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The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography is a skill-building, tool-based degree designed to prepare and empower students for creative professional careers. We are a fine art program that fosters a technical, lens-based education within a private university.

Understanding how tools work and the avenues in which they can be applied are at the core of our training. Students don’t just learn how to use cameras and Adobe programs, our students problem solve, research, create and communicate in a variety of contemporary formats.

Working alongside professional educators and artists, photography majors have access to industry-standard facilities and equipment, including:

  • Digital cameras (full frame DSLR’s, mirrorless and medium format)
  • Film cameras (35mm, medium and large format)
  • Computer labs for digital editing, ink jet printing and film scanning
  • Lighting studios with professional strobe and monolight equipment
  • Black and white and color darkrooms for film processing and printing

In the first two years, students learn the tools, skills and processes associated with the medium of photography. The final two years students focus on research topics, production, professional practices and a senior capstone project.

All photography majors have the opportunity to pursue a minor, attend cultural events throughout the city of Pittsburgh, travel to New York City, join our student club, Photography Collective, and interact with visiting artists through lectures, workshops and critiques.

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Photos by Point Park University students and alumni.
Photo by Morgan Richards
Photo by Mackenzie Russ
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Nick Koehler
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Sam Pennine
Photo by Sharimar Cruz
Photo by Aleem Hurst
Photo by Laura Quinn
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Emily Koch
Photo by Emily Kovacic
Photo by Cara McLaughlin
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Julia Stygar
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska
Alumni and Student Work — 20 images
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Alumni and Student Work — 20 images Photos by Point Park University students and alumni.
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Photo by Morgan Richards
Photo by Morgan Richards
Photo by Mackenzie Russ
Photo by Mackenzie Russ
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Nick Koehler
Photo by Nick Koehler
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Sam Pennine
Photo by Sam Pennine
Photo by Sharimar Cruz
Photo by Sharimar Cruz
Photo by Aleem Hurst
Photo by Aleem Hurst
Photo by Laura Quinn
Photo by Laura Quinn
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Melanie Allan
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Dan Winter
Photo by Emily Koch
Photo by Emily Koch
Photo by Emily Kovacic
Photo by Emily Kovacic
Photo by Cara McLaughlin
Photo by Cara McLaughlin
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Alyssa Mauer
Photo by Julia Stygar
Photo by Julia Stygar
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska
Photo by Kelsey Mikeska

Course Offerings

  • Digital Photography
  • Digital Image Editing
  • Experimental Photography & Video
  • Contemporary Issues In Photography
  • Advanced Photography
  • View Camera Techniques
  • Senior Thesis
  • Black and White Darkroom Photography
  • Color Darkroom Photography
  • History of Photography
  • Alternative Processes
  • Professional Practices in Photography
  • Photographic Art Marketing
  • Studio Lighting

Faculty bring industry experience to the classroom

School of Communication faculty members are proven professionals with connections to top media and communication organizations.

Meet the faculty
Pictured is April Friges.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
April Friges, M.F.A.
  • Professional artist whose work has been shown in exhibitions in museums and galleries across the nation
  • A 2010 pedagogical fellow, The University of California, Irvine, focusing on advanced teaching skills, and researching how methods of teaching and student learning relate
  • Teaches photography classes; adviser, Point Park Photography Collective
Pictured is Ben Schonberger
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Ben Schonberger, M.F.A.
  • Professional artist whose work has been exhibited and collected in the U.S., Europe and Asia
  • Schonberger's work incorporated the use of photography, collage, performance and sculpture
  • Teaches photography classes

Career Options

The B.F.A. in photography prepares students to:

  • Launch careers as professional artists
  • Work creatively in commercial advertising and portrait studios
  • Produce compelling work as photojournalists, commercial, editorial and/or fine art photographers
  • Apply expertise in museums and galleries and create artwork for public exhibition
  • Combine knowledge of image-making with another field
  • Write as a professional interpreter and critic
  • Engage in graduate studies in fine art programs

Graduates are well-positioned to join a network of alumni who are actively working with local and national media outlets, businesses and organizations, as well as pursuing post-graduate study.

News & Features

B.F.A. in Photography Program Emphasizes Pre-Professional Skills
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 "Point Park is the only University in Downtown Pittsburgh offering a B.F.A. in Photography. Students begin with a tool-based foundation learning cameras, imaging programs and outputs, followed by two years of research, production and refinement. Our program supports students with a vast array of interests from fine art to commercial photography," said Ben Schonberger, M.F.A.
Sharimar Y. Cruz '18
Monday, June 7, 2021 From Point Park University to New York City: B.F.A. photography alumna's work featured in Times Square.
Hannah Altman '17
Wednesday, March 17, 2021 B.F.A. photography alumna Hannah Altman named to list of "Exciting Contemporary Photographers Whose Work You Have to See" in Vanity Fair.