Photography
About the Program
Bachelor of Science: 180.0 quarter credits
The photography curriculum is designed to provide the basis for both technical and aesthetic proficiency. Through a hands-on program blending traditional processes with the latest digital technologies, the photography curriculum provides all the tools necessary for aspiring artists/photographers to achieve a breadth of experience not generally developed in traditional fine art or commercial photography programs.
The photography major provides students with a unified fine arts/professional curriculum offering a wide range of studio, real-world, and academic experiences— intermixed with ongoing critiques and evaluation—including the studio, the darkroom, and the computer. The major prepares students to understand photography as a system of visual communication with its foundation in an ever-changing technology. Graduates may be employed in a variety of photo-related businesses, initiate their own photographic enterprises, or choose to go on to advanced studies.
The College's extensive photographic facilities are available to every photography major at Drexel. Incoming students are only required to bring a 35mm film camera that can be used on a manual setting.
Additional Information
For more information about this major, visit the College's Photography website.
Degree Requirements
| General education requirements | ||
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 119 | Mathematical Foundations for Design | 4.0 |
| PHYS 121 | Physical Science for Design I | 4.0 |
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development | 0.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
| Arts and humanities electives | 9.0 | |
| Natural science elective | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Social science electives | 9.0 | |
| Free electives | 24.0 | |
| Visual Studies requirements | ||
| ARTH 101 | History of Art I: Ancient to Medieval | 3.0 |
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| Visual Studies electives | 12.0 | |
Students select three additional visual studies (VSST) courses as electives. | ||
| Photography requirements | ||
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 140 | Digital Photography I | 4.0 |
| PHTO 210 | Intermediate Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 231 | Color Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 233 | Large Format Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 234 | Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 236 | Photojournalism | 4.0 |
| PHTO 240 | Digital Photography II | 4.0 |
| PHTO 253 | Fine Black & White Printing | 3.0 |
| PHTO 275 [WI] | History of Photography I | 3.0 |
| PHTO 276 | History of Photography II | 3.0 |
| PHTO 334 | Advanced Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 336 | Assignment Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 340 | Digital Photography III | 4.0 |
| PHTO 361 | Advanced Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 392 | Junior Project in Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 451 | Photography and Business | 3.0 |
| PHTO 452 | History of Contemporary Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 492 | Senior Thesis in Photography I | 3.0 |
| PHTO 493 | Senior Thesis in Photography II | 3.0 |
| PHTO 495 | Senior Thesis in Photography III | 3.0 |
| Photography electives | 9.0 | |
| Students select three courses from the following: | ||
| Portraiture | ||
| Photography Production | ||
| Landscape Photography | ||
| Fashion Photography | ||
| Palladium Printing | ||
| Advertising Portfolio Development | ||
| Marketing for Photographers | ||
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Center. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
Sample Plan of Study
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 101 | Expository Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| PHYS 121 | Physical Science for Design I | 4.0 |
| VSST 101 | Design I | 4.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| ARTH 101 | History of Art I: Ancient to Medieval | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Persuasive Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| PHTO 140 | Digital Photography I | 4.0 |
| VSST 102 | Design II | 4.0 |
| UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| ARTH 102 | History of Art II: High Renaissance to Modern | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Analytical Writing and Reading | 3.0 |
| MATH 119 | Mathematical Foundations for Design | 4.0 |
| PHTO 210 | Intermediate Photography | 3.0 |
| Natural science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| ARTH 103 | History of Art- Early to Late Modern | 3.0 |
| PHTO 233 | Large Format Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 253 | Fine Black & White Printing | 3.0 |
| VSST 110 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COOP 101 | Career Management and Professional Development | 0.0 |
| PHTO 236 | Photojournalism | 4.0 |
| PHTO 275 [WI] | History of Photography I | 3.0 |
| VSST 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3.0 |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| PHTO 231 | Color Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 240 | Digital Photography II | 4.0 |
| PHTO 276 | History of Photography II | 3.0 |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| PHTO 234 | Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 451 | Photography and Business | 3.0 |
| VSST elective* | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| PHTO 334 | Advanced Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 361 | Advanced Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 392 | Junior Project in Photography | 3.0 |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| VSST elective* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 18.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| PHTO 336 | Assignment Photography | 3.0 |
| Arts and Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| VSST elective * | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| PHTO 340 | Digital Photography III | 4.0 |
| PHTO 452 | History of Contemporary Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 492 | Senior Thesis in Photography I | 3.0 |
| Photography elective* | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| PHTO 493 | Senior Thesis in Photography II | 3.0 |
| Photography elective* | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| PHTO 495 | Senior Thesis in Photography III | 3.0 |
| Photography elective* | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Photographers pursue careers in a wide variety of fields. Primary choices among Drexel graduates include journalism, illustration, fashion and advertising, and fine arts.
