The Major
Students who are interested in using photography to show interesting people, situations and places are suited for the photojournalism sequence. We teach both the heart of capturing moments and the technology and skills to do so. From still photojournalism and writing to using audio and video, our students have gone on to be award-winning leaders in the field.
Student Work
The subject matter that students in the Photojournalism sequence photograph runs the gamut. Students are expected to interact with members of the community — and find unique and compelling ways to tell their stories. See more student work.
Photojournalism Major Courses
The bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Photojournalism is a 120-credit hour program that includes a major core of study, general liberal arts classes, a focus on a specialization area and an internship. In our program, students start studying photography and making photos in their first semester.
Classes in this major include:
- VICO 1000 - Intro to Visual Communication: A survey class in the foundations of visual communication
- VICO 1421 and 1414 - Introductory classes in photography and design
Specialized classes in photojournalism include:
- VICO 2390 - Photojournalism I: Single images
- VICO 2392 - Photojournalism II: Picture story
- VICO 2435 - Picture editing: The language of images, photo choice, sequencing
- VICO 2401 - Multimedia Production: Audio and video
- VICO 3320 - Motion and Sound: Advanced course in video storytelling
- VICO 4386 - Photojournalism Capstone
- Students also have the opportunity to take documentary photojournalism, commercial photography, business practices, design, and lighting courses
Other core classes including electives in visual history, business and communication, digital imaging and a specialization area of the student’s choosing, all supporting their education in VisCom. Journalism courses also make up a part of this major core of study, and include classes in grammar, writing and communication law. Our program prepares students to be well-rounded — and ready for the future.
To add a minor or certificate as part of your course of study, complete this form .
Internships and Careers
One advisor-approved internship is required for the degree in Visual Communication. Internships should be approximately 400 hours of paid and supervised work in your field. Many students have more than one internship experience prior to graduation.
Additionally, VisCom alumni have had successful careers in the industry in a variety of capacities and have worked and interned at a variety of places, including NPR, The New York Times, the Cleveland Browns, Getty Images, The Boston Globe, and Vox Media.
Equipment Requirements
Photojournalism students are required to own by the end of their first photojournalism course (which is taken during the spring semester of freshman year):
- A professional-level DSLR camera
- Two lenses with f/2.8 or faster aperture: one 28mm or wider focal length, and one with a 135mm to 200mm focal length (zoom lenses are also acceptable if fixed aperture)
- Dedicated electronic flash
- Professional tripod
Download the Undergraduate Photojournalism Majors Camera & Lenses Equipment List [PDF]
Equipment Checkout Room
VisCom also supplies an Equipment Checkout Room with the support of Nikon, Canon, Mamiya Corporation of America and Sony. Students can check out DSLR cameras, lenses, lighting gear, audio equipment, video equipment, a 360-degree camera, tripods other stabilization tools.
A form will be emailed to students every year to gain access to the equipment room. If you did not receive this form or cannot find it, contact Josh Birnbaum at birnbaum@ohio.edu or (740)-597-1778 .
Computer Labs
The School of Visual Communication uses Apple computers and predominantly the Adobe Creative Suite. We are pleased to provide computer labs with Apple computers, the Adobe Creative Suite and other software needed for classes. These labs also have open hours in the evenings, as do other labs on campus, and have color printers and photo printers students can use with purchase of a print card.
Photography Studios
Within the Schoonover building, VisCom also has two photographic studios available, including state of the art lighting equipment, dressing rooms and a cyclorama (“cyc”) wall.
School of Visual Communication Gallery
On the first floor of Schoonover, the School of Visual Communication runs a gallery. Rotating regularly between student and alumni shows, students can not only show their work, but gain experience participating in the exhibitions.