BFA - Photography in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

The Art Department has unveiled a revamped B.F.A. program tailored for students who identify as both creatives and academics. This new framework merges the art department's immersive studio environment with expanded opportunities to explore electives across the university. Emphasizing cross-disciplinary connections, the department seeks to cultivate a generation of artists poised to become influential leaders in both artistic and intellectual spheres. Students can design a personalized academic path to develop a sophisticated artistic approach as early as possible. The B.F.A. program comprises two academic segments: department-specific art courses (64 credits) and university-wide electives (56 credits). Art coursework includes seminars and foundational studio classes covering: Digital media, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Plus diverse specialized subjects. During the initial three semesters, students complete six introductory studio courses (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, print media, and digital media) alongside an intensive art seminar.

Photography students explore global perspectives, cultural themes, visual perception, and artistic investigation through their lens. By creating, selecting, modifying, and perfecting images, they craft meaningful visual narratives. Instruction covers thoughtful application of both digital and traditional techniques. Students have access to various resources including inkjet printers (small and large format), a comprehensive darkroom for conventional and experimental black-and-white processes, a digital lab, lighting studio, and an assortment of cameras and equipment. Coursework typically involves ongoing project evaluations. The program fosters discussions connecting current and historical artistic methods. Through photography studies, students interact with visual media, using their photographic work to engage with broader artistic practice.