Program Overview
The University of Hartford's MFA in Photography is a low-residency program designed for working professionals. It combines intensive on-campus sessions with international travel opportunities, emphasizing art, documentary practice, and the photo-based book. The program prepares graduates for careers in fine art, documentary photography, and other visual arts fields.
Program Outline
MFA in Photography at the University of Hartford
Degree Overview
At a Glance:
- International, limited-residency program.
- Low residency, designed for working professionals.
- Focuses on art, documentary practice, and the photo-based book.
- Suitable for both experienced individuals and recent graduates.
- Summer semester start.
- Application Priority Deadline: January 15.
Objectives:
- Develop advanced photographic skills and knowledge.
- Enhance critical thinking and creative approaches.
- Create a strong foundation in theoretical, historical, and artistic aspects of photography.
- Develop proficiency in various photographic techniques, including analogue and digital approaches.
- Explore the photo-based book as a creative format.
Program Description:
The University of Hartford's MFA in Photography is a unique program that combines intensive on-campus sessions with international travel opportunities, creating a truly global learning experience. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of the art world and provides students with valuable exposure to diverse perspectives. The program is designed to provide students with the tools and knowledge to excel in their chosen field, whether it be artistic production, documentary practice, or the photo-based book. With a strong focus on critical thinking, experimentation, and individual expression, the program prepares graduates for a successful career in the visual arts.
Outline
Program Content:
- Advanced Photography
- Analogue Darkroom
- Photographic Book
- Professional Practice
- Seminar in Contemporary Issues
- Independent Project
Structure:
- Fall & Spring Semesters: Online coursework and remote assignments.
- Summer Residency: Two weeks on campus for intensive workshops, critiques, and lectures.
Individual Modules:
- Advanced Photography I, II, and III: Focus on developing advanced skills and techniques in contemporary photographic practice, using both digital and analogue methods.
- Analogue Darkroom I and II: Mastering black and white film processing and printing using traditional darkroom techniques.
- The Photographic Book I, II, and III: Historical and critical study of the photo-based book, its design and production aspects.
- Professional Practice I, II, III, and IV: Seminars exploring career paths and challenges in photography, including gallery representation, publishing, and marketing.
- Independent Project: Individually developed project culminating in a thesis defense and exhibition.
Assessment
The program utilizes various methods for assessing student learning:
- Individual project critiques: Providing feedback and guidance throughout the development process.
- Portfolio reviews: Evaluation of technical ability and artistic vision.
- Written papers and presentations: Demonstrating theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills.
- Final defense and exhibition: Comprehensive review of the student's project and overall understanding.
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
- Individualized instruction: Personalized guidance and feedback during critiques and studio visits.
- Lecture and discussion: Engaging sessions covering historical, contemporary, and technical aspects of photography.
- Guest lectures and artist talks: Interaction with renowned professionals in the field.
- Field trips and travel experiences: Enhancing learning through direct encounters with diverse artistic practices and cultural contexts.
Faculty:
The program boasts an impressive faculty of professional photographers, artists, and educators with extensive experience and international renown.
Unique Approaches:
- Integrating travel to global art centers, enriching student experience and perspective.
- Combining hands-on techniques like the analogue darkroom with contemporary digital approaches.
- Emphasis on developing the photo-based book as an independent body of work.
Careers
Graduates of this program are prepared for diverse careers in the visual arts, including:
- Fine artist
- Documentary photographer
- Photobook publisher
- Curator
- Educator
- Gallery owner The program alumni achieve success in various creative endeavors, gaining international recognition and exhibiting their work in renowned museums and galleries worldwide.
Other
- The program offers scholarships to deserving students.
- Students who complete the program and have maintained a good academic standing will be eligible to participate in the University's graduate commencement ceremony.
- International students cannot reside in the US during the program's duration but must be present for on-campus residency periods in each academic year.
Because of the prescribed curriculum, we calculate tuition on a full-year rate rather than per credit hour. Published tuition rates are tuition only, and do not include transportation, lodging, books, supplies, and other University fees.
University of Hartford: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
University of Hartford (UHart) is a private, non-profit university located in West Hartford, Connecticut. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, communication, education, engineering, health professions, liberal arts, music, sciences, and theatre & dance. UHart is known for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, career readiness, and personalized attention to students.
Services Offered:
UHart provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Advising:
Personalized guidance from faculty and advisors to help students navigate their academic journey.Career Services:
Resources and support for career exploration, job searching, and internship opportunities.Financial Aid:
Various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.Student Life:
A vibrant campus community with numerous clubs, organizations, and events to foster social connections and personal growth.Housing:
On-campus housing options for students, including residence halls and apartments.Library and Information Resources:
Access to a well-equipped library with extensive collections and digital resources.Health and Wellness Services:
Comprehensive health and wellness services, including counseling, health insurance, and fitness facilities.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UHart offers a dynamic and engaging campus experience with:
Diverse Student Body:
A diverse student population representing various backgrounds and perspectives.Active Campus Community:
Numerous student clubs, organizations, and events to foster social connections and personal growth.Athletics:
A strong athletic program with NCAA Division I teams in various sports.Arts and Culture:
A thriving arts scene with performances, exhibitions, and events hosted by the Hartt School.Location:
Convenient location in West Hartford, close to Hartford city center and other cultural attractions.Key Reasons to Study There:
Hands-on Learning:
Emphasis on practical experience through internships, research opportunities, and real-world projects.Career-Ready Education:
Programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.Personalized Attention:
Small class sizes and dedicated faculty provide individualized support and mentorship.Vibrant Campus Community:
A welcoming and inclusive environment with a wide range of student activities and organizations.Strong Academic Programs:
A diverse range of academic programs with a focus on innovation and excellence.Academic Programs:
UHart offers a wide range of academic programs, with notable strengths in:
Arts:
Hartford Art School, known for its studio-based instruction and emphasis on portfolio development.Business:
Barney School of Business, offering programs in accounting, finance, marketing, and other business disciplines.Communication:
School of Communication, with programs in cinema, digital media, journalism, and communication.Education:
College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, offering programs in early childhood education, elementary education, and special education.Engineering & Architecture:
College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, offering programs in various engineering disciplines, including aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering.Health Professions:
College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, offering programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.Music:
The Hartt School, a renowned conservatory offering programs in music performance, composition, education, and music management.Theatre & Dance:
The Hartt School, offering programs in actor training, dance performance, music theatre, stage management, and technical theatre.Other:
Entry Requirements:
Prerequisites:
- Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Applicants who did not major in art, photography, or a related field, may be required to complete additional coursework to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.
- Applicants must submit a portfolio of their best work that demonstrates their ability, interests, and potential.
- Applicants must also submit a letter of intent that describes their professional and career goals and how the MFA program will help them to achieve these goals.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their work and their potential for success in the MFA program are also required.
- A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required.
- International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a score of at least 80 on the TOEFL or 7.0 on the IELTS.
- International students may also be required to submit other documents, such as a financial affidavit and a copy of their passport. They are expected to be present in the U.S. during the dates of each residency.
- International students are restricted in the length of time they can stay in the U.S. between the two or three in-person residency sessions each year. They may enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to each residency start date and may depart up to 30 days after the end of each residency.
