Key takeaways
- You will find a great number of Texas photography schools offering high-quality education in the field.
- Top photography colleges in Texas include the University of Texas at Dallas, University of Houston, East Texas A&M University, Texas State University, and the University of North Texas.
- The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is the authorizing agency for all higher educational institutions in the state.
- THECB examines program curriculum, verifies faculty expertise, and ensures the program is designed to train a skilled workforce.
- Photography colleges in Texas are renowned for featuring industry experts as faculty, world-class facilities, and state-of-the-art photography equipment.
- Top Texas photography schools feature a blended curriculum, provided students plenty of opportunities to engage and connect with industry professionals.
The education landscape in Texas is one of the largest, data-driven, and dynamic landscapes in the United States. The state has three educational agencies that collect education data to improve the education landscape and ensure the provision of high-quality education across all levels. When it comes to degree-issuing institutions, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board serves as the authorizing agency for all private and public colleges and universities in the state.
If you are an aspiring photographer, Texas is the ideal study destination for you. This guide explores the top Texas photography schools, featuring excellent facilities, comprehensive curriculum, and industry-experienced faculty.
Top Texas photography schools you can explore
Texas’s educational landscape is rich with some amazing educational institutes, from high-ranking institutes such as the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, to Texas A&M University, known for its world-class facilities. Here are some Texas colleges and universities offering a photography degree.
University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a photography program that offers comprehensive education in both traditional and contemporary photography practices. Through the program curriculum, you will learn all there is to know about the field, from its history and evolution, to the latest techniques and technologies. The program features an amalgamated curriculum, where you will benefit from both theoretical classes and practical learning opportunities.
Equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize evolving technologies. Through studio sessions, you will master different photography techniques and be able to work efficiently in the darkroom. Moreover, you will benefit from several work opportunities in groups and solo, allowing you to build a portfolio.
Additionally, you can also showcase your work in exhibitions and seminars, engage with industry peers, and build connections that will help you grow as a professional. Here, you do not just gain an education, you get access to job opportunities, a chance to engage with and learn from industry professionals, and gain the exposure you need.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Richardson, Texas | 84.7% | 53% | $14,564 in-state
$40,064 out-of-state |
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Digital Media. The program focuses on building expertise needed to lead successful careers in fields relying on the use of imagery. Here, you will learn the use of historic and the latest imaging technologies through a rigorous program focusing on creative experimentation.
Moreover, the school encourages students to develop a sense of self-awareness and creative instinct. Through a blend of classroom discussions and practical work, you will study digital photography, visual art, studio lighting, different photography types and techniques, as well as historic practices in media.
If you are looking for a program that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for dynamic careers in digital media and photography, this is the program for you. After graduation, you will possess the skills needed to deal with the challenges of the ever-evolving world of photography.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Houston, Texas | 66.2% | 65.7% | $11,888 in-state
$27,926 out-of-state |
East Texas A&M
When out in the field, you have to be quick on your feet and quicker in making artistic decisions. East Texas A&M’s Photography BFA equips you with the skills needed to do that and more. East Texas A&M features a renowned facility and state-of-the-art photography equipment. Through the university’s comprehensive program curriculum, students learn a blend of timeless techniques to capture mesmerizing images using a variety of digital technologies.
Moreover, you develop skills needed to succeed in the ever-changing photography landscape. Here you can expect to take classes and studio sessions teaching all there is to know about photography, from pre-production to post-production, image printing, and more. Additionally, the program focuses on encouraging students to develop a personal artistic vision and develop expertise in different photography techniques to produce high-level imagery.
What sets the program apart is its focus on training professionals. You will not only learn from industry professionals at a nationally accredited institute, but you will also build a portfolio of your work, find your niche, connect with like-minded peers, and build long-lasting personal and professional connections through several collaborations.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Commerce, Texas | 86.4% | 65% | $3,912 per semester (in-state)
$8,802 per semester (out-of-state) |
Texas State University
Texas State University’s photography program is a broad-based photography program covering all aspects of the field. Through the program curriculum, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the field through an in-depth exploration of its history. Students undertake a total of seven core classes covering a wide range of topics from the basics of the darkroom to advanced photography and video editing.
