Key takeaways
- A digital photography degree from an accredited college opens doors to various creative careers.
- You can explore photography specializations, portraits, photojournalism, fashion photography, and more.
- With an increase in liberal arts graduates and changing business needs, there is a rising demand for creative professionals with digital photography degrees.
- Innovations in camera technology and mobile phone photography are transforming photography landscaping, allowing new types of jobs and career opportunities to emerge.
- Digital photography programs offer specializations such as commercial, portrait, photojournalism, fine art, event, nature, and fashion photography.
- Essential skills for digital photography include interpersonal abilities, problem-solving, creativity, and business acumen.
- It is best to develop skills at an early stage so that you can have an academic edge.
- Additional skills can be developed through related coursework and practical experience.
- Arizona State University, Online, offers the most comprehensive digital photography bachelor’s degree online for out-of-state students.
- Students should look for factors like photography facilities when choosing a college. Facilities like photo labs, equipment availability, and darkrooms are important.
Pursuing a digital photography major in college opens up a world of creative and professional opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about capturing stunning portraits, documenting events, or exploring the art of visual storytelling, a degree in digital photography provides the foundation you need.
Recently, an increase has been seen in the number of liberal arts graduates in the workplace. Big corporations are moving to new forms of business communication and marketing, and are hiring creative professionals more freely now.
Moreover, photography is also a popular field amongst young generations, with new forms of photography coming in. New camera technologies, along with advancements in mobile phone cameras, have changed the photography landscape significantly.
Therefore, if you have been attracted or feeling inclined towards pursuing a digital photography major in college, you might need to explore some colleges. Keep in mind that photography is typically offered as an area of specialization within a liberal arts degree.
This guide will cover essential areas such as specializations, skills and competencies, job prospects, and a list of notable colleges offering digital photography programs. By understanding these key elements, you’ll be well-prepared to make an informed decision. Get started with your college planning by checking out the following guide on top colleges with a major in photography!
What do you need to know about a digital photography college degree?
Before you start with your digital photography major in college, you need to know some important things including the areas of specialization, the skills, and competencies you need, and the job outlook.
Areas of specialization
Just like all other undergraduate college degrees, digital photography programs also typically offer areas of specialization. These are specific areas, allowing students to pick a stream and focus on that. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Commercial photography
Involves creating images for advertising, marketing, and business purposes.
Portrait photography
Focuses on capturing individuals or groups, often in studio settings.
Photojournalism
It centers on capturing news, geopolitical events, and social issues, telling stories through images and often paired with other forms of communication.
Fine art photography
Emphasizes artistic expression and conceptual work.
Event photography
Includes covering mostly social events such as weddings, concerts, corporate gatherings, and other significant occasions.
Nature and wildlife photography
Focuses on capturing landscapes, wildlife, and natural scenes.
Fashion photography
Concentrates on clothing and accessories, typically working with models and stylists.
Digital photography jobs
The job market and employment trends for a digital photography degree is widely different from a traditional degree in a subject like business or healthcare. In most cases, photographers will not stick to a salary-based office job. Rather, they would work on contracts and projects, or on a freelance basis.
However, this does not imply that there is any shortage of work or employment opportunities. The difference is only in the employment type and not in the number of jobs available.
Employer needs and attitudes are also changing. Emerging new fields such as food photography and editorial photography have created new jobs in the market. Today, salary-based jobs for photographers are a lot more common than they were before. Yet, the difference remains.
As for the pay scale, according to BLS, the average median salary for a photographer in 2022 was $50,210 per year. On the other hand, Glassdoor reported an average annual income of over $60,000 for digital photographers in 2024. Meanwhile, there has been an increase in work opportunities for students who are yet to finish their degrees, showing good demand in the job market.
Lastly, the job roles you can land with a digital photography degree are:
- Art director
- Film/video editor
- Graphic designer
- Magazine features editor
- Medical illustrator
- Photographer
- Press photographer
- Television camera operator
- Gaffer
- Photo technician
- Photojournalist
- Photo editor
- Videographer
- Cinematographer
Other than full-time jobs and employment, you can also explore part-time opportunities in related fields. This can not only reflect your interest but also help you develop your skills and get hands-on experience with the processes involved.
You might find paid part-time work in settings such as image archiving, print services, framing services, and photo developing centers within pharmacies, supermarkets, and department stores. Additionally, consider exploring opportunities with photography manufacturers, galleries, photography equipment rental companies, and photo libraries for valuable experience.
Skills and competencies needed
There are some skills and competencies you must already have in order to pursue a degree in digital photography. Having these skills will not only give you an edge in your academic career but also allow you to stay focused and enjoy the program.
