Photography
Share your artistic passion with others through strong conceptual development, innovative imagery and problem-solving skills through strong studio practice, advanced darkroom techniques and exhibition opportunities across the region and nation.
Develop your Talent
As a photography student at USD, you will develop skills in traditional film, digital and experimental forms of photography. You will be guided by the only full-time art photographic professor in South Dakota's higher education system with more than 35 years of experience. Together, you will explore techniques in photography development, darkroom techniques, printing and the creative process. You will participate in class critiques, lectures and demonstrations on critical issues in photography.
Degrees & Offerings
Art: Photography (MFA)
Master'sAs a graduate student, you will take master-level studio courses in materials and methods, creative research photography, concepts and theories, photography issues and master's portfolio/thesis courses. Your coursework will challenge you to dig deeper and grow creatively as you work with faculty who will prepare you for a life as a creative leader and professional artist. Outside of the classroom you will have opportunities for dedicated studio and workstations, assistantships and leadership opportunities within the art community at USD.
Program Details
Graduate
College
Department
Contact
Departments & Facilities
Art
The Department of Art will provide you with unique and applicable real-world experience and connections that enable you to immerse yourself in an environment built for personal and creative discovery.
Our Facility
Here are some of the facilities and resources available to photography students:
- Fully equipped Camera studio: Nikon 3200 Digital SLRs, 8’x 10’ cameras, 4’x5’ cameras, medium format cameras, 35mm single lens reflective cameras
- A large selection of lenses, accessories, LED and hot light kits, analog and digital lab equipment
- Shooting and lighting studio with a high-end strobe system and backdrops
- Black-and-white darkroom with 22 enlargers
- Alternative processes and film developing facility for palladium, wet plate collodion, other historic processes and black and white film processing
- Fully equipped printing shop: Epson 9800 printer, 44” wide Epson 4900 professional printer and 17” wide professional printer
Develop Your Talents
Impacting the World
Exceptional Student Work
Students are encouraged to merge their work in photography with other art forms at USD such as community art, interactivity, installation art and more. This process is reinforced through visiting artists, peer interactions and regular exhibitions in the galleries across campus and in the community.
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.