Recent co-op placements have included:
- Alex Webb, Photojournalist, New York City
- The Edywnn Houk Gallery, New York City
- Jonathan Pushnik, Fashion Photographer, Philadelphia, PA
- Walter Smith, Editorial Photographer, New York City
- Jason Varney, Editorial Photographer, Philadelphia
Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.
Minor in Photography
The minor in photography is a hands-on program, blending traditional processes with the latest digital technologies in the field. The minor is designed to be flexible enough to appeal both to Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design majors as well as majors from the other colleges.
| PHTO 110 | Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 140 | Digital Photography I | 4.0 |
| PHTO 210 | Intermediate Photography | 3.0 |
| PHTO 231 | Color Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 240 | Digital Photography II | 4.0 |
| PHTO 234 | Studio Photography | 4.0 |
| PHTO 236 | Photojournalism | 4.0 |
| Additional Suggested Electives (Optional) | ||
| History of Photography I | ||
| History of Photography II | ||
| Photography and Business | ||
| History of Contemporary Photography | ||
| Total Credits | 26.0 | |
Courses
PHTO 110 Photography 3.0 Credits
Lecture-laboratory course in black and white photography. Coordinates a photographic visual discipline with comprehensive camera and darkroom/digital lab experience. For PHTO Majors, a manual 35mm film camera is required. For PHTO Minors & non-majors a digital point and shoot camera or DSLR, eight megapixels or higher is required.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
PHTO 115 Photographic Principles 3.0 Credits
Combines theoretical analysis and practical application of photography. Through a series of assignments, non-photography majors explore the aesthetic, cultural, and communicative aspects of the photographic medium.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if major is PHTO
PHTO 140 Digital Photography I 4.0 Credits
The objective of this course is to give you an introduction to the technical skills necessary to use computers, equipment, and software as a means of visually communicating your photographic ideas.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 110 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 210 Intermediate Photography 3.0 Credits
Continues the aesthetic and technical investigations of black and white photography begun in PHTO 110 through a mix of lectures, slide discussions, analytical and creative projects, and group critiques. For PHTO Majors, a manual 35mm film camera is required. For PHTO minors and non-majors, a digital point and shoot camera or DSLR is required.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 110 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 231 Color Photography 4.0 Credits
An introduction to the aesthetics and technology of color photography. There is an emphasis on color composition and theory. Class includes a variety of color processes, utilizing analog/film and digital materials.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHTO 210 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 233 Large Format Photography 4.0 Credits
Provides a thorough exploration of large-format camera techniques and large-format film exposure/development techniques including the zone system. Introduces the aesthetic of the large-format black-and-white photograph and expands the student's vision of the potential of the photographic image.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHTO 210 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 234 Studio Photography 4.0 Credits
Introduces professional studio photography practices. Continues utilization of the digital camera. Examines artifical lighting techniques and provides context for exploration of the studio as a creative photographic environment.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
Prerequisites: PHTO 231 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 236 Photojournalism 4.0 Credits
Approaches the subject of photojournalism through lectures on its history and current practices and through application. Considers the documentary genre of photography in general.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 210 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 240 Digital Photography II 4.0 Credits
Explores the digital image within the context of photographic practice. Examines current capabilities and future potentials in image capture, manipulation, output, and dissemination. Projects include utilization of image-manipulation programs, direct digital cameras, and hybrid film/digital approaches. Addresses aesthetic, conceptual, and professional issues.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 210 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 253 Fine Black and White Printing 3.0 Credits
Explores the aesthetic of the fine black-and-white print, including issues of print scale, tonality, surface quality, toning, and archival techniques. Uses zone-system analysis to optimize the relationship of the negative and the print.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 210 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 275 [WI] History of Photography I 3.0 Credits
Provides an overview of the history of photography from 1839 to approximately 1930, including technological developments, aesthetic trends, theoretical and philosophical understandings, and effects on society and culture at large. This is a writing intensive course.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: ARTH 101 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 276 History of Photography II 3.0 Credits
Provides an overview of the history of photography from approximately 1930 to the present, including technological developments, aesthetic trends, theoretical and philosophical understandings, and effects on society and culture at large.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 275 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 291 Internship 0.5-12.0 Credits
Incorporates a nonpaying internship in the field of photography for academic credit. An initial informational sheet on the internship and a final paper on the experience are required. May be repeated for credit. Department permission required.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO.
