
- Students may double count 8 SH department minor to BA or BFA.
- Students may double count 4 SH 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. 体育买球官网 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.
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: 15thto 20thCentury
- 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)
When you enroll at 体育买球官网, 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 thecomplete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor and consult with their advisor(s).
Minor in Photography
The minor in photography requires five courses, totaling 20 semester hours, with a grade of C- or above.
Required courses
- ARTS-243 Digital Photography
- ARTS-244 Advanced Photography
- ARTS 341 Topics in Photography
One elective course chosen from the following:
- ARTS-113 Drawing
- ARTG-251 Computer Applications in Graphic Design
One art history course chosen from the following:
- ARTH-215 History of Photography
- ARTH-310 Modernism and the Avant-garde
- ARTH-412 Contemporary Art
- ARTH-313 Women in Art
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Straight from the Nest
“I’ve had the opportunity to take photographs for the music department, which has been a great environment for learning and growth. It’s very rewarding to see my photos on their Instagram feed and used to promote the department to prospective students. I’ve also photographed various university events, providing valuable additions to my portfolio for future employers.”
— Ella Collura ’25
EXQUISITE CAMPUS GALLERY FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Lore Degenstein Gallery exhibits artwork by both student and professional creators. It also hosts an annual national juried Figurative Drawing and Painting Competition, further elevating its collection and giving emerging artists a chance to shine.
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