Visual Communication Photojournalism alumni have successful careers in the industry in a variety of capacities and work at a variety of places, including NPR, The New York Times, the Cleveland Browns, Getty Images, The Boston Globe, and Vox Media.
Visual Communication — Photojournalism Major
Photojournalism Major B.S.
If you're interested in using photography to show interesting people, situations and places, the Photojournalism major can be a good fit. We teach both the heart of capturing moments and the technology and skills to do so. From still photojournalism and writing to using audio and video, our students have gone on to be award-winning leaders in the field.
Photojournalism students are expected to interact with members of the community — and find unique and compelling ways to tell their stories.
Student Work
Storytelling is Our Passion.
Students in this major are interested in visual communication and storytelling through interactive websites, mobile platforms, and other methods, including motion graphics (animation), video, and informational graphics.
On the first floor of Schoonover, the School of Visual Communication runs a gallery. Rotating regularly between student and alumni shows, students can not only show their work, but gain experience participating in the exhibitions.
Careers with a Photojournalism B.S. Degree
Alumni Spotlight: Sophia Young
Internship Spotlight: Ayiana Andrella
Admission Requirements
The School of Visual Communication requires an informal interview for admission to the program. During this interview, we would like to learn more about your creative goals and review any examples of creative work you can provide. This is also an opportunity for you to learn about us. If you don’t have a portfolio or other examples of your work, we still want to talk to you. We encourage you to apply and visit, even if you don’t have a formal portfolio. For additional information about general admission guidelines please visit Undergraduate Admissions. Transfer students should view Transferring to VisCom.
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Tuition & Fees
OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.
Photojournalism B.S. Courses & Curriculum
View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
The Visual Communication bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in photojournalism is a 120-credit hour program that includes a major core of study, general liberal arts classes, a focus on a specialization area and an internship. In our program, students start studying photography and making photos in their first semester.
Internship Requirement
An advisor-approved internship is required for the Visual Communication major. Internships should be approximately 400 hours of paid and supervised work in your field. Many students have more than one internship experience prior to graduation.
Facilities & Equipment
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Equipment Checkout Room
VisCom also supplies an Equipment Checkout Room with the support of Nikon, Canon, Mamiya Corporation of America and Sony. Students can check out DSLR cameras, lenses, lighting gear, audio equipment, video equipment, a 360-degree camera, tripods other stabilization tools.
A form will be emailed to students every year to gain access to the equipment room. If you did not receive this form or cannot find it, contact Josh Birnbaum at birnbaum@ohio.edu or (740)-597-1778.
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Computer Labs
The School of Visual Communication uses Apple computers and predominantly the Adobe Creative Suite. We are pleased to provide computer labs with Apple computers, the Adobe Creative Suite and other software needed for classes. These labs also have open hours in the evenings, as do other labs on campus, and have color printers and photo printers students can use with purchase of a print card.
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Photography Studios
Within the Schoonover building, VisCom also has two photographic studios available, including state of the art lighting equipment, dressing rooms and a cyclorama (“cyc”) wall.
In the News: Clay Stark Lands Paid Photography Internship with Boston Red Sox
“Deep down I think I always wanted to produce sports photography, but I didn’t know that because I was so new to it,” said Stark '25.
Ready to Get Started?
Related Visual Communication Programs
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Commercial Photography Major B.S.The Commercial Photography major focuses on advertising photography, product and still-life photography, fashion and portrait photography, architectural and interior design photography.
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Information Graphics & Publication Design MajorInformation Graphics/Publication Design students tell stories through design, typography and infographics to create dynamic and engaging publications that are online, in tablet form, or in print.
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Multimedia Major B.S.Multimedia Major B.S.The Multimedia Major combines the professional practice of interactive design, user experience, and web development, including UX/UI design.