B.A. in Photography

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) offers various scholarships to help international students with their educational expenses. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and other criteria. 

International Merit Scholarship: GVSU offers merit-based scholarships to international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The award amounts may vary, but they are typically based on a student's academic achievements. The scholarships are competitive and awarded to high-achieving students.

Study Abroad Scholarships: GVSU encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university provides scholarships to students who wish to study abroad and gain valuable international experience.

Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments and programs within the university offer scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These scholarships are often based on academic performance and potential in the chosen field of study.

Cultural and Identity-Based Scholarships: GVSU promotes diversity and inclusivity. As a result, there are scholarships available for students who contribute to the diversity of the university community. These scholarships recognize students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Foundation Scholarships: GVSU Foundation Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors. These scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines and may be available to both undergraduate and graduate international students.

Community College Transfer Scholarships: International students transferring from U.S. community colleges to GVSU may be eligible for transfer scholarships, which can help with the cost of completing their bachelor's degrees.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Photography program from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have a variety of career paths available to them, thanks to the program's strong emphasis on technical skills, creative development, and industry engagement. 

Professional Photographer: Many graduates pursue careers as professional photographers, specializing in areas such as portrait, commercial, fashion, or event photography. The program’s comprehensive training in both traditional and digital techniques equips graduates with the skills needed to capture high-quality images across various genres.

Photojournalist: With a background in photography and visual storytelling, graduates can work as photojournalists for newspapers, magazines, or online media. This role involves capturing compelling images that accompany news stories and feature articles, providing visual context to current events.

Editorial Photographer: Editorial photographers work closely with publications to create images that align with specific themes or articles. Graduates can find opportunities in magazines, newspapers, and online platforms, where they contribute to visual content that supports written narratives.

Commercial Photographer: Specializing in product or advertising photography, commercial photographers create images used for marketing and promotional purposes. Graduates can work with businesses and advertising agencies to produce visually appealing content that enhances brand messaging and product visibility.

Fine Art Photographer: For those interested in artistic expression, the fine art photography field offers opportunities to exhibit and sell original works. Graduates may pursue careers as gallery artists, exhibit their work in art shows, or work with art dealers and collectors.

Photo Editor: Photo editors manage and curate photographic content for publications, websites, or media outlets. This role involves selecting, editing, and preparing images for publication, ensuring that visual content meets editorial standards and aligns with the publication's aesthetic.

Photography Instructor: Graduates with a passion for teaching may choose to become photography instructors, either at the high school level or in higher education institutions. This role involves educating students about photographic techniques, theory, and creative practices.

Creative Director: With experience in visual arts and photography, graduates can pursue roles as creative directors in advertising, media, and design firms. This position involves overseeing the creative process, including the conceptualization and execution of visual campaigns.

Photo Archivist: Photo archivists work in museums, libraries, and historical societies to manage and preserve photographic collections. This role involves cataloging, digitizing, and maintaining images, ensuring their accessibility and preservation for future generations.

Freelance Photographer: Many graduates choose to work independently as freelance photographers, offering their services to various clients and projects. This path provides flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse assignments, from personal portraits to commercial shoots.