Photography, Bachelor of Fine Arts

After completing the St. John's Undergraduate Application, students who wish to study Photography are required to submit a portfolio (see below) for acceptance. Portfolios and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For early action, please submit your portfolio for the Photography program via SlideRoom by December 15. We request 12-15 images be included in your portfolio.  

If you wish to be considered for a Department of Art and Design visual arts scholarship, you must submit your portfolio separately via SlideRoom. 

Please note: 

• Files must be labeled as follows: First initial, last name, image number (e.g., jdoe_1).
• Image files should not be larger than 1200 pixels on the longest side and should be saved in JPG format.
• Other formats are acceptable; please check the SlideRoom instructions. 

Portfolio Requirements 

Portfolios for scholarship candidates must include 12-15 original pieces using a variety of materials in their portfolio. Judging will be based on creativity, conceptual ability, design, color sense, idea communication, draftsmanship, use of materials, and personal vision. 

Photography candidates include the following: 

• Original photographic work
• Analog photography
• Multi-media works
• Original drawings or paintings 
• Two-dimensional design compositions
• Design or illustration projects
• Photographs of ceramics or three-dimensional sculptures 

Should you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact either our Department Administrator, Nerissa Palermo, [email protected] , or our Department Chair, Paul Fabozzi, [email protected]. 

The Department of Art and Design awards two full-time, four-year scholarships to first-year students who demonstrate extraordinary proficiency and creative potential in their portfolio submission and have met the academic requirements of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Three additional first-year students who demonstrate excellence in the visual arts are offered a $1,000 incentive scholarship. Students are selected through the portfolio review process and must submit their portfolio in our SlideRoom portal by March 1, 2025 to be considered. For more information, contact Nerissa Palad-Palermo at 718-990-6250 or [email protected].

Required Studio Courses*

*Please note that studio art courses meet for six hours per week.

In addition to the courses listed above, students must take either 15 or 30 credits with the International Center of Photography (ICP). ICP offers intensive photographic study that, in collaboration with the courses offered at St, John's, aim to target specific areas of the medium and immerse our students in a community of photographers to further advance their knowledge and career options. Courses specializing in lighting, portraiture, documentary, studio and digital mastery are but a few of the selections offered that complement the photography and visual communication classes take during their first two years at St. John's. A more comprehensive listing of the types of courses are available on their website.

Required Art History Courses

Art Electives (6 credits of studio or art history electives)

Required Capstone Course - Choose one:

BFA Core Curriculum Courses

Also the following courses:

• Ethics (Philosophy or Theology)
• Mathematics and/or Logical, Quantitive, and Computational Reasoning
• Science and/or Data Analysis
• Social Justice (select from approved list of courses)
• Social Science Elective
• THE – Sacred Texts and Traditions (select from approved list of courses)