PHTO 310 Advanced Photography 3.0 Credits
Emphasis on independent and original work combined with technical innovation.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHTO 334 Advanced Studio Photography 4.0 Credits
An advanced studio photography class that will teach the student the workflow associated with high-end digital studio capture. The class will also cover various advanced studio lighting techniques. The development of a personal portfolio of work produced in the studio will be required by all students.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 234 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 335 Portraiture 3.0 Credits
This course is devoted to the development of a single project. The course will deal in depth with issues of format, lighting and composition. The course will address ethical and legal matters in photographic portraiture. An overview of the history of photographic portrait will be covered.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO.
Prerequisites: PHTO 231 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 233 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 236 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 253 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 336 Assignment Photography 3.0 Credits
Assignment is simply said to be photography that supports the written word, which may be either news or advertising, article photographs, advertisements, or the cover of a magazine. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to stand out from the photographic crowd by injecting personal style.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Junior or Pre-Junior .
Prerequisites: PHTO 234 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 334 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 340 Digital Photography III 4.0 Credits
This class will build on intermediate Photoshop skills while exploring the new field of building a photographic image by using more than one frame or multiple elements. Students will be expected to produce a body of work using the skills learned. Large format printing will be stressed.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 334 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 392 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 361 Advanced Photography 4.0 Credits
Extends study and experimentation in studio, color, and digital photography. Examines current photographic technologies and provides analysis of trends in photographic practice.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 234 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 392 Junior Project in Photography 3.0 Credits
College/Department: Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman or Sophomore
Prerequisites: PHTO 361 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 399 Independent Study In Photography 0.5-12.0 Credits
Provides individualized study in photography in a specialized area. May be repeated for credit. Department permission required.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO.
Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHTO 450 Self Promotion for Photographers 3.0 Credits
The objective of this course is to give you practical skills about design and production of print materials. Basics about typography, design, color, production and printing will be discussed and demonstrated. Students will produce their own materials such as their resume, stationary, direct mail promotional cards, and website.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO.
Prerequisites: PHTO 451 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 451 Photography and Business 3.0 Credits
Seminar course with invited professionals from the photographic and business fields. Helps prospective photographers understand legal aspects of photography, freelance business practices, and potential employment possibilities and expectations.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 240 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 452 History of Contemporary Photography 3.0 Credits
The course will focus on aesthetic and conceptual development in contemporary photographic practice. Through lectures, field trips and in-class discussions, students will learn concepts and visual trends employed in photography since 1970. Topics covered include 19th and 20th century influences, multi-cultural interpretation of genres, new approaches to representation of self.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 275 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 276 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 453 Photography Production 3.0 Credits
The objective of this course is to introduce prospective photographers to commercial production practices. Topics covered will include the definition and marketing of personal style, the varied roles of vendors and clients, interpreting layouts and concepts, and approaches to commercial production.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 336 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 455 Landscape Photography 3.0 Credits
This class is designed to explore the rich tradition and history of the landscape photograph and how to visually translate the contemporary landscape.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 336 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 456 Fashion Photography 3.0 Credits
The objective of this course is for students to become familiar with both the aesthetics and techniques involved in the production of fashion photographs. In addition, the history of fashion photography will be covered.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 340 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 457 Palladium Printing 3.0 Credits
This class explores the technical and aesthetic aspects of the 19th century, hand-coated palladium and platinum printing processes. Students will use large format negatives to produce a body of work. This course will include hand-coating techniques, paper and chemistry options.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 340 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 458 Advertising Portfolio Development 3.0 Credits
This course is designed to prepare students to enter the commercial market. Topics covered will include the definition and marketing of personal visual style, identity and cohesion, and contemporary self-promotion practices.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 340 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 459 Marketing for Photographers 3.0 Credits
The objective of this course is to give students practical skills about marketing, design, and production of materials you will need as a photographer. Discussions and demonstrations will show you how to use print, web, and other technologies to promote your photography.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 340 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 465 Special Topics in Photography 0.5-12.0 Credits
Provides study in photography on a special topic or on an experimental basis. May be repeated for credit if topics vary.
Repeat Status: Can be repeated multiple times for credit
Restrictions: Cannot enroll if classification is Freshman
PHTO 492 Senior Thesis in Photography I 3.0 Credits
Integrates the technical and conceptual understandings that the student has acquired in photography through development of a personally defined photographic project. Students will meet in weekly seminars to plan, discuss, and critique in-progress work.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 392 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 493 Senior Thesis in Photography II 3.0 Credits
College/Department: Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Prerequisites: PHTO 492 [Min Grade: D]
PHTO 495 Senior Thesis in Photography III 3.0 Credits
Integrates the technical and conceptual understandings that the student has acquired in photography through development of a personally defined photographic project. Students will meet in weekly seminars to plan, discuss, and critique in-progress work.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable for credit
Restrictions: Can enroll if major is PHTO and classification is Senior.
Prerequisites: PHTO 492 [Min Grade: D] and PHTO 493 [Min Grade: D]
