Photography programs in NYC | A comprehensive guide

Key takeaways

• There is an abundance of photography programs NYC that you can explore. 
• Different colleges and institutes offer bachelor’s degrees in photography in NYC, along with short courses and certifications.
• You can explore online degrees from schools in other states, or opt for onsite degrees and professional certificates. 
• Academy of Art University in San Francisco offers a 100% online BFA in Photography, which can lead to a master’s degree.
• Choosing the right program requires considering factors like duration, coursework, cost, and acceptance rates.
• New York Film Academy offers a range of photography workshops NYC, courses, and professional degrees. 
• You can explore 1-year programs from the International School of Photography in NYC. 
• Top colleges in NYC for photography programs include Pratt School of Art, Queens College of Art, School of Visual Arts, and Fashion Institute of Technology.
• NYC’s creative scene offers diverse career paths