Four Year Photography Colleges

Photography students face rapid changes and a bachelor's degree may be necessary, especially in areas like photojournalism and scientific photography. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12 percent increase in photography jobs over the coming decade (equal to the projected rise for all occupations), competition is likely to be keen because so many are attracted to the field. More than half of working photographers are self-employed and those who are employed are mostly clustered in metropolitan centers.
  1. Academy of Art University

    • This San Francisco art school, with an enrollment of more than 10,000 overall, offers bachelor of fine arts degrees in photography. Whether a student is most interested in traditional film or digital photography, classes are designed to help him develop an individual style. Working professionals lead some of the classes that concentrate on technical camera skills, lighting effects, conceptualization and creativity, digital imaging and problem-solving. Graduates of the academy have become fashion photographers, photojournalists, fine art photographers, portrait photographers and photo technicians. The school also offers online degree programs.

      Academy of Art University

      P.O. Box 193844

      San Francisco, CA 94119-3844

      800-544-2787

      415-274-2219

    Barry University

    • Miami's Barry University gives students a choice between earning a bachelor of arts (BA) or BFA degree in photography. Academic advisers will help each student decide which path will best prepare her to meet her goals, personally and professionally. This medium-sized university in a Miami suburb is committed to carrying on the tradition of film photography and darkrooms while also offering the latest digital advances. The diverse photography faculty are all exhibiting artists. After completing the basic photography curriculum, students may elect to finish their degrees in the unique biomedical and forensic photography specialization, which requires a six-month internship with the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's office.

      Barry University

      11300 NE 2nd Avenue

      Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

      800-756-6000

      305-899-3000

    Ferris State University

    • The Kendall College of Art and Design at Michigan's Ferris State University confers BFA degrees on photography students who complete the program requirements. The university, located in Big Rapids, has a relatively large enrollment of over 13,000. Both traditional and digital processes are taught by Kendall, and students are encouraged to pursue commercial, as well as fine arts, tracks. Courses focus on the principles of composition and modular design, the properties of and interactions between colors, improving eye-hand coordination, technical camera operation and problem-solving.

      Ferris State University

      1201 S. State Street

      Big Rapids, MI 49307

      800-433-7747

      231-591-2000

    Bennington College

    • The photography program is part of the visual arts department at this small (under 900 students) Vermont college. The school has liberated and nurtured the individuality of its students since its inception in 1932. A statement to that effect has been read at every commencement since the first one in 1936. Besides classroom instruction, students participate in Field Work Term, a seven-week internship each winter. The assignments may be at museums, galleries, with professional photographers or in any job that complements the student's chosen field.

      Bennington College

      One College Drive

      Bennington, VT 05201-6003

      802-442-5401

      802-447-4269 (Fax)

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