St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The Photography Program at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree designed to prepare students for dynamic and diverse careers in photography. With a curriculum totaling 132 credits, the program provides a comprehensive education that integrates technical mastery with artistic and intellectual development. Students are encouraged to explore photography as both a creative art form and a professional practice, gaining the expertise needed to succeed in fields such as fine art, documentary, and commercial photography.

Emphasizing both analog and digital methods, the program nurtures a balance between tradition and innovation. Students learn to work with film, digital cameras, lighting, and post-production techniques, while also developing an understanding of photography’s cultural, historical, and philosophical dimensions. This dual focus ensures that graduates not only produce technically accomplished work but also engage thoughtfully with the visual language and its influence on contemporary society.

A distinctive feature of the St. John’s program is its affiliation with the renowned International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City. This partnership provides students with the opportunity to earn certification in ICP’s General Studies or Photojournalism programs, extending their academic and professional credentials. Additionally, internships across New York’s photography studios, galleries, and media organizations give students valuable real-world experience and industry connections.

Throughout the program, students are guided by faculty members who emphasize critical thinking, ethical awareness, and creative problem-solving. Courses foster the ability to analyze and critique photographic imagery from multiple perspectives—technical, aesthetic, and conceptual.

Proudly accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Department of Art and Design at St. John’s upholds the highest national standards in art education. Graduates emerge with refined skills, a developed artistic voice, and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to the evolving photographic landscape.