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.
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
Back to top
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
Back to top
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
Back to top
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.