Student reviews black and white photo prints and negatives in photo lab

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's with Specialization

Vermillion Main Campus

As 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.

Learn more about the art program

View Curriculum

Program Details

Graduate

College

College of Fine Arts

Department

Art

Contact

Graduate Admissions

605-658-6140

gradadmissions@usd.edu

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in the only College of Fine Art in the state.

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

Share your passion with others through skills in traditional film, digital and experimental forms of photography.

Photography Student Graciela DeAnda shares photo of her photo showcase on personal struggles of migrant workers.

Impacting the World

Graciella De Anda is working on her UDiscover Grant documenting migrant workers in the Siouxland area. Her photos showcase personal struggles of migrant workers as they journey to a new and different place. Learn more about Graciella's photo series and her opportunities as a photography student at USD.

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.