The Photography concentration is dedicated to providing students with knowledge of digital, analog and alternative photographic processes. Students are expected to think critically, to participate fully in group critiques, and to defend their working process both technically and conceptually. The Photography concentration is a fine art program, which refers to photographs that are created in accordance with the creative vision of the photographer as artist. Fine art photography stands in contrast to commercial photography, the primary focus of which is to advertise products or services.
Through the generosity of the Triplette Foundation and other university programs, renowned photographers are brought to campus to lecture and meet with students to discuss current issues in the medium each year.
Required Materials
Students are required to supply their own cameras and printing supplies. When registering for the introductory course, ART 285, please note that there is a traditional darkroom class and a digital class. There are many models of camera, both 35mm and DSLR, from which to choose. However, all cameras must have manual options, such as the ability to change ISO, aperture and shutter speed. A complete list of supplies will be discussed the first day of class.
Helpful Information for Incoming Photography Students
The prerequisite for ART 285 is ART 140. Classes must be taken in sequence (200 level, all 300 level courses and lastly, 485). ART 485 is designed to be taken in the last year of the BA/BFA program. ART 393 is where students find a photography or art-related business that agrees to supervise an internship (the internship can be completed over a summer or a semester). Interested students can find necessary paperwork for internships in the art office.
If you are a transfer student with additional questions, please email Leah at ljsobsey@uncg.edu. If you have taken photography at another institution, you will need to provide a portfolio of 15-20 images so we can best determine proper placement within the program.
List of Courses
These are the courses required by the Photography concentration. For a suggested schedule of courses for Photography students, see the schedule at the bottom of this page. For more information on these and other available courses, see the UNCG course bulletin.
For students entering UNCG 2025-2026, these core courses are required for the Photography concentration. All other students should check the appropriate Undergraduate Course Bulletin.
- Foundation Program (27 s.h.)
- 3 Art History (ARH) courses above the 100 level
- ART 285, 286, 344, 384, 386, 387, 485 (21 s.h.)
- ARH 350 (taken in addition to the Art History requirements of the degree)
- 3 courses from the following: ART 345, 349, 388, 393, 441, 442, 487, 496 (9 s.h.)
- 3 Art or related electives ( it is recommended that these courses be at 300 level or above) (9 s.h.)
All fourth years enrolled in the BFA programs must exhibit their work in the annual BFA Exhibition, held each Spring and Fall semester. Students are encouraged to consult the UNCG Undergraduate Bulletin for course descriptions.
This list outlines the schedule of courses recommended for majors in the Art Education concentration. For more information on courses and requirements, see the UNCG course bulletin.
University Minimums: 120 Hours Required, 36 at or above the 300 level.
First Year
Foundation Program in Studio Art
Studio Foundation Program Courses:
- Foundation Semester 1: ARH 110, ART 105, ART 120, ART 140 and ART 150 (fall)
- Foundation Semester II: ARH 111; ART 220, ART 240 and ART 253 (spring)
Second Year
Semester III
- Art History (above 100 level)
- ART 285
- ART 286
- MAC (select one or two courses)
- Recommended 15 credit hours
Semester IV
- ART 344
- ART 384
- ARH 350
- Art or related elective
- MAC (select one or two courses)
- Recommended 15 credit hours
Third Year
Semester V
- ART 386
- ART 345, 349, 388, 441, 442, 487 (select one course)
- Art History (Above 200 level)
- Art or related elective
- MAC (select one or two courses)
- Recommended 15 credit hours
Semester VI
- ART 387
- ART 345, 349, 388, 441, 442, 487 (select one course)
- Art History (Above 200 level)
- Art or related elective (300 level or above)
- ART 393 Practicum/Internship in Art Careers (select this for up to 3 credit hours of internship credit). This course is optimal for those seeking professional training. This course can count as an Art or related elective.
- ART 496 Special Problems Studio (this course is recommended for students who are extremely self-motivated and directed, and ready to pursue a body of work under the direction of a full-time faculty member). This course is optional and counts as an art or related elective.
- MAC (select one or two courses)
- Recommended 15 credit hours
Fourth Year
Semester VII
- ART 345, 349, 388, 441, 442, 487 (select one course if still needed)
- Art History (Above 200 level)
- Art or related elective (300 level or above)
- MAC (select one or two courses)
- ART 496 (Special Problems Studio; may be repeated for credit)
- ART 393 practicum/Internship in Art Careers (select this for up to 3 credit hours of internship credit). This course is optimal for those seeking professional training. This course can count as an Art or related elective.
- Recommended 15 credit hours
Semester VIII
- ART 485
- ART 345, 349, 388, 441, 442, 487 (select one course if still needed)
- Art or related elective (300 level or above)
- ART 496 (Special Problems Studio; may be repeated for credit)
- ART 393 practicum/Internship in Art Careers (select this for up to 3 credit hours of internship credit). This course is optimal for those seeking professional training. This course can count as an Art or related elective.
- Select other courses of interest from another discipline within the School of Art or University
- Recommended 15 credit hours
To earn a BFA in Art with a studio concentration in four years, you must average 15 credit hours per semester.
Fourth years must participate in an experience which will prepare them for the professional world of exhibiting. All Studio Art majors are required to enter the annual BFA Exhibition.
