SCHEV approves new VCU B.F.A. program in Photography and Film

By Lissette Linares

The State Council for Higher Education in Virginia in December unanimously approved Virginia Commonwealth University’s proposal for the creation of a new bachelor of fine arts degree program in photography and film.

Slated to begin enrollment in fall 2000, the program will consist of 120 total credits, including a minimum of 52 credits from photography or film courses. It will provide students with a foundation in photography, media arts, visual communication and art history during their first and second years of study. Upper division students will be able to concentrate in the areas of still photography, filmmaking or a combination of both.

The Department of Photography and Film currently offers all of the required courses needed for the B.F.A. degree and will utilize existing space, equipment and supplies to maintain the degree program.

"We’ve been looking at starting a bachelor’s program for quite some time now. Student interest in careers in photography and film is really at a high, as is the need for professional photographers and filmmakers in the state of Virginia," said Dale Quarterman, VCU chair of photography and film.

The Virginia Film Office 1998 Strategic Plan states that "it is critical that the establishment of an in-state program (designed to train and develop crafts people and technicians in various aspects of working in the production industry) occur as soon as possible. Of particular importance is the expansion of a diversified in-state work force trained to work in key production jobs."

The new VCU degree program will prepare students for careers as corporate, freelance, documentary, advertising, portrait, digital and industrial photographers. Filmmakers could enter the profession as directors, animators, camera operators, editors, gaffers, screenwriters and producers.

Currently more than 50 Communication Arts and Design students and more than 30 bachelor of general studies students are concentrating in photography and film. The new degree program will enable the department to better guide students through the curriculum to meet their career goals. The department anticipates a projected enrollment of 100-120 students over the next four years.

The VCU Department of Photography and Film, established in 1969, confers master’s degrees in photography and film and provides courses for the School of the Arts, the Non-traditional Studies Program and for other departments as well.