COURSE CURRICULUM

The Photography BFA program at San José State University is a 120-unit degree that combines general education, foundational art training, and specialized photography coursework to prepare students for professional careers. The program includes 25 units of lower division general education and 6 units of upper division GE, with some requirements fulfilled through major courses, along with 2 units of physical education and a writing requirement completed through ART 100W. Students also complete lower and upper division Humanities and Arts college requirements to ensure a broad academic background. The major preparation, consisting of 18 units, builds essential artistic skills through courses in 2D and 3D design, drawing, digital media, and introductory photography, along with an art history survey course. The major requirements total 58 units and begin with art fundamentals and writing, followed by elective options across areas such as digital media art, pictorial arts, spatial arts, and photography, allowing students to explore different creative fields. Students also complete upper division art history courses, including the history of photography and global or contemporary art topics, to strengthen theoretical understanding. The core of the program is the 30-unit photography specialization, where students develop advanced skills in color photography, digital imaging, studio lighting, professional practices, and conceptual image-making, along with additional advanced photography electives. The program concludes with a 6-unit capstone experience, including a seminar and final project, where students showcase their work in a professional portfolio. Overall, the degree provides a strong balance of creative, technical, and theoretical training, preparing graduates for careers in both fine art and commercial photography as well as related creative industries.