Photography Major and Minor

EMU is one of the few Christian colleges that offers a photography major (and a minor). Our program emphasizes skills in the digital arena. You will learn studio/field practices, study visual theory, and engage the community through documentary work. The EMU photography program unfolds in the context of our Christian liberal arts community, a multicultural, peace-oriented environment that values effective intercultural communication and passionate engagement with the world. We prepare students for a range of photographic possibilities from studio/freelance positions to further graduate training.

High-end equipment gives students the edge

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High-end equipment gives students the edge

EMU's extensive collection of quality cameras, lenses and other equipment give students the edge in internships and careers.

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Digital Media Major Chris Runion works part-time at a local radio station

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Digital Media Major Chris Runion works part-time at a local radio station

Runion, a digital media major at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), has worked and interned part-time at the station since 2018.

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Alumna illustrator nets 43,000 – and counting – Instagram followers

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Alumna illustrator nets 43,000 – and counting – Instagram followers

Madeline Kate Martinez '17 is a full-time graphic designer with the children's apparel company Hanna Andersson and has a growing Instagram following for her illustrations.

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Students produce documentary about slain U.N. worker

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Students produce documentary about slain U.N. worker

Student producers of the documentary "No Longer Theory," about murdered UN armed group expert MJ Sharp '05, premier the film at the Academic and Creative Arts Festival.

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Distinctives
- Faculty with connections to the professional world- Faculty projects have been featured on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic and ABC.
- Faculty connections give students an opportunity to hear from professionals in person and online, such as the first female steady-cam operator, a National Geographic photographer and a Discovery Channel producer.
- Christian liberal arts college with multicultural, peace-oriented values allows students to explore the intersection of faith, values and media. For example: Lila Marks recently exhibited a show about the homeless crisis in Hawaii.
- One unique course offered at EMU is Conservation Photography at EMU – the intersection of photography and environmental preservation. Explore the bio-diversity of the Appalachian region through underwater photography, macro work, and other techniques. Learn more.
Internships and Student Opportunities
- Internship opportunities abound in the EMU/Harrisonburg area. For example, students have been photo interns for Fairfield Language Technologies, makers of Rosetta Stone, the world’s leading language learning software.
- Other students have gone further afield to intern for newspapers in Washington D.C. or at National Geographic Adventure in New York City.
- Students regularly volunteer at the Nature’s Best Photography Windland Smith Rice International Awards in Washington, D.C. and have an opportunity to meet top conservation photographers.
Affordability
- 99% of undergrads receive financial aid
- The average assistance package is over $37,000
- Over $21 million in aid is awarded each year
Financial aid packages often include:
Learn more by contacting EMU's Financial Assistance Office or checking out our net price calculator.

Facilities and Equipment

Margaret Gehman Gallery

Faculty

News about Students and Alumni

Career Options

Bright Outlook

Special Effects Artists and Animators

$63,229
Average Salary

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Audio and Video Technicians

$41,252
Average Salary

Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.

Broadcast Technicians

$37,018
Average Salary

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film

$47,038
Average Salary

Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.

Film and Video Editors

$51,558
Average Salary

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Photographers

$34,002
Average Salary

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

The above data was drawn from ONet and is intended for informational purposes only.