CSULB School of Art

The CSULB School of Art is among the largest and most comprehensive publicly funded art schools in the United States, offering a wide spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs. Among its eight specialized BFA tracks is Photography, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing both rigorous craft training and conceptual development in lens-based art.

The Photography Program at CSULB enables students to engage deeply with both analog and digital practices. Coursework incorporates studio instruction in camera operation, darkroom processes, digital imaging, and alternative techniques. The program also emphasizes critical discourse and historical context, teaching students to weave theory, history, and cultural awareness into their photographic work.

CSULB supports student work with a number of well-equipped facilities. The program uses the School of Art Print Center (located in FA4-107C), which offers high-quality inkjet printing on Epson wide-format devices, as well as laser printing for drafts. Students may also rent lockers and borrow video gear for gallery exhibitions. In addition, the School of Art maintains multiple computer labs for image editing, processing, and digital production. The campus also has a dedicated Photography Lab, a professional facility that supports imaging workflows and creative experimentation.

Beyond equipment, the faculty in the photography area are active artists and scholars working across fine art and commercial contexts. This ensures mentorship that is connected to both contemporary photographic practice and the gallery world. Students benefit from visiting artists, critiques, exhibitions, and support for building portfolios directed toward graduate study, residencies, or professional opportunities.

With robust facilities, a strong conceptual framework, and a wide-ranging curriculum, CSULB’s photography program offers students the opportunity to master both the technical and expressive dimensions of the medium. Students are well positioned to transfer to graduate programs, contribute to the art world, or pursue careers in photographic fields.