VISUAL JOURNALISM & PHOTOGRAPHY
The program emphasizes photojournalism, documentary video, and photography. Its comprehensive curriculum prepares students to compete at the highest level as they enter a visual profession that offers numerous employment opportunities in online and traditional publications, nonprofit organizations, businesses, social media content gathering, and independent entrepreneurship ventures.
Why wku vjp?
Our program offers a broad range of visual journalism and photography training, equipping you with the skills to pursue the career you’ve always envisioned.
CURRICULUM
The program offers two intensive tracks with a hands-on, career-focused curriculum that begins your first semester on campus.
CLASS SIZE
With small class sizes and personalized instruction and critique, students receive focused mentorship.
EQUIPMENT
Students have access to two state-of-the-art Mac labs as well as a professional equipment pool stocked with cameras and lenses.
TRADITION
A nationally recognized tradition with one of the most celebrated photojournalism programs in the country.
ONE MAJOR
TWO CONCENTRATIONS
Wherever your passion for visual storytelling leads, WKU’s Visual Journalism & Photography program offers two focused paths, One in visual journalism documentary, the other in photographic craft and creative expression.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Photography concentration (36 hours) equips students with skills in still photography, studio lighting, video, and design, preparing them for careers in commercial, portrait, advertising, and promotional photography.
BEST FOR THOSE WHO DOUBLE MAJOR
PHOTOJOURNALISM & DOCUMENTARY
The Photojournalism and Documentary concentration (45 hours) prepares students for careers in visual journalism through coursework in photography, video, design, lighting, business practices, and journalism writing.
BEST FOR THOSE PURSUING A CAREER IN THE JOURNALISM INDUSTRY
MOST RECENT WORK
“Duffer’S House” by Von Smith
Junior Von Smith from Louisville documented Jimmie Duffer of Park City, Kentucky as he works to renovate one of the oldest homes in the town, dating back to the 1880s. …
Strength to Inspire
WKU Senior Adin Parks documents the journey of Kevin Goode during his training to compete in a bodybuilding competition in the “transformational” category. Goode had lost 250 pounds during an …
Senior Spotlight – Eli Randolph
Eli Randolph a senior VJP major from Murfreesboro, TN had the opportunity to intern at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch this past summer as apart of a WKU Student Publication Fellowship. …
Senior Spotlight Dominic Di Palermo
Dominic Di Palermo, a senior from outside of Chicago has had a chance to take a semester off to return to Illinois and intern for the Chicago Tribune. This past …
The 2025 Senior Capstone Projects
Each spring, the graduating seniors of the Western Kentucky University Visual Journalism & Photography program offer a final, unforgettable look at stories that captured their attention. These deeply personal and …