The program focuses on the development of individual artistic expression and the skills needed to translate that vision into imagery. Moreover, the final two semesters of the photography program at Texas State University feature experiential learning opportunities, during which students are encouraged to produce and showcase a professional body of work.
During the final year of the program, students will meet and get the opportunity to work with renowned photographers not just from Texas, but across the world. After graduation, you will not only possess the skills needed to succeed in the field but also the exposure and the connections needed to access photography jobs.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| San Marcos, Texas | 87.7% | 54% | $12,220 in-state
$24,520 out-of-state |
University of North Texas
If you want to learn from working industry professionals, the Studio Art degree with a concentration in photography from the University of North Texas is the right choice for you. Here, you will not only get a chance to engage with local professional photographers but also with international visiting experts. You can learn photography tips, tricks, and techniques used across the world and gain insights from working professionals learn with years of experience in the field.
The program curriculum features courses covering a diverse range of topics, including digital imaging, video technology, professional lighting, traditional black and white photography, alternative processes, and more. Moreover, you will learn to set up and participate in photography exhibitions to showcase your work to the world.
A blended curriculum will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and high-level expertise in photography. Additionally, after graduating with a bachelor’s in photography, you can pursue graduate photography programs from the University of North Texas to take your learning experience to the next level.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Denton, Texas | 79.1% | 64.9% | $11,164 in-state
$21,244 out-of-state |
What can you do with a degree in photography?
A degree in photography opens multiple career paths for graduates to explore. Photography is an important visual medium, especially in today’s digitally driven landscape where the visuals dominate the information dissemination market. Even news stories published in print media require supportive visuals to add depth to the story.
The high demand for visuals drives the demand for skilled photography professionals. Thus, there are multiple career pathways photography graduates can pursue. Here are some things they can explore.
Get photography jobs
Getting a photography job or an apprenticeship is often the path chosen by the majority of photography graduates for a number of reasons. Pursuing digital photography jobs allows them to gain industry experience, learn from mentors, grow their portfolio, and build industry connections. Moreover, working with companies or professional photographers provides exposure that can prove incredibly fruitful when and if you embark on a solo journey.
You may be interested in: How to land contract photography jobs?
Start your photography business
Alternatively, if you’d rather be your own boss, starting a photography business can be the ideal step for you. It gives you the liberty to create your own work schedule, take time off when you want it and whenever you need it, choose the projects you want to work on and how you want to work. The creative freedom that comes with entrepreneurship is unbeatable.
If you envision yourself as a leader rather than a follower, if you love challenges and finding solutions, if you want to pave your own way and experiment freely, start your photography business.
Related: Photography business ideas to start in 2025
Pursue freelance photography jobs
Running a business is challenging, to say the least. It brings with it great uncertainty, including financial uncertainty. Moreover, the cost of running a business is significantly high, especially if you rent a space, have a couple of employees working with you, and so on. But since you never know how many clients you will get, financial planning, securing funding for your entrepreneurial venture, all become a hassle.
You can skip the stress, enjoy creative liberty, and freedom to work without the stress of running a business by working as a freelance photographer.
Start your career with great education from Texas photography schools!
What is the most important thing you look for in a program? For many, it’s the number of job opportunities and earning potential it opens. When it comes to a photography program, the options are endless. The power of visuals is uncontested, and thus the demand for skilled photographers is high in multiple industries and sectors. Moreover, photography in itself is a diverse field, providing aspiring professionals the option to choose a niche they want to.
So if you are an aspiring photographer, explore Texas photography schools for high-quality education. Learn the skills you need to lead a successful career as a photographer from the best photography colleges in Texas.