Art Degrees Online

The photography program is designed to encourage critical thinking and to expose students to the theoretical as well as technical practices of photography, in both the historical and contemporary spheres. By providing a multidisciplinary base, informed by a strong foundation in theory and criticism, students are able to balance the aesthetic, theoretical, and political aspects of photography, along with the rigorous technical expertise required to realize these goals.

A portfolio is not required to begin this major as a freshman. However, students are required to pass a comprehensive portfolio review in the spring of their sophomore year. The review is based on the student’s work in Purdue photography courses. Students not selected to continue in upper-level photography work with their academic advisor to change to their second-choice major.
Points of Pride
Photography is housed in the new Visual and Performing Arts Building, a state-of-the-art facility built specifically for the visual and performing arts at Purdue. This building includes chemical and darkroom facilities for black-and-white film development, digital color equipment, photo studios, and integrated computer systems to facilitate photography work and file manipulation.
This academic program yields a Bachelor of Arts rather than a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This helps students develop a well-rounded perspective, critical thinking, creative problem-solving abilities, and communication skills applicable to work in many environments – within and outside a photography studio or business.

This exciting new course will impart the skills necessary to meet the challenges posed by the latest developments within photographic technology. The course combines the practical and critical study of photography with a strong emphasis on new technologies and enterprise.

With the majority of images being captured, viewed and distributed digitally around the globe, digital photography has become an influential tool in modern communication. Technological advances and the changes in working practices have had an enormous impact on the face of the industry allowing the individual greater creativity.

The course will focus on the latest developments in digital imaging and also aims to develop the critical tools for thinking about the role of photography within contemporary media. You will develop your skills with both analogue and digital capture, production, post production, promotion and distribution.

In collaboration with enterprise partners both inside the university and beyond, you will
contribute to a ‘stock image’ digital library which promotes and sells the work of students. This course prepares you for your future career and provides a live professional environment from your very first day at university.

We will encourage you to explore this rapidly expanding industry and equip you with the entrepreneurial skills required to build your own successful photographic business.