Photography Middle Tennessee State University

Overview

The Photography programme at Middle Tennessee State University provides students with the creative and technical expertise required to excel in a world increasingly driven by visual imagery. This Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focuses on honing aesthetic choices and developing a distinct photographic voice that distinguishes graduates in a competitive professional landscape.

By combining practical skill acquisition with a deep foundation in theory and history, the curriculum ensures that students are not merely technicians but thoughtful visual communicators. The course is designed to evolve alongside the medium, addressing rapid advancements in image capture, manipulation, and distribution.

Why Photography at Middle Tennessee State University?

Students benefit from exceptional facilities, including multiple digital printing labs equipped with the latest Adobe Software Suites and large-format professional printers. The campus features a dedicated scanning lab with virtual drum scanners and various studios, including one with a large cyclorama wall for professional-grade shoots.

The learning environment is enhanced by a low student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalised guidance from a faculty of active professional artists. Unique resources like the Baldwin Photographic Gallery and its associated Archive provide direct access to works by world-renowned photographers and regular interactions with visiting artists.

Practical experience is central to the student journey, with access to both traditional and alternative process darkrooms. The university also provides multiple camera systems, including film and digital formats, for student use, alongside opportunities to participate in active student organisations and professional internships.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 33428 per year
• National fee: USD 33428 per year
• Local fee: USD 10932 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Photography
• Animation
• Interactive Media
• Media Management
• Video and Film Production
• Media and Communication
• Art

Careers with Photography

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional roles across the media and arts sectors. Alumni have secured positions with prestigious organisations such as Southern Living Magazine, The Tennessean, and the Chattanooga Times Free Press, as well as commercial entities like Nissan, Jack Daniels, and Saks 5th Avenue.

Career paths often lead to roles in photojournalism, commercial photography, and studio management. Many graduates also find success in specialised imaging services, working for employers like Safelight Imaging, Pixel Connection, or within university photographic services and wildlife documentation for organisations like The Nashville Zoo.

The university supports career readiness through a dedicated Development Centre, which assists students in becoming marketable for the global workforce. Through industry links and the Handshake platform, students can access internships and job boards to transition smoothly from academic study to professional employment.