University Park,
PA,
United States
Type
Public
Degrees offered
Bachelor's Degree
MFA in Art- Photography in University Park United States | Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University
|
University Park United States
Visit institution website
for more information
Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD
43,266
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
42 months
The Photography concentration emphasizes fine arts, providing a comprehensive introduction to photography as both a creative medium and a form of cultural expression. The B.F.A. in Photography and B.Des. in Professional Photography are parallel programs that deliver complementary coursework, covering both technical and artistic aspects while addressing photography's role in issue-driven and client-focused art practices.
This concentration aims to develop students' conceptual and technical abilities, empowering them to produce photographic art that engages with contemporary cultural dialogues. The structured curriculum centers on core concepts that students explore and adapt to their individual artistic visions. Portfolio assessment follows established standards, evaluating students' mastery of photographic techniques, problem-solving in image creation, innovative approaches to photography, willingness to take creative risks (such as pushing beyond assignment boundaries or addressing provocative themes), and their ability to reinterpret concepts into original photographic works.
The Photography program excels in three interconnected areas: its students, faculty, and curriculum. Given photography's interdisciplinary nature, our classes draw students with varied interests from across arts and sciences. Our faculty similarly brings diverse specializations, spanning fine art photography, documentary work, and commercial imaging. This diversity informs our curriculum, which offers four distinct degree paths to accommodate different photographic practices and studies.
A unique strength of our program is its treatment of all photographic forms through a fine art lens. This perspective reflects photography's historical tradition where commercial and artistic approaches frequently overlap and influence each other.
Destination of Study
Subjects of Study
Language Requirements
English
IELTS 6.5
Qualification Requirements
Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.
The Master of Fine Arts program in art, with its emphasis on professional study, is designed for the mature individual who by previous training and study has sufficiently prepared for the undertaking. It is strongly suggested that applicants have a minimum of 12 credits of art history at the undergraduate level. Any qualified student holding a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution may seek admission. The School of Visual Arts requires a minimum of 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) for admission to the master of fine arts program. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests, at the discretion of the program.
In addition to the previous requirements, all applicants must submit:
A portfolio of his/her work to illustrate his/her preparation for graduate study. A portfolio of digital images, rather than actual work, is required. A selection of no fewer than twenty examples should be presented. The majority should be in the area of the applicant's interest.
A statement of professional aims. This statement should include the applicant's intentions for his/her proposed study. Some indications of his/her philosophy, beliefs, and goals in regard to education and art should give evidence that he/she is prepared to undertake the work outlined for the Master of Fine Arts program.
Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant's scholarship and ability to work independently.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test. a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or
a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution. IELTS- 6.5
The Master of Fine Arts program in art, with its emphasis on professional study, is designed for the mature individual who by previous training and study has sufficiently prepared for the undertaking. It is strongly suggested that applicants have a minimum of 12 credits of art history at the undergraduate level. Any qualified student holding a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution may seek admission. The School of Visual Arts requires a minimum of 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) for admission to the master of fine arts program. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests, at the discretion of the program.
In addition to the previous requirements, all applicants must submit:
A portfolio of his/her work to illustrate his/her preparation for graduate study. A portfolio of digital images, rather than actual work, is required. A selection of no fewer than twenty examples should be presented. The majority should be in the area of the applicant's interest.
A statement of professional aims. This statement should include the applicant's intentions for his/her proposed study. Some indications of his/her philosophy, beliefs, and goals in regard to education and art should give evidence that he/she is prepared to undertake the work outlined for the Master of Fine Arts program.
Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant's scholarship and ability to work independently.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test. a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or
a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution. IELTS- 6.5
Tuition
USD
43,266