Fine Arts: Photography (B.A.) | Majors & Degrees

A photography student takes pictures in nature.

Fine Art Photography Introduction

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art is designed to expose students to a wide range of visual arts and to contemporary and historical artists. Students with this major can prepare for a successful career in Photography, Two-dimensional Art, or Three-dimensional Art.

The photography emphasis at BYU-Idaho courses in digital and film photography, studio and location lighting, and documentary photography. You'll get to work closely with faculty mentors to learn the finer aspects of photographic craft, practice, and theory. With a Fine Art: Photography degree, you'll transform your artistic passion into a career.

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Photography, start with one of the following major-specific courses

ART106 - Freshman Art Orientation Seminar

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ART107 - Design and Color

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ART125 - Adobe CC Basics

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ART160 - Photography I

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4-Year Plan

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Graduate Career-Ready

Graduates with a degree in Photography have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

BYU-Idaho Graduate Salaries

Graduates entering corporate industry roles typically report starting salaries between $45,000 and $55,000 as in house photographers. Those launching freelance careers or small business studios often see initial earnings ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 with significant potential to scale based on their specialization and market reach.

Common Career Paths

You will be prepared for diverse roles such as an in house corporate photographer or a specialized studio owner focusing on weddings, portraits, and commercial product photography. By mastering studio lighting and high end digital editing, you will gain the versatile skill set required to thrive in both commercial industries and the fine art print market.

Preparation for Grad School

This major provides a rigorous artistic foundation for students pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in photography or advanced studies in art history and theory. You will work closely with faculty mentors to develop a sophisticated professional portfolio that demonstrates a unique personal vision and the technical mastery required by top tier graduate programs.

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics

AI in Photography

You will learn to master cutting edge AI editing techniques within Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance your creative workflow and image quality. Our curriculum also introduces you to generative AI image making while emphasizing the essential ethical standards and professional integrity required in the modern visual arts industry.

Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness

AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

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