Photography degrees are associated with the area of fine arts and humanities. Graduates should be creative and perceptive. Coursework normally contains laboratory film development work, field work and lecture classes.
Common Specialized Degree Programs
- Art and Development
- Art History
- Creative Photography
- Film Photography
- Magazine Photography
- Photojournalism
- Prints
- Publishing
Average Salary
Entry level $35,100 to $61,200 mid-career
Degree Programs
Certificates of Completion, which take about eight weeks to a year to complete, or a 60 credit hour of study associate’s degree is satisfactory for entry-level work, however a bachelor’s degree is preferred for entry-level work from a completion of between 120 and 128 credit hours depending on the university. Master’s Degree and Doctoral Degrees are preferred for mid-level work entry.
Top Photography Programs
(According to U.S. News, 2010)
Yale University
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Rhode Island School of Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
University of New Mexico
Main Courses of Study in College: Art History, Literature, Studio Art
Recommended High School AP Courses
- Art History
- English Language
- English Literature
- Studio Art
Careers Obtained with Photography Degrees
- College Professor
- Commercial Photographer
- Illustrator
- Managing Photography Editor
- Photo Journalist
- Political Advocate
- Private Tutor
- Professional Photo Blogger
- Publisher
- Scientific Photographer
- Special Events Photographer
- Studio Owner
- Website Producer
Notable Photography Professionals
- Anne Geddes, Photographer
- Annie Leibovitz, Celebrity Photographer
- Ansel Adams, Artist and Photographer
- Dan Lecca, Photographer
- David LaChappelle, Entertainment Photographer
- Irving Penn, Photographer
- Jill Greenberg, Photographer
- Joseph (Joe) Rosenthal, Photographer
- Nigel Barker, Photographer and Television Personality
- Patrick McMullen, Celebrity Photographer
