Overview

The photography and cinema curriculum builds upon UMBC’s foundational visual arts core, covering two- and three-dimensional concepts, time-based media, drawing, and global art history. Students then advance into specialized studio coursework spanning digital and analog photography, cinematic lighting, camera operations, video production, and sound design. B.F.A. candidates pursue an expanded 72-credit sequence that deepens technical mastery while encouraging cross-disciplinary experimentation with intermedia and digital arts.

The Visual Arts - Photography and Cinema at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) culminates in a year-long senior capstone project where students develop a comprehensive professional portfolio, demo reel, website, and thesis project for presentation at the department’s annual exhibition.

Graduates are prepared to enter the creative media, entertainment, fine arts, and commercial production sectors with versatile technical and artistic toolkits. Common career roles include cinematographer, director of photography, commercial photographer, video editor, gaffer, sound designer, documentary filmmaker, and studio assistant. Program alumni regularly work with media production houses, advertising agencies, news outlets, and independent film studios, or establish successful freelance artistic practices. The degree also provides ideal preparation for graduate study toward a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in film, photography, or digital arts.

Key facts

The B.F.A Degree requires 72 credit hours in visual arts coursework and provides a more in-depth programme of study in six of our concentrations (Animation, Cinematic Arts, Graphic Design, Intermedia, Photography, and Print Media) while also creating the opportunity for interdisciplinary experimentation in other visual arts media.

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Programme Structure

Courses Include

Visual Concepts: Camera Vision and Time-Based Media
Introduction to Art and Media Studies
Black and White Photography (Analog)
Digital Photography and Imaging
Cinematic Lighting and Camera Management
Video Production and Narrative Filmmaking
History and Theory of Film and Photography
Post-Production: Sound Design and Editing

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

4.5

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

72 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Baltimore Highlands, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Photography View 755 other Bachelors in Film Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

4.5

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Official Transcript

International Transcripts

Submit Evidence of Official English Proficiency

Standardized Test Scores - Optional

Letters of Recommendation - Optional

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

36604 USD / year

≈ 36604 USD / year

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Arts - Photography and Cinema.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

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Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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