Moon Township, Pa. – Want to be a professional photographer? Picture yourself at RMU.
Robert Morris University now has B.A. and B.F.A. Media Arts degrees with a concentration in photography. The interdisciplinary curriculum builds on foundations of digital and film photography with advanced course in techniques of studio and commercial photography, photojournalism, documentary photography and portfolio preparation. Students also can take complimentary courses in graphic and Web design and TV/video production.
Like all RMU students, those in the photography program benefit from the university’s traditional strengths in business and communication skills. Many photographers are self-employed, and with management, marketing, and accounting classes specially tailored for designers, RMU gives photographers a head start on a successful career.
All RMU students also are strongly encouraged to get real-world experience. Internships allow students the opportunity to gain professional work experience and can lead to assistance with career planning, employment references and full-time job opportunities.
With the two new degree programs added this fall, RMU is now the only institution in western Pennsylvania offering a comprehensive photography program at the B.A. and B.F.A. level.
“This new concentration expands curriculum to address the overlapping disciplines that digital media has created,” said associate professor Christine Holtz, who oversees the new programs. “It also highlights the integral role photographic imagery plays in visual communication, Web creation and graphic design.”
Holtz noted that the photography concentration compliments several existing campus programs, including RMU’s Center for Documentary Production and Study and the student newspaper, The Sentry.
Justin Zuccarelli, who graduated last spring, said photography and photojournalism courses at RMU helped him launch his career as a freelancer.
“When shooting concerts or sports you only get one shot, there are no second chances. At RMU I learned the skills to get the photo the first time,” Zuccarelli said. He has photographed the Vans Warped Tour, MxPx, the Jonas Brothers, Against Me!, Anthony Green, Punchline, HelloGoodbye, Say Anything, and Secondhand Serenade. He’s also shot RMU’s NCAA Division I sports teams, including the NIT men’s basketball tournament and NCAA women’s tournament.
The Media Arts Department is fully equipped with professional facilities, including a digital imaging lab, wide format archival printing, large format scanner, group black-and-white darkrooms, and critique space. Photography students can borrow cameras, lenses, flashes, lighting kits, meters and tripods.
RMU also offers a minor in photography for any student interested in photography as a tool for visual communication. This minor is flexibly designed to complement majors in graphic design, Web design, journalism, public relations, marketing and advertising.