Photography - MFA
Program Overview
The Photography program offers an innovative M.F.A. curriculum that defines photographic practice in its most inclusive and experimental manifestations. Through strong technical and conceptual training, the program stresses the development of the photographer as an artist and the use of lens-based technologies as vital tools of creative expression, preparing students for rewarding careers in the field.
The program builds upon the legacy of the historically renowned Clarence White School of Photography in New York, which was re-established at Ohio University in 1948 by his son, Clarence White, Jr., creating the first degree-granting program in photography at a major university in the country.
The strength of the Photography program lies in its leadership in innovative teaching, its use of the latest technologies, and providing modern and spacious facilities. Its faculty encourage a diverse range of artistic practice founded upon a rigorous intellectual base. The curriculum encourages experimentation with a wide variety of processes and platforms ranging from black and white photography, to digital imaging and video, to interdisciplinary practice.
This program is an intensive three-year experience. The first and second years are primarily devoted to studio, seminar, art history, and elective coursework. During the third year, there is a pure dedication to studio time in preparation for the Thesis Exhibition. As part of this three-year studio experience, the student will have individual and group meetings with faculty, interaction with peers in and outside of the Photography Area, and will participate in graduate critiques. A normal full-time academic load is 15 credit-hours per semester and progress toward the degree is guided by the student's graduate review committee members to the successful completion of 90 credit hours over the course of six semesters.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in skills, techniques and material germane to the student's research focus, evidenced through a mature body of creative work
- Students will be able to identify key figures, works and sources, both historical and contemporary, as evidence to support a clearly stated thesis contextualizing the student's work.
- Students will be able to generate documents appropriate to professional practice in the student's field of focus, and be prepared for participation in the professional world of Art.
- Students will be able to execute public exhibitions of their creative work.
Admissions Information
Admission to the MFA program requires a Bachelor of Art (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or equivalent degree. Transfer credit is typically not accepted. In addition to completing the online application to Ohio University, applicants must submit a digital portfolio of 20 images representing their original artworks through ouschoolofart.slideroom.com. Within the online application to OU, applicants should upload their CV/resume, artist statement, professional goals statement, transcripts, and a list of three professional references with contact information. These references will automatically receive requests for letters of recommendation via the online system. Contact ArtGrad@ohio.edu for questions about the application process.
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The program has trained many successful alumni who are leaders in the field, and whose honors include Guggenheim Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships. Students are prepared for rewarding carerrs in the the fields of art, commercial practice, journalism, and education.