Photography Schools and Programs in The United States

Photography Studies in The United States

Photography in the United States is taught at three kinds of institution: community colleges, which offer certificates and two-year degrees with a practical focus; art and design schools, where it is a studio discipline; and universities, where it sits in a fine arts, art and design or communications department. SpainExchange lists 48 colleges and universities in the country under photography. Formal study is not compulsory for this profession, so the choice depends on what a student wants from it: technical training, an artistic education or a degree that also opens other doors.

How the degree is organised

• Certificates and associate degrees: Pasadena City College, for example, offers a certificate of achievement and an Associate in Science in photography, plus a shorter certificate in digital image editing. Montgomery College in Maryland offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in photography and certificates in electronic photography and in portrait, fashion and photojournalism. An associate degree takes two years and either leads to a specific occupation or transfers into a bachelor's programme
• Bachelor's degree: usually four years, most often as a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The Department of Photography and Imaging at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts is a four-year BFA programme that combines an arts curriculum with a grounding in the liberal arts. The Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University offers a BFA in photography
• Master's degree: the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is the main graduate degree in the field. Temple's Tyler School offers an MFA in photography, and Academy of Art University in San Francisco lists AA, AAS, BFA, certificate, MA and MFA options in its School of Photography

Course content is similar at the introductory level. Pasadena City College describes courses in cameras, aesthetics, colour and black and white, film and digital, darkroom procedures, digital editing and lighting. At degree level, studio work is joined by history and critical studies: NYU describes work in analogue and digital image making, multimedia and new media, accompanied by a critical studies curriculum. Students build a portfolio throughout, which BLS calls essential for photographers looking for work.

Admission and language

Students apply directly to each college or university; EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State's advising network, recommends starting 12 to 18 months before the academic year begins. Teaching is in English, and universities require an English proficiency test before admission. Art schools and BFA programmes may also ask for a portfolio of work, so check each school's requirements early. Community colleges generally have easier admission policies.

For a full degree, international students need a student visa. Once accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the school's international student office issues the Form I-20 that is presented in the visa application. Each institution sets its own fees. As a general rule, state universities are less expensive than private universities, and community colleges offer lower costs. Students should also budget for equipment and materials.

Where to study photography

New York and Denver have three schools each in this directory. Examples include New York University in New York and the University of Colorado in Denver; art and design schools such as Savannah College of Art and Design, the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and Academy of Art University in San Francisco; universities such as Temple University in Philadelphia, the University of Florida, the University of North Texas, the University of Connecticut and Ithaca College; and community colleges such as Pasadena City College, Montgomery College, Des Moines Area Community College, Lansing Community College and County College of Morris.

Recognition and careers

The recognition of a degree by other institutions and employers is linked to the accreditation of the institution that awards it. BLS lists no general licence for photographers. The one certification it mentions concerns drone work: photographers who operate drones commercially must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is direct about the job market. Photographers typically need only a high school diploma to enter the occupation, although many take classes or earn a certificate or degree to improve their skills, and some employers require or prefer a bachelor's degree in photography, photojournalism or a related fine arts field. Photographers held about 145,000 jobs in 2025, and 67% were self-employed, which is why BLS notes that business, marketing and accounting classes may be helpful. Employment is projected to decline 1% from 2025 to 2035, with about 10,700 openings a year from replacement needs. Many start as an assistant to a professional photographer. Graduates also work outside photography in the strict sense: NYU lists alumni who are documentary makers, journalists, art directors, curators and educators.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a degree to work as a photographer?

No. According to BLS, photographers typically need a high school diploma, and postsecondary education is not always required. A degree helps with skills, a portfolio and contacts, and some employers prefer a bachelor's degree.

What is the difference between a BFA and an associate degree in photography?

An associate degree takes two years and is usually practical. A BFA usually takes four years and combines studio work with art history, critical studies and general education courses.

How long does it take to study photography in the United States?

Certificates are shorter, an associate degree takes two years and a bachelor's degree usually four. A master's degree generally adds two more years.

Can I start at a community college and finish at a university?

Yes. A bachelor's degree can be earned with two years of community college followed by two years of university study. The transfer process varies for each school, so check early what the university accepts.