BA in Visual Journalism and Photography (Photography)
With a tradition of highly successful graduates, state-of-the-art facilities, and award-winning faculty, WKU’s Visual Journalism and Photography program is regarded as one of the nation’s finest. The program is an integral component of the School of Media & Communication and has been a significant contributor to the high quality of the university’s student publications. In the William Randolph Hearst Journalism Awards competition, often referred to as the Pulitzer Prizes of collegiate journalism, WKU’s Visual Journalism and Photography program leads the nation in both the Photojournalism and Multimedia Intercollegiate competitions. This success is achieved through the practice of producing content-driven stories within the classroom, then reinforced through internships, workshops, freelance opportunities, and overseas educational programs.
The major offers two concentrations: Photojournalism and Documentary (45 hours) and Photography (36 hours). The Photojournalism and Documentary concentration prepares students to enter the visual journalism profession with classes in still photography, documentary video, design, studio lighting, visual business practices, and journalism writing. The Photography concentration is designed for those wanting to obtain skills in still photography, studio lighting, video, and design, applying these to applications outside of the traditional journalism profession, such as commercial, portraiture, advertising, and promotional photography.
Intakes
- Jan
- May
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Western Kentucky University (WKU) offers a range of job opportunities for international students, especially through on-campus employment, internships, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. The university has a strong career services center that supports students with resume building, interview preparation, and connecting with employers through job fairs and networking events. WKU’s location and industry connections also provide students with access to part-time jobs and full-time career opportunities in various fields such as business, technology, health sciences, and education.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
Bachelors Degree (After High School)
A completed application (open WKU application for admission)
Minimum academic requirements:
- Freshmen: 2.5 GPA (2.25 for Pathway)
- Transfer: 2.0 GPA (students with 24 or more earned hours of college credit)
English proficiency requirements (one of the following):
- TOEFL, IBT – 71 (61 for Pathway)
- IELTS – 6.0 (5.5 for Pathway)
- SAT Critical Reading – 450
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing – 460
- ELS – Level 109 PTE Academic – 52
- DuoLingo - 100 DET (90 for Pathway)
$75 non-refundable application fee
Official Academic Records from schools attended with grades and any degrees/diplomas/certificates received. Should also include a literal English translation.
Financial Evidence of Support must be provided to obtain an I-20
All necessary documents, including academic records, financial proof, proof of English language proficiency, AND the application fee must be received before an admission decision can be made.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Bachelors/UG Degree
- Duration: 04 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
116120 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 75 USD
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