Photography, B.F.A.

Photography

Build the tools and skills and creativity to help you gain a different perspective on the world and express your artistic vision.

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Photography, B.F.A.

Today there are more images being made, consumed, and used for more purposes than any time in history — and there's no sign of things slowing down. Major advances in image capture, manipulation, and distribution have redefined what is possible and have raised the bar for working professionals. It isn't enough to just know how to use the tools of photography. We extend that working knowledge to include honing a student's creative vision, elevating their aesthetic choices, and helping them develop a photographic voice that will set them apart from others. MTSU's Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography combines these skills with a foundation of theory and history to prepare students for various careers in photography.

Some of the program highlights are:

  • Multiple digital printing labs with editing stations and up-to-date Adobe Software Suites
  • Professional printing capabilities with 4 large format printers
  • Scanning lab with flatbed scanners and virtual drum scanner
  • Multiple studios including one with a large Cyc wall
  • Classroom sizes accommodate low student-to-instructor ratio
  • Traditional and alternative process darkrooms
  • Multiple camera systems (both film and digital) for student use
  • Internship opportunities
  • Active student organization
  • Faculty comprised of experienced, active professionals

Students are immersed in contemporary photography through the Baldwin Photographic Gallery which brings several visiting artists each year to interact with students. Associated with the gallery is the Baldwin Photographic Collection & Archive which holds photographic prints from many well-known photographers. The unique blend of the program sets it apart and establishes a foundation for the students to build upon and evolve with the medium of photography across the entire curriculum.

Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information
Careers
Requirements
Faculty
Information

News Briefs

Baldwin Photographic Gallery at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was awarded the Gold Prize at the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference Competition for the exhibit, “Deep Roots: Evocations of the Mississippi Blues,” displayed in fall 2023. Southeastern Museums Conference Director Zinnia Willits, center, presents the Gold Prize to associate professor of photography Shannon Randol, left, and School of Journalism and Strategic Media assistant professor Andrea Hall at the annual meeting held in October in Baton Rouge, La. (Submitted photo)

Southeastern Museums Conference awards gold to MTSU’s Baldwin Gallery for ‘Deep Roots’ exhibit

Middle Tennessee State University’s Baldwin Photographic Gallery grabbed the Gold Prize at the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference Competition for the 2023 exhibition, “Deep Roots: Evocations of the Mississippi Blues.”[ Read More ]

MTSU’s student-run online newspaper Sidelines launches weekly newsletter  

Middle Tennessee State University’s student-run digital news outlet, Sidelines, recently launched a weekly newsletter for students, alumni and others in the true blue community.   The newsletter, sent via email each Thursday afternoon, is populated with the publication’s best stories from the previous week, a note from the editor and a look ahead to the next [ Read More ]

News Briefs

Baldwin Photographic Gallery at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., was awarded the Gold Prize at the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference Competition for the exhibit, “Deep Roots: Evocations of the Mississippi Blues,” displayed in fall 2023. Southeastern Museums Conference Director Zinnia Willits, center, presents the Gold Prize to associate professor of photography Shannon Randol, left, and School of Journalism and Strategic Media assistant professor Andrea Hall at the annual meeting held in October in Baton Rouge, La. (Submitted photo)

Southeastern Museums Conference awards gold to MTSU’s Baldwin Gallery for ‘Deep Roots’ exhibit

Middle Tennessee State University’s Baldwin Photographic Gallery grabbed the Gold Prize at the 2024 Southeastern Museums Conference Competition for the 2023 exhibition, “Deep Roots: Evocations of the Mississippi Blues.”[ Read More ]

MTSU’s student-run online newspaper Sidelines launches weekly newsletter  

Middle Tennessee State University’s student-run digital news outlet, Sidelines, recently launched a weekly newsletter for students, alumni and others in the true blue community.   The newsletter, sent via email each Thursday afternoon, is populated with the publication’s best stories from the previous week, a note from the editor and a look ahead to the next [ Read More ]

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CAREERS

Photography, B.F.A.


MTSU's Photography program prepares students for commercial, artistic, and photojournalistic career paths. Prospective professional opportunities include

  • Aerial photographer
  • Archivist/historian
  • Artist
  • Automotive photographer
  • Cinematographer
  • Commercial/advertising photographer
  • Corporate photographer
  • Creative/art director
  • Digital imaging
  • Documentary photographer
  • Educator
  • Fashion or food photographer
  • Freelance photographer
  • Gallery curator/owner
  • Industrial photographer
  • Medical photographer
  • Photo editor
  • Photo lab owner/operator
  • Photo restoration
  • Photo retouching
  • Photographer's assistant
  • Photojournalist
  • Portrait photographer
  • Product photographer
  • Real estate / architectural photographer
  • Staff photographer
  • Studio owner
  • Videographer
  • Virtual reality photographer

Employers of MTSU alumni include

  • Chattanooga Times Free Press
  • Cracker Barrel
  • Jack Daniels
  • MTSU Photo Services
  • Nissan
  • "Paw" Magazine
  • Saks 5th ;Avenue
  • Southern Living Magazine
  • The Nashville Zoo
  • The Tennessean
MTSU Career Development Center

MTSU’s Career Development Center

MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.  

Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career

Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake

Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides. 

REQUIREMENTS

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FACULTY

INFORMATION

Students may choose from five Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in the Department of Media Arts.

For complete curriculum details, click on REQUIREMENTS. 

Students may minor in any program that is not under the same degree as their major. Animation majors are required to have an Art minor.

Master of Science (M.S.) degree is available in Media and Communication.

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