One of the most famous universities in the world and one of America's most prestigious, Yale's photography curriculum is one of the highest ranked in the U.S. With courses specializing in a wide range of media, including digital photography, and a comprehensive set of introductory courses for the amateur photographer, Yale is the first choice for many photography students and as such competition is fierce. The admission process to the School of Art requires some thought as you will need to show a high quality of work within your portfolio and already hold a bachelor's degree or diploma from a school or college. The requirements for your portfolio are that it must include twenty images, still or moving displayed in chronological order. Ideally the majority of your work should have taken place within the most recent year. All digital files must be sent in Mac OS format as the school studio computers are Apple.Yale runs seminars on a variety of disciplines including view-camera photography, color photography and medium format. For students wishing to study the technical processes in photography there are also seminars on photographic reproduction and criticism, invaluable for those wishing to pursue a career in photographic fine arts.The average cost of photography courses at Yale is around $55,000 as of 2010. Students are required to have sufficient funds to cover these costs before they enroll; financial aid is available in extenuating circumstances.
Yale University School of Art
1156 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT 06511-8921
(203) 432-2600
Chicago is home to one of the premier schools for photography. The Art Institute of Chicago has a comprehensive range of photography courses that will appeal to every type of photographer. Whether you want to be the next Helmut Newton or Robert Capa, the Institute offers a variety of choices to match each genre of photography. The school offers an abundance of resources including black and white printing labs, color enlargers, an alternative processing lab, individual studios, dark rooms and a state of the art digital facility. For the Art Institute your portfolio must show a depth of content and a wide breadth of technique and style. Originality plays a strong role in photography so pick out your most insightful and striking images for your portfolio. If any other people helped with the creation of any images you must give them due credit when representing your work, whether it is a model or if someone assisted you with shoot. Admission requirements for first years is a portfolio of 15 images, a letter of reference and an official high school diploma. Undergraduate costs for the Art Institute are $1140 per credit hour while graduates costs are $1220 per credit hour, as of 2010.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 443-3600
The smallest state in the U.S. is also home to one of the best photography schools. Located in Providence, the Rhode Island School of Design was founded in 1877 and runs photography courses that focus on black and white imaging, studio work, digital imaging and critique. As the students develop their techniques and knowledge, they are encouraged to question their work and the themes they use, to give them a better understanding of their art and its influences. The unique location allows students the opportunity to be a part of close knit vibrant and artistic community. A portfolio must be prepared for the admissions process and should have 12 to 20 pieces of work showing your versatility and originality and reflecting your interests and experience. You will also be required to undertake two writing assignments to be included with your application. The first piece is approximately 400 words on your interest in the Rhode Island School of Design, while the second one is a piece written from choice of three subject matters that the school will set. You will need to include your SAT scores in the first written piece as well. Full time degrees will cost around $37,000 at the School of Design with additional costs for rooms and activities at around $7,000, as of 2010.
Rhode Island School of Design
2 College St.
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 454-6100