Photography

Career potential

The University of North Texas' College of Visual Arts & Design (Formerly School of Visual Arts) is one of the nation's most comprehensive visual arts schools at a public university, and it is considered one of the best in the Southwest. The programs in the school are grouped into three areas - art history/art education, design and studio. Photography is among the programs in the college's studio division.

As an art photographer, you will need technical knowledge and creativity. The course work at UNT emphasizes self-expression, style and technical ability. Art photographers use light, lenses, film and filters to produce photographs. They are often self-employed, selling and exhibiting their work in galleries. Many photographers also use their art skills in commercial photography, photographing products for catalogs or for print advertisements.

Graduates of this program work as freelancers or are employed on the photography staffs of various publications. Some own their own businesses, whereas others work as artists, displaying their photos in galleries. You do not need an advanced degree to become a photographer, but teaching photography at the college level requires a master of fine arts degree.

UNT's Career Center can help you prepare to pursue your career. The center has information about jobs and employers, and the staff can help you with resume and letter writing, job search strategies and interview preparation.

Photography

As a photography student, you will take courses in photographic processes, art appreciation, art history, black-and-white photography, color photography, digital imaging, design, drawing, painting and sculpture. You will learn black-and-white, color and computer-enhanced photography techniques.

A portfolio is not required for admission to UNT or the College of Visual Arts & Design (Formerly School of Visual Arts), but you must participate in an entry review prior to completing Black and White Photography II in order to pursue a major in photography. At the end of your sophomore year, the photography faculty will review your portfolio to determine whether you can continue in the program. You also must submit your work for a senior exit review. Further information regarding the reviews is available from the photography faculty.

Photography faculty members are considered experts in their field. One faculty member's photographs hang in the Bibliothéque nationale de France in Paris and in the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth. Another faculty member's work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.

Continuing UNT students may apply for scholarships that are awarded by the College of Visual Arts & Design (Formerly School of Visual Arts) primarily on the basis of performance in the student's major. Academic scholarships are available through UNT's Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office.

Getting hands-on experience

Internships with area photographers are available if you wish to earn elective credit through work experience. Frequently, UNT students find employment after graduation as a result of contacts made during internships. The university is within easy commuting distance of Dallas and Fort Worth, where major art museums, galleries, the Dallas Apparel Mart and numerous advertising and interior design businesses may provide valuable resources and experiences for you.

Upon completion of 12 semester hours at UNT with at least a 2.5 GPA, you may work in a job related to your major through UNT's office of Cooperative Education and Internships. Co-op employers pay extremely well, and the jobs usually last several semesters, often until graduation.

Preparing for UNT

If you are a high school student, we suggest you prepare for college by becoming computer proficient and taking:

• English … 4 years
• Math … 4 years
• Social science — economics, geography, government, history … 4 years
• Science … 3 years
• Foreign language … 3 years
• Fine arts … 1 year

You will need to take courses in most of these subjects under the university core curriculum required of all undergraduates, in addition to your major courses. Talk with your high school counselor about preparing for college, including the entrance exams (SAT Reasoning Test or ACT) that you should take during your junior year.

As a benefit for transfer students, UNT participates in the Texas Common Course Numbering System. This system makes it easier to transfer credits for general academic courses from one Texas institution to another.

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult the UNT Transfer Guide, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor to discuss your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Charting your path with academic advising

You must attend an orientation to the College of Visual Arts & Design (Formerly School of Visual Arts), which is held at about the same time as university orientation for new students or during registration at the start of each semester. Check with the university admissions office for a schedule of freshman and transfer student orientations.

The College of Visual Arts & Design (Formerly School of Visual Arts) Student Services Office is located in the Art Building, Room 111.

Curious about courses and other features of this major?
See the current catalog.