Therefore, assess and evaluate your competencies and see if you are fit for this college major. Firstly, photography is a client-focused service industry that requires you to have good interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills are essential for a successful career in photography. Experience that enhances customer service skills, such as working in client-facing roles or at social events, can be particularly valuable.
Alongside these interpersonal skills, a range of competencies are also highly regarded in the industry by potential employers. These include critical, analytical, and practical problem-solving abilities, risk-taking, and an exploratory nature.
Most of the projects and tasks in photography will reflect your best work. For example, if you are a photo editor, the editing will be your final product, and it will have to be done independently. Therefore, teamwork and collaboration is not a huge part of digital photography regimes.
Additionally, criticism and feedback on creative work can be brutal. Therefore, you must have a thick skin that does not let negative comments get the better of you. Most importantly, you need to have the capacity to take constructive criticism and respond to feedback with positive growth and learning.
Lastly, if you plan to work as a freelance photographer or start your own studio, gaining business acumen is also essential. You can achieve business acumen through courses in management and marketing. Plan out your college coursework in such a way that you add some management and business-related courses in the degree. These additional skills can help differentiate you in the competitive photography industry.
Colleges for digital photography degree
Find below the list of colleges offering digital photography degrees or related programs:
University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico’s Art Studio Department offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography that emphasizes a comprehensive and experimental approach to both traditional and digital photographic practices. Moreover, the program is designed to provide students with a strong technical foundation while encouraging creative exploration and critical thinking.
The most notable part about the BFA program here is that you get to enjoy excellent facilities such as digital labs and functional darkrooms that allow you to get hands-on work experience. Furthermore, the college has a low student-to-faculty ratio of just 13:1 despite being a public institute with a large enrollment every year.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s School of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography and Video Imaging is one of a kind. Firstly, the program combines all forms of contemporary and digital photography with video imaging. Most importantly, it focuses on combining photography with multiple forms of visual expression.
Furthermore, as a student there you can benefit from opportunities to engage in exhibitions, internships, and collaborations, enhancing your practical experience and professional network. Additionally, the program aims to foster both artistic innovation and technical proficiency, equipping graduates for successful careers in fine art, commercial photography, media production, and other related fields.
The U of A has an acceptance rate of 89% with an average GPA requirement of 3.5. Moreover, it has a student-to-faculty ratio of 18:1 with over 54% graduation rate. The college has more than 90 sports teams and multiple housing options out-of-state for international students getting a digital photography degree here.
Arizona State University — Online
As compared to mainstream college majors like business and nursing, photography degrees are less in number. Therefore, it is possible that you can’t find top photography schools in your state. Luckily, you can get out of this trouble by opting for an online photography degree that is much more flexible and affordable.
Arizona State University, Online, has made a mark for itself by offering innumerable degrees in various fields including arts, business, healthcare, leadership, and science. At ASU Online, you can opt for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography. The program specifically explores the technical, conceptual, and aesthetic aspects of photography.
Furthermore, the BFA program has a robust curriculum that covers a range of photographic practices, including analog and digital photography, studio lighting, and multimedia approaches. The program also integrates critical theory and visual culture studies. Resultantly, students develop a strong theoretical foundation and a unique artistic perspective.
Overall, the digital photography degree at ASU can prepare you for diverse careers in photography, fine art, and related fields. It does this by offering a comprehensive education that balances technical skills with creative and critical thinking.
University of Idaho
Digital photography is part of a larger discipline, liberal arts, in most colleges and educational institutes. Therefore, you might need to explore related degrees instead of specific digital photography degrees. This is the case with the University of Idaho, which offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art, with a concentration in digital photography and imaging.
The program offers comprehensive coursework that explores visual arts. Moreover, you will gain skills in many art and production areas, such as graphic design, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. The curriculum includes art history, theory, and intensive studio instruction, preparing students for careers like studio artists, digital photographers, art educators, or art directors.
Additionally, this college is one of the top value photography colleges in the US, especially if you reside in or near Idaho. The college has an acceptance rate of 74%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.6. Moreover, it has a good campus life with more than 79 sports teams, 19 fraternities, and multiple types of housing options.
University of Hartford
Suppose you are looking for a college that focuses on photography as an artistic expression more than a commercial practice. In that case, you need to explore the University of Hartford’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography program. It focuses on teaching photography as a means of expression more than anything else.
Additionally, the program’s core courses are flexible and focus largely on photography theories and practices. Its coursework also includes a bunch of educational seminars and workshops that help you learn right from the experts.
Furthermore, U of H has star alumni working in photography and various related fields. The alumni are already making a mark in the industry, from architectural photography to product photography for big brands. Therefore, this reflects a great opportunity for you to connect with excellent professionals.
