Attend a four-year program at an art and design program approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). In Texas these programs can be found at several of the more prominent universities with an active art school. As of 2010, there are 10 such schools in Texas, including the Austin, Arlington, San Antonio and Permian Basin branches of the University of Texas.. The other schools are University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Texas Tech University and Stephen F. Austin State University.
Typically, these programs offer a varied fine arts program that not only includes photography but other fine arts disciplines, such as painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking.
In the Lone Star State there are many other colleges that offer at least a four-year degree in photography. The main difference between this listing and the previous one under the NASAD heading is that this group of colleges and universities does not have accreditation from NASAD.
Since NASAD is oriented toward fine arts, those looking for a degree program that emphasizes photography combined with science or medicine might want to investigate these other college programs in Texas. Abilene Christian University, Saint Edward's University, Sam Houston State University, Texas A & M at Commerce and the University of Houston all offer advanced photography degrees.
Check the curriculum details of each institution for details.
An associate's is a college degree that can be completed in two years of study, instead of the regular four needed for a bachelor's. The two degrees are not equivalent, but the shorter program is a good alternative for those who cannot afford or do not want to invest as much time in obtaining a college degree.
An associate degree in photography might help obtain employment with a photo lab, portrait studio or audio-visual firm. Schools offering an associate's degree in photography are Del Mar College, Amarillo College, Austin Community College, Houston Community College, Kilgore College, Odessa College, San Antonio College, Tyler Junior College and Saint Philips College.
The last option involves attending one of the many technical schools found across the state. Texas has three very large urban areas -- Dallas, Houston and San Antonio -- and any one of these cities provides multiple opportunities for learning a photographic trade that can provide regular employment. Some areas of interest might include photo lab technician, camera repair or X-ray technician.