Depth of focus: Mount Saint Mary's enhances media programs with new photography specializations

LOS ANGELES, June 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three years ago, Mount Saint Mary's University launched an MFA in film and television that was quickly named one of "five film schools to watch" by The Hollywood Reporter. This fall, the University's MFA in film, television and — now — photography, is coming into even sharper focus.

MFA students can add photography to a list of specializations that already includes screenwriting, directing, producing, documentary, cinematography, editing, visual effects, and music and sound design. Located on a historic and active Hollywood studio, the Mount's MFA provides students with the essential skills, and equipment, to create and produce professional media. By the time they graduate, students have built a body of work that demonstrates their creative and technical abilities.

"Each student receives a personalized, hands-on education from high-level professionals in the industry," says Kelby Thwaits, MFA program director. "We have students from down the street and from all corners of the world. This opens everyone up to a wider variety of influences, and makes for more diverse, well-rounded artists. By incorporating photography, we're expanding that mix of backgrounds and perspectives even further."

At the undergraduate level, the University has also created a minor and a specialization in professional photography — for students in the University's baccalaureate women's college, and for adults in the Mount's co-ed Weekend/Evening College (WEC). Mount Saint Mary's is also developing a bachelor's of fine arts in professional photography, for WEC students, set to launch in fall 2018.

The Mount's photography additions come on the heels of its 2016-2017 "rescue" of photography students and faculty left in the lurch by the sudden closure of the California-based Brooks Institute, a premier arts college that focused on photography and visual arts.

More than 40 former Brooks students are finishing their photography, film or visual journalism studies at Mount Saint Mary's. And many Brooks professors are now sharing their expertise as adjunct faculty in the Mount's undergraduate and graduate film and media programs. Their sustained involvement is helping the Mount incorporate best practices and curriculums from the Brooks program — as well as helping former Brooks students feel at home.

Thanks to the photography additions, this new home at Mount Saint Mary's is open to even more students interested in a dynamic range of visual arts. To learn more, or to apply, visit msmu.edu.

SOURCE Mount Saint Mary's University

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