Overall, the college is a great pick for anyone residing in Connecticut. However, out-of-state students can also explore the option since there are many housing options available. Lastly, the college has an acceptance rate of 86% with an average GPA requirement of 3.31.
Purdue University
Since its inception, photography has rapidly evolved and taken new forms and shapes. From hand-painted portraits to film negatives to instant images on our screens, things have drastically changed. To fully understand and practice digital photography, Purdue University ensures in-depth training and learning for the students.
The liberal arts college offers a degree in Photography/Integrated Studio Arts that explores all types and evolutions of photography. A digital photography career is one of the many career pathways you can explore with this degree.
Moreover, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering black-and-white photography, digital imaging, studio lighting, and alternative processes. It includes courses on the history of photography and commercial practices, aiming to develop both artistic and practical skills.
Lastly, the campus has smaller sized classes with a ratio of 14:1, and 39% of the classes have 20 or fewer students. Its acceptance rate is 53%, and an average GPA requirement of 3.7.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography and Digital Media. This program is offered through its Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. Firstly, the program emphasizes both technical proficiency and artistic expression, preparing students for diverse careers in the visual arts.
By enrolling in this degree, you benefit from instruction by experienced faculty members who are active professionals in the field. The program fosters an environment of mentorship and collaboration by allowing several student clubs and organizations that are related to the degree as well.
Furthermore, the college encourages students to spend quality time in studios and labs. It facilitates research projects and initiatives from students. As a result, they can learn and explore new things independently. Moreover, the program is much more interdisciplinary than what other colleges are offering. Resultantly, you can get in touch with other aspects of digital media, such as advertising and design.
Finally, UH is one of the best colleges in Houston for various degrees, including human resources degrees in Houston. The college has excellent facilities and one of the most vibrant student life. Overall, it is a great place offering an outstanding bachelor’s program.
Maryland Institute College of Art | MICA
Some of the best art and creative degrees are offered by liberal arts colleges. This is why Maryland Institute College of Art is on this list of colleges with a major in photography. It is a very old private liberal arts institute that offers a range of value-added features with its photography major.
Firstly, the digital photography major focuses on teaching state-of-the-art skills to students through modern techniques and concepts. This program is over 100 years old and, therefore the best in line. Furthermore, there is a lot of focus on technical and specialized aspects of photography, such as lighting and shadows. Under the guidance of expert faculty members, the coursework will walk you through the lighting processes.
The coursework also allows students to work with different types of photography materials. From natural lighting to outdoor photography to darkrooms and labs, the program is quite comprehensive. Lastly, to complete the degree, you must submit a thesis project that reflects your understanding and journey in completing the digital photography major.
Overall, the photography major at MICA teaches you a lot more about digital photography than other programs. It is focused, specialized, and one of the oldest in the industry. This college in Maryland has an acceptance rate of 86%, with an average GPA requirement of 3.4.
University of Miami
The coursework and learning approach used in any digital photography degree is crucial before you select a college for yourself. When it comes to digital photography, make sure the coursework teaches all aspects of traditional and digital photography to build concepts. This is why the photography undergraduate degree at the University of Miami is so popular.
Certainly, it is one of the best photography colleges in the USA, thanks to the detailed coursework that explores alternative photography processes alongside digital. Most importantly, the program creates a mix of theory and practical, allowing you to build your camera handling skills.
Additionally, it has excellent digital photography lab facilities that make it a go-to choice for most students. The lab is equipped with advanced systems and PCs, along with printers and other studio equipment. Furthermore, the program does not restrict students from exploring other disciplines. With this program, you can opt for interdisciplinary courses and classes such as philosophy and business.
Lastly, the college is one of the pricier, higher-end ones. It has a high GPA requirement of 3.8, with strict admission criteria that have an acceptance rate of just 20%. However, with good SAT and other test scores, you can shoot your shot here.
Conclusion
Choosing to major in digital photography is a significant step toward a fulfilling and creative career. With a wide range of specializations to explore, valuable skills to acquire, and diverse job opportunities available, a degree in this field can open doors to exciting professional paths.
However, you can guarantee better career opportunities by opting for a suitable college. College planning requires considering a range of factors, such as college accreditations, program details, and coursework.
By considering the comprehensive list of colleges offering digital photography degrees, you can find the right fit for your educational and artistic goals. A good college allows you to balance between your passion for photography while remaining professional about it. Therefore, search for things like photography facilities and student clubs when choosing a college.
As you embark on this journey, remember that the world of photography is vast and ever-evolving. New technologies and changing business needs are making some jobs obsolete quickly while birthing new ones. Keep your eye on the market and make academic decisions accordingly.