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 ProfessionalsAnnie Leibovitz
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