Montana State University is in the city of Bozeman. The School of Film and Photography offers students the opportunity to study indoor and outdoor techniques using film and digital formats. The program is available as a major or minor; the major is focused on career development and advanced techniques. To complete the program, students must attend the college core class requirements as well as the photography courses. The college is less than two hours from Yellowstone National Park, where photographic opportunities are numerous.
The University of Montana is in the city of Missoula. The college offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in photography. Students in the program will learn how to use film and process prints in a wet lab. Students will also learn advanced digital and analog techniques. In addition to the photography courses, degree-seeking student must complete the required core classes. The Clark Fork river runs through downtown Missoula, and photography students have access to several different scenic areas within an hour of the city.
The Rocky Mountain School of Photography is a privately owned school in Missoula. The career training program is divided into three sessions of variable lengths and offers a variety of courses. The sessions use intensive training and a hands-on approach to quickly develop career skills. In addition to the career training, the school hosts workshops at numerous locations. The workshops all have a unique focus and are targeted at skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced.
Montana Photography Workshops is based in Bozeman, but the workshops are hosted by various photographers around the state. The classes focus on different photography techniques. The information is focused, and the instructors maintain small class sizes for personal contact. The workshops offer an option for aspiring photographers who do not have the time and money to attend a traditional school.