Undergraduate
Photography
RMU's Photography program, an offering in both the B.A. and B.F.A. in Media Arts, is designed for students interested in using photography as a tool for visual communication. Students learn to capture, manipulate, and print photographic images in state-of-the-art digital labs, as well as a traditional darkroom. Courses are career-oriented, and areas covered include studio and commercial photography, photojournalism, the portrait, documentary photography, and portfolio preparation.
More on the School of Communications and Information Systems
NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) Summer 2010 Salary Survey
Visual arts majors by functional area:| Design/Graphic Arts | $29,834 | Performing Arts/Entertainment | $40,293 |
| Mean: $32,300 | Range: $30,900 - $40,000 |
Below is a typical four-year course of study for photography students, including major requirements and some electives. Your own schedule will vary based on your own interests.
| FRESHMAN/Fall Semester | FRESHMAN/Spring Semester |
| Foundation Studio | Foundations Studio II |
| 2D Design Principles | Color Theory |
| Reading and Writing Strategies | 3D Design Principles |
| Elective | Argument & Research |
| Elective | Elective |
| SOPHOMORE/Fall Semester | SOPHOMORE/Spring Semester |
| Intro to Photography | Intro to Web Design |
| Digital Imaging | Intro to Graphic Design |
| History of Photography | Digital Photography |
| Public Speaking and Persuasion | Business Professional Communication |
| Intro to Printmaking | Business elective |
| JUNIOR/Fall Semester | JUNIOR/Spring Semester |
| Idea Development/Storyboarding | Photojournalism |
| Intro to TV/Video Prod | Advanced Digital Photo |
| Documentary Photography | Media Arts elective |
| Business elective | Film Video Aesthetics |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | |
| SENIOR/Fall Semester | SENIOR/Spring Semester |
| Commercial Photo I | Commercial Photo II |
| Portrait Photography | Senior Studio |
| Media Arts elective | Portfolio |
| Internship | Media Management |
| Elective | |
| Elective | Elective |
All four Media Arts degree concentrations are available as a B.A. or B.F.A. program.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is more specialized and intensive in the areas of concentration, with 24 credits of foundation studies and 24 major credits. The degree suits those who are clear that they wish to pursue a career in one of the four concentration areas, although they do not have to choose one until the sophomore year.
The Bachelor of Arts degree, in contrast, does not have a foundation studies area, but combines the same classes as those in the B.F.A. into 33 major credits. Additional courses are converted into open electives, allowing students to pursue a minor or broaden their studies into other areas of interest. The B.A. degree also allows transfer students to gain maximum advantage for credits completed at other institutions.
Snee-Reinhardt House for the Media Arts Besides an apartment for visiting artists and scholars, this building includes a large, natural-iight studio, conference and meeting rooms, ample display space for student work, and a theater-quality HD screening room that can also be used for classes.
In summer 2012, our school’s five departments will be housed in a new building on campus. The structure will include classrooms, computer labs, media arts studios, editing suites, a gallery, teleconferencing facilities, faculty and administrative offices, student meeting spaces, and a café.
Within walking distance to the new building are facilities that provide opportunities for students to develop expertise in a range of media. Students perform and produce plays and musicals in our theater; they produce our student newspaper, The Sentry, and our literary magazine, RUNE, in our newsroom; they produce documentaries, attend lectures and learn from visiting scholars in our Media Arts House; and they produce and host news, entertainment, and sports programs in our state-of-the-art Academic Media Center’s broadcast facility and our Internet radio station.
Faculty members in the School of Communications and Information Systems are recognized for their dedication to teaching, academic research, global understanding, and professional experience. Our faculty regularly wins awards and accolades for excellence in teaching and research. As guides and mentors, they motivate students to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their field of study. Faculty members encourage students to engage in scholarly pursuits, including participation in academic conferences and professional organizations. Our faculty members hail from seven countries on four continents, helping to broaden students’ global understanding. Many lead study abroad trips and international student exchanges in Europe, South America, and Asia. Finally, SCIS faculty members’ professional experience and community involvement help students connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the workplace.
Scholarships are available based upon academic achievement.
For freshmen, high school grade point average and ACT/SAT scores are used. For transfer students, the cumulative grade point average of all college courses is used. Scholarships range from $1000 per year up to full tuition. (To calculate your scholarship eligibility, click here.)
Higher education is an investment in your future.
At Robert Morris University, we will work closely with you to show you how to finance your education through a combination of need-based financial aid, scholarships, and financing strategies to make your education attainable. RMU has one of the lowest tuition rates of all private institutions in the state, but we know that financing your education can be complicated, and your family might need help in understanding your options.
Talk to us—we can help!
Email us at finaid@rmu.edu
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