B.S. 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 with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Photography from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) have a diverse array of career opportunities available to them, thanks to the program’s comprehensive training in both technical skills and artistic practices. 

Professional Photographer: Many graduates enter the field as professional photographers, specializing in areas such as portrait, commercial, fashion, or event photography. The program's focus on technical proficiency and creative development prepares graduates to produce high-quality images across various genres.

Photojournalist: With a background in visual storytelling, graduates can work as photojournalists for newspapers, magazines, or online media. This role involves capturing compelling images that provide visual context to news stories and feature articles, contributing to impactful journalism.

Commercial Photographer: Graduates may choose to work as commercial photographers, creating images for advertising, marketing, and product promotion. This career involves collaborating with businesses and agencies to produce visually appealing content that supports brand messaging and drives sales.

Editorial Photographer: In this role, graduates work with publications to create images that complement written content. Editorial photographers are responsible for producing images that align with editorial themes and enhance storytelling in magazines, newspapers, and online platforms.

Fine Art Photographer: For those interested in artistic expression, a career as a fine art photographer offers opportunities to exhibit and sell original works. Graduates can showcase their photography in galleries, art shows, and exhibitions, building a portfolio of personal and artistic projects.

Photo Editor: Photo editors work in media outlets, managing and curating photographic content. This role involves selecting, editing, and preparing images for publication, ensuring that visual content meets editorial standards and aligns with the publication's style.

Photography Instructor: Graduates with a passion for teaching may pursue roles as photography instructors in high schools, community colleges, or higher education institutions. This position involves educating students about photographic techniques, theory, and creative practices.

Creative Director: With experience in visual arts and photography, graduates can take on roles as creative directors in advertising, media, and design firms. Creative directors oversee the visual aspects of projects, guiding the development of visual content and campaigns.

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

Freelance Photographer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance photographers, offering their services on a project-by-project basis. This path provides flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of assignments, from personal portraits to commercial shoots.