Brooks Institute of Photography

For more than 60 years, Brooks Institute has set the standard for excellence in visual and media arts education and career training. Through its unique integration of artistic, academic, technical and business training and a "learn by doing" instructional model, Brooks Institute has prepared and graduated some of the finest and most well known professionals in their fields. In fact, Brooks' graduates are visibly nationally and internationally, working for such distinguished organizations as HBO, Kodak, The Smithsonian, National Geographic and The Los Angeles Times to name a few.

So, whether you're a high school student, a career changer or a professional seeking advanced training, Brooks Institute can help you succeed. And, with campuses located in the beautiful, coastal communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura California, you can combine a world-class education with the envied Southern California lifestyle.

Master of Fine Arts in Photography

In today's marketplace, many corporate and educational positions require advanced degrees. The Master of Fine Arts in Photography program at Brooks Institute is designed to expand the knowledge of students' undergraduate learning experiences. This photography program allows students the opportunity to benefit from higher technical, aesthetic and practical knowledge while enhancing their pursuit of occupations requiring graduate education.

As a student, you will have access to a comprehensive curriculum encompassing the entirety of the photographic art industry. Fostering critical thinking, creativity and professional excellence, this Master of Fine Arts in Photography program can help each student discover his or her potential. This program provides an experimental learning environment that allows students the opportunity to stay abreast of technological, aesthetic, business and societal changes while integrating personal, professional and social responsibility.

The Master of Fine Arts in Photography degree program is designed to be completed in 2 years; however, a student may take up to 3 years to complete the program.

Bachelor of Arts

Brooks Institute's curriculum is focused on offering Bachelor of Arts degrees in professional photography, visual journalism, visual communication, also known as graphic design, and film and video production.

Undergraduate courses are offered in 8-week sessions with 6 starts per calendar year, offering students flexible enrollment options and the opportunity to earn their degree in as few as 3 years. Once enrolled, Brooks' students will spend nearly 70 percent of their education in their chosen field of study and will use only industry current labs, studios and equipment. Additionally, most their instructors also will be working professionals.

Film and Video Production

This program prepares students for media careers that involve motion picture development, production and post-production, such as camera operator, associate producer or production assistant. Students have access to industry current equipment, such as cameras, lighting, computers and more and will film on former Hollywood sound stages.

Some of the course work this program requires includes:

• Music Video Production
• Digital Animation
• Advanced Cinematography
• Directing and Screenwriting

Graphic Design

You are bombarded with images. Graphic design is everywhere. . .from the graphics on your favorite cereal box to the designs on your snowboard, or the logo on your favorite pair of sneakers. It is a major part of this website, your textbooks, newspapers and the brochures you receive in the mail. Today, graphic design consists of traditional careers in graphic design and the newer career paths in the areas often referred to as new media. Bringing together images and text to move, to sell, to identify, to empower, graphic design is as old as cave paintings and as new as tomorrow.

Courses in the program include the following:

• Typography
• Publication Design
• Introduction to Digital Animation
• Web Site Development

Professional Photography

The shared lower-division training focuses on basic and intermediate photographic skill mastery, and specialized training within one of six concentration tracks in the upper division. Students can customize their education to fit their interests with majors such as:

• Commercial
• Advertising
• Industrial/scientific
• Portraiture
• Digital imaging
• Digital media photography

And specialty courses including:

• Underwater
• Travel
• Celebrity
• Nature
• Architectural Photography

Visual Journalism

This program trains students to be non-fiction storytellers using digital cameras, digital video and computer software. Unlike conventional photo journalism programs, the Brooks visual journalism program prepares students to share photos and images beyond newspaper and print mediums to include television, internet, film and even cell phone related devices offering students a competitive career advantage.

Some of the required course work includes:

• Documentary Photography
• Video Production
• Location Lighting
• Multimedia

Other Programs

In addition to the programs listed above, Brooks Institute of Photography also offers the following diploma and associate's degree programs:

• Associate of Arts in Visual Journalism
• Diploma in Film & Video Production
  • Commercial Film
  • Feature Film
  • Visual Effects & Animation
• Diploma in Professional Photography

Accreditation

Brooks Institute of Photography is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. ACICS is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education.

ACICS is located at 750 First Street, NE, Suite 980, Washington DC, 20002-4241, and can be contacted at (202) 336-6780.

*Programs and availability are subject to change.

Information

If you are interested in this school and would like to find out more, please Request Information from Brooks Institute of Photography.