Colleges with Photography Programs

Capture the World Through Your Lens: Colleges with Robust Photography Programs

Who hasn’t been fascinated by the transformative power of photography — its ability to freeze moments in time, evoke strong emotions, and document the world around us? If you have a keen eye for visual storytelling and a drive to capture the beautiful, raw, poignant, and uncomfortable, check out our listing of the best colleges and universities offering top-ranked photography programs designed to equip you with the technical skills and artistic vision to become a master photographer.

More than a Snapshot

Photography isn’t simply pointing a camera and clicking a button. It blends art and science and requires a deep understanding of light, composition, exposure, and digital editing techniques. When you’re pursuing a B.A. in photography, you learn about:

• Digital photography fundamentals, from camera operation and lens selection to exposure settings, digital workflow, framing a shot, and much more.
• Lighting techniques, like how to manipulate light to create mood, drama, and dimension in your images.
• Fine art photography, to develop your artistic vision, experiment with different photographic styles, genres, and creative approaches to capturing the world around you.

Many photography programs offer opportunities to:

• Specialize by exploring specific areas or concentrations like portraiture, photojournalism, fashion photography, commercial photography, or documentary photography.
• Gain practical experience, developing your skills through hands-on studio courses, shooting assignments, and portfolio development workshops.
  Intern with professional photographers, studios, or media outlets.
• Study abroad to broaden your perspectives, work on site-specific projects, learn from local photographers, and experience unique photographic environments.

Become a Visual Storyteller

A B.A. in photography prepares you to pursue a wide range of exciting careers in the visual arts field:

• Commercial, portrait, fashion, or fine art photographer
  Photojournalist
  Aerial or drone photographer
  Medical or forensic photographer

Many photography graduates also pursue further education, like a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in photography to further refine and specialize their skills.