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

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115

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TOEFL^® IBT

4.5

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IELTS

6.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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Credits

72 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Baltimore Highlands, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts Film Studies Photography View 1629 other Bachelors in Visual Arts 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

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

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

The Global Excellence Award funds partial tuition costs (up to $15,000 per year) for first year undergraduate students admitted for the Fall semester.

Students automatically considered after admission, if applied by the Regular Deadline
Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a U.S. scale or equivalent) required to qualify
Renewable for up to 4 years

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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

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

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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