Seattle University - Cornish College of the Arts

At Seattle University’s Cornish College of the Arts, the photography program is part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary art community that values both creative expression and intellectual growth. Combining a rigorous arts education with the university’s Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, the program encourages students to explore photography as both a technical craft and a powerful medium for communication and social reflection.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art have the opportunity to study photography alongside other visual disciplines such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, and new media. This cross-disciplinary approach allows each student to experiment freely, blending traditional darkroom methods with digital image-making, video, and multimedia installations. The flexible curriculum also makes it possible to take complementary classes in music, film, or dance, encouraging collaboration and the development of a personal artistic language that transcends a single medium.

State-of-the-art facilities provide students with the tools to produce professional-quality work. Dedicated photography studios, digital media labs, and a green screen studio give ample space to explore lighting, composition, and editing techniques. The Multimedia Checkout Center offers access to cameras, lenses, and other specialized equipment, while small class sizes ensure close mentorship from faculty who are both practicing artists and experienced educators.

Students benefit from Seattle’s thriving art scene through internships and residencies with galleries, museums, and cultural organizations, including opportunities at the renowned Pilchuck Glass Studio Summer Session. Through these real-world experiences, they learn to navigate professional art environments, participate in exhibitions, and present their work effectively to the public.

Workshops, visiting artist lectures, and critiques from industry professionals further enrich the program, helping students refine their portfolios and prepare for careers in photography, visual arts, or creative industries. At Cornish College of the Arts, photography becomes not only a discipline but a lifelong means of artistic discovery and expression.