A student takes a picture of wildflowers at sunrise on the East River Trail.

Photography Degree

Part of: Art Program, School of the Arts

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Degree

Related Areas of Study: Studio Art Degree, Sculpture Degree, Printmaking, Jewelry Degree, Painting Degree, Ceramics Degree

Part of: Art Program, School of the Arts

Offered as: Major Emphasis

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Degree

Related Areas of Study: Studio Art Degree, Sculpture Degree, Printmaking, Jewelry Degree, Painting Degree, Ceramics Degree

Capture your vision with a photography degree through a BFA in Art. Choose an Emphasis in Photography and turn moments into art.

The photography degree program at Western Colorado University combines artistic exploration with technical mastery, giving students the skills to create compelling visual stories. Western’s Photography Emphasis interacts with all other disciplines in the School of the Arts. Our photography courses prepare you for professional careers by teaching a wide range of technical skills, including digital camera operation, lighting, digital printing, and post-production editing. 

In Western’s photography degree program, you’ll gain experience in digital and film photography, studio lighting, and post-production editing while building a professional portfolio. Faculty members support your experimentation and aesthetic freedom, while also teaching you the fundamental skills you’ll need to develop your professional portfolio and launch your career.

What You’ll Learn

As a student in Western’s photography degree program, you’ll develop a diverse range of professional photography skills that will prepare you for success in the creative industry. Graduates of the photography degree program will leave with expertise in both traditional and digital photography, advanced editing skills, and the ability to present a cohesive portfolio that reflects their unique artistic style.

Apply to Western’s photography degree program and develop the creative and technical skills needed for a successful career in photography.

FAQs:

What can I do with a photography degree?

Western’s photography degree program can prepare you for careers as a professional photographer, photojournalist, commercial photographer, art director, or digital media specialist.

Is a photography degree worth it?

Yes. Western’s photography degree program provides hands-on training, access to professional equipment, and industry connections that can accelerate your career in visual arts.

What do you learn in a photography degree program?

In Western’s photography degree program, you’ll study composition, lighting, digital and film techniques, editing software, and the business skills necessary for creative entrepreneurship.

Experiential Education

What You’ll Learn

As a student in the Photography Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Western Colorado University, you’ll develop a diverse range of professional photography skills that will prepare you for success in the creative industry. Graduates of the Photography BFA program will leave with expertise in both traditional and digital photography, advanced editing skills, and the ability to present a cohesive portfolio that reflects their unique artistic style.

Through hands-on coursework and real-world experience, you’ll master:

 

Composition Techniques
Lighting Manipulation
Digital Editing Software
Portfolio Development
Visual Storytelling

Learn to compose visually compelling photographs that tell a story, utilizing both traditional and experimental methods.

Understand how to control natural and artificial lighting to create the perfect shot, whether in the studio or on location.

Learn to use industry-standard software, such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, to edit, enhance, and perfect your images.

Build a comprehensive and polished portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and artistic vision, ready to impress potential employers and clients.

Learn how to communicate powerful messages through images, whether for commercial photography, editorial work, or personal projects.

Photography Requirements

Emphasis

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field. 

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado Foundation offers scholarships specifically for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

1

Top Skills

Attention to Detail
Creativity
Color Theory
Editing
Observational Skills
Problem Solving

2

Career Pathways

Commercial Photographer
Camera Operator
Content Producer
Photojournalist
Digital Photo Editor
Videographer

Faculty & Staff

Art Program

Contact Information

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 202
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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