Photography

Overview

Photography programs teach people to express ideas and feelings using still photos.

This program includes topics such as:

Camera operation
Basic art principles, including art history, drawing, and design
Darkroom film and photo developing
Photo editing and using software to enhance and produce work
Business management and marketing

Portfolio

Students begin to develop their professional portfolio during college. This includes samples of work from team projects and independent projects. Projects completed during their senior year and internship are important to their portfolio.

Schools

Many community colleges and independent art schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in photography. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete.

Many independent art schools, colleges, and universities offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in photography. A BFA degree usually takes about four to five years of full-time study.

Several universities offer Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in photography. A MFA typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Photographers

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Many programs require you to submit separate application materials in addition to your general college application. Usually you have to complete preliminary art courses, write a personal statement, and submit a portfolio of work.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Art
Art Appreciation
Art History
Computer Graphics
Directing
Drama, Stagecraft
Film and Videotape
History and Literature of the Theater
Photography
Photojournalism
Playwriting

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Undergraduate major or significant course work in photography
Letters of recommendation
Portfolio or exhibit review
Personal interview

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Advanced Photography
Animation
Basic Photography
Business Management
Design Principles
Digital Imaging
Drawing
Film Editing
Film Production
Marketing
Multimedia
Photojournalism
Post-Production Processes
Studio
Television and Video Production

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in film, video and photographic arts typically require:

Required courses
Thesis and portfolio of finished work (master's degree)
Preliminary exam (doctoral degree)
Dissertation (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Independent art schools may focus more intensively on studio work and career preparation. Colleges and universities typically require certain general courses in addition to studio art requirements.