2018-2019
Photography and Film
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
Filmmaking, photography
Program description
The Department of Photography and Film offers a variety of basic, intermediate and advanced photography and filmmaking classes leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Film.
The program provides students with the ability to intelligently express, investigate or document using photography and/or film and to interpret meaning in still and moving images. Emphasis is placed on photography and film as contemporary fine arts. The department promotes a fundamental and effective philosophy that students maintain creative freedom, have access to resources and are enrolled in courses in which they can refine their voices and skills through traditional and contemporary media, tools and professional working methods.
Career opportunities
Graduates are well prepared to enter the industry as commercial, freelance, industrial and staff photographers and videographers, independent filmmakers, exhibiting artists, media content providers, gallery managers, advertising associates, art educators, film editors, producers and studio, location and production technicians. In addition, they enjoy careers as social media content providers and managers, film festival and museum curators/programmers; film commission and television station personnel.
Change of major requirements
Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.
Bachelor-level job titles
- Art Directors
- Cinematographers
- Film Editors
- Film Producers
- Photo Editors
- Photo Retouchers
- Photographers
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
Science required
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
Contact information
Department name:
Department of Photography and Film
Building/room location:
Pollak Building, Room 206
Phone:
(804) 828-1695
Email:
photofilm@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
MCV
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor each semester to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
- Explore UNIV 291 modules: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Check out university art spaces and the VCUArts Calendar.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond, including its museums, parks, festivals, and cultural events!
- Apply to live in the ASPiRE, Globe, INNOVATE, or LEAD Living & Learning Programs
- Get involved with VCU Student Government or one of over 450 clubs and organizations.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs(OMSA) website for programs, events, and resources.
- Join a living-learning program such as VCU Globe
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.
- Research VCUArts alumni for networking and mentorship opportunities.
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take service-learning classes or volunteer to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA)
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Attend Diversity Scholars in Research Week.
- Consider short-term, semester and year-long Study Abroad opportunities.
- Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café.
- Join a cultural organization.
- Attend OMSA Social Justice Conference.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Create a draft of your resume and go to drop-ins at VCU Career Services to have it reviewed.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year.
- Using LinkedIn, connect to at least 10 people. Check out groups and the VCU alumni page in My Network
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct numerous informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Consider who you would like to have serve as professional and academic references for future letters of recommendation.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- See your advisor each semester to discuss degree progression and plans for elective coursework.
- Conduct independent undergraduate research.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for future work on multidisciplinary teams.
- Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Work on developing your professional online presence.
- Seek production opportunities to refine your goals & to learn the rigors & discipline required for success.
- Apply for summer research funding through UROP.
- Apply for a VMFA Visual Arts Undergraduate Fellowship
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Talk to your academic advisor, faculty, and/or career services about whether graduate school or a job will be the best step for you after graduation.
Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, and City Year.
- Attend professional conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field..
- Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
- Richmond is known for hosting a wide array of festivals! Learn about new cultures, food, and music by attending one of these events
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply to student film or photography festivals, exhibition opportunities and grants
- Stay up to date on industry trends including the skills most sought after, gain practical experience related to your career goal through internships, and externships.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
- Have your personal statement or cover letter reviewed, and do a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
2018-2019
Photography and Film
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
Filmmaking, photography
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Excel | Year 4 |
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