Photography

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography teaches technical skills while furthering the development of aesthetic understanding of the transformative effects of photography.

Progress Review

Though there is no portfolio application/entrance requirement, all majors in the department go through a major review upon completion of the foundation courses.

In this review — known as the Exchange — all majors are evaluated by a committee of three faculty members from the department. The review is 30 minutes and results in a written evaluation of student progress toward their degree.

Additional Details

Visit the Catalog to view additional details about photography, including degree requirements, course descriptions and a sample plan of study.

At UD, photography students learn how to use the latest lighting and camera technologies while working on individual and collaborative projects related to art, fashion, portraiture, product photography and community-based projects.

Photography majors collaborate with students from a variety of other majors to investigate issues related to food justice, sustainability, community organizing and human rights. We focus on developing our skills as artists and photographers through local action and global reflection.

Our seniors produce a cohesive, research-driven body of photo-based work that is shared with the greater Dayton public at a local gallery. Students also gain experience in curating, producing and even selling their own art work.

The University of Dayton is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Ready to take the next step? Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about photography at UD.

The department requires the purchase of a MacBook Pro for all photography majors at the start of classes in the first semester. Additional computer requirements information can be found on the UDit website.

In the second year, photography majors will purchase a subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud. See the Adobe website for student pricing.

Additional Art and Design Programs

• Art Education (B.F.A.)
• Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
• Graphic Design (B.F.A.)
• Visual Arts (B.A.)
• Art History (Minor)
• Fine Arts (Minor)
• Graphic Design (Minor)
• Photography (Minor)
• Visual Arts (Minor)
• Photojournalism (Undergraduate Certificate)

Related Programs

• Entrepreneurship (B.S.)
• Marketing (B.S.)
• Business Administration (Minor)
• Entrepreneurship (Minor)
• Film Studies (Minor)
• Integrated Arts and Technology (Minor)
• Marketing (Minor)
• Photojournalism (Undergraduate Certificate)
• Nonprofit and Community Leadership (Graduate Certificate)
• Discover (Undecided)

Students can double major or minor with the B.F.A. but will need to work closely with an advisor in scheduling classes.

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.