

Develop your experience
The photography program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is part of the 2D studio art curriculum in the School of Art. The faculty stress a broad interdisciplinary approach aiming to help students to develop a personal visual language. In additional to acquiring technical proficiency in film and digital photography students are introduced to the fundamental issues of technology and its connection to contemporary art, history, culture, and society.
Programs in Photography
Bachelor of Arts in Art
OR BFA in 2D
Undergraduate students wishing to study photography can choose between pursuing a BA in Art (45 credit hours) or a BFA in Two-Dimensional Studies (83 credit hours). The curriculum includes course work in the history of photography, readings, discussions, technical demonstrations and group and individual critiques. This program presents the theories and practices of photography and digital imaging within the context of their histories and the current discourse in art and criticism. Graduates of the program are able to realize their personal ideas and aesthetics through a sound command of their own visual language.
Email faculty representative Paul Lee
Courses
- ARTA 231 – Photography I (3 credits) — Introduction to the art of photography. Taking and processing of photographs through both traditional film/darkroom and digital.
- ARTA 331 – Photography II (4 credits) — Individual expression in photographic medium.
- ARTA 331 – Digital Photography (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and techniques of use of computer in photography.
- ARTA 331 – Large Format Photography I (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and practice of photography using large format view camera.
- ARTA 431 – Photography III (4 credits) — Individual development of photographic problems and techniques.
Degree Requirements
BA in Art
The Bachelor of Art degree with a major in art is a humanities degree with 42 credit hours in studio art and art history coursework. Many students who choose the BA path earn a second major in another field of study. The BA option allows for flexibility to pursue wide-ranging interests and career paths and to study abroad for a full semester.
Download a PDF of the Four Year Curriculum
BFA in Studio Art – 2D
The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in studio art is a professionally-oriented degree intended for students planning careers or graduate study in the visual arts.
For Current Students
The School of Art uses a combination of a professional advisor and faculty mentors to meet the needs of our students. You are assigned to our professional staff advisor, Brittany Hunt-Woods, upon admission to the School of Art. Brittany will do all primary advising (clearing registration holds, discussing graduation requirements, etc). In addition, a faculty mentor will be assigned after you pass portfolio review. You will be expected to meet with your faculty mentor at least once per year.
Photography Portfolio Review
Students submitting to the Photography Portfolio Review should have passed two courses of Art History 162, 172, 173 or 183, the studio core comprised of Art 101, Art 102 and Art 103, and at least two 200-level printmaking courses.
The portfolio review is conducted in person with the photography faculty. The reviews are scheduled for 30 minutes during the end of the semester and take the form of a critique. Students should bring prints and any other works that inform their artistic development. Students should also submit a copy of their Degree Audit Report (DARS), and a one-page statement of intent. Students receive a personal letter indicating whether they have passed the review.
Minors and Non-Art Majors
We make it easy for undergraduate students to take hands-on photography classes while pursuing another field of study. Contact the School of Art office to declare a studio art minor: (865) 974-3407.
Details
Studio Art Minor: 21 Credits
Select 6 hours of Art History (grade of C or better):
- ARTH 172 – Western Art: Ancient through Medieval *
- ARTH 173 – Western Art: Renaissance to Contemporary *
- ARTH 183 – Asian Art *
Required:
Select 15 hours of art courses of which a minimum of 3 must be at the 300-400 level.
PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS
- ARTA 231 – Photography I (3 credits) — Introduction to the art of photography. Taking and processing of photographs through both traditional film/darkroom and digital.
- ARTA 331 – Photography II (4 credits) — Individual expression in photographic medium.
- ARTA 331 – Digital Photography (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and techniques of use of computer in photography.
- ARTA 331 – Large Format Photography I (4 credits) — Studio course introducing theory and practice of photography using large format view camera.
- ARTA 431 – Photography III (4 credits) — Individual development of photographic problems and techniques.
Courses for Non-Art Majors
BA in Art
Register for ARTN courses to learn alongside art majors, while skipping the prerequisites. Class sizes are limited.
- ARTN 211 Non-Major Intro to Drawing
- ARTN 213 Non-Major Intro to Painting
- ARTN 221 Non-Major Intro to Ceramic Sculpture
- ARTN 222 Non-Major Intro to Pottery
- ARTN 231 Non-Major Intro to Photography
- ARTN 232 Non-Major Intro to Performance & Sound Art
- ARTN 239 Non-Major Intro to Special Topics in 4D Art
- ARTN 241 Non-Major Intro to Sculpture
- ARTN 262 Non-Major Intro to Intaglio (Printmaking)
- ARTN 263 Non-Major Intro to Lithography (Printmaking)
- ARTN 264 Non-Major Intro to Screen Printing
- ARTN 265 Non-Major Intro to Relief (Printmaking)
- ARTN 291 Non-Major Intro to Book Arts and Papermaking
Faculty


Photography News
- Kimberly D. Iles Scholarship Awards – 2023
- Honors Exhibition 2023 at Ewing Gallery
- UT alum puts photography skills to work for Young-Williams
- School of Art Students Exhibit at GSS Awards Banquet
- Elaine McMillion Sheldon Receives Mid-Career Excellence in Research and Creative Achievement Award
- I Learned working with the Negatives Could Make for Better Pictures by Adarian Johnson at Gallery 1010
- 76th Annual Student Art Competition Awards
- RE-SEARCH & RE-PAIR at Gallery 1010
- Gallery 1010 and the Works of Jackson Jalomo
- Capstone Fall 2022 Exhibition at Gallery 1010
- Gallery 1010 Spring 2023 Application Now Open
- “Our Tennessee” Celebrates UT Libraries’ Beauford Delaney Collection