Photojournalism
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Lead the next generation of visual reporters and documentarians.
Today more than ever, we need photojournalists who work as observers, reporters and storytellers to share what is happening in our world.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photojournalism program provides a unique, multidisciplinary training ground for a new generation of visual reporters and documentarians. Based in the Studio Arts program, photojournalism majors are immersed in both the traditions of photojournalism and studio arts practices from day one. Students develop their visual and reporting voices through in-depth photojournalism and multimedia classes taken in tandem with reporting classes at the School of Media and Public Affairs.
Through a combination of a faculty that includes award-winning photographers and editors from the Washington Post, the White House, and the Associated Press, a curriculum that stresses the importance of individual creativity and in coursework relating to the legal, ethical and economic challenges of the profession, our students are uniquely prepared to succeed in today’s market.
In the heart of Washington, D.C., Corcoran students have access to a constant procession of news and documentary subjects. Our Center for Career Services also works with students to identify opportunities for internships and careers that push the bounds of their photography, audio and visual skills. If you’re looking for the chance to learn through actions, then the Corcoran is right for you.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
Your studies begin with a thorough grounding in the history, techniques, aesthetics, practices and critical understandings of photography and photojournalism. An array of electives and multidisciplinary electives within the Corcoran and across the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences offers ample opportunity for you to specialize in or explore new areas of interest. Your final year includes an intensive course sequence designed to prepare you for an expression of your individual interests and ambition as a visual journalist in a thesis exhibition as part of the annual NEXT exhibition at the Corcoran.
All first-year BFA students take Corcoran Foundations courses. For two semesters, you are an essential member of a tight-knit group of artists, designers and photographers. You will develop relationships across studio areas and foster multi-disciplinary approaches to making and problem-solving that can sustain a life-long investigative practice. Here you learn to think and communicate like an artist, take risks and challenge your assumptions, while developing the fundamental skills necessary to read and manipulate the complex language of images, forms and cultures that make up the world around you.
Where You’ll Go
Students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photojournalism program have interned with The Washington Post, The Washington Times, MediaStorm, National Geographic magazine, The White House, The Pentagon, U.S. News & World Report, Discovery Channel, Green Peace, National Public Radio Science Desk, The Hill, Politico, Science Magazine, Congress members and the U.S. Forestry Service.
Graduates of the program have secured positions at United Press International, U.S. News & World Report, Politico, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, National Geographic, McClatchy News, Associated Press, Chicago Sun-Times, Annie Leibovitz Studio, Adamson Editions, Creative Circle, Aperture Books, and other major news outlets and arts organizations.
WHO YOU'LL STUDY WITH
Professor Avi Gupta works as Director of Photography for U.S. News & World Report where he has over 15 years of experience.
Our faculty are knowledgeable teachers who can provide expertise on the theory, background and practice of the photojournalism field. Just as important, they are experienced photojournalists themselves who provide real-world information to help students as they grow professionally and artistically.
MINOR IN FINE ARTS REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 18 credits, including a 3-credit required course and 15 credits in elective courses:
HIGHLIGHTS
CONTACTS
Flagg Building
500 17th Street, NW
[email protected]
202-994-0312
Program Administrator
Eliza Mott
[email protected]
Program Head Studio Arts
Dean Kessmann, Associate Professor of Photography
[email protected]
Photojournalism BFA Advisor
Susan Sterner, Associate Professor of New Media Photojournalism
[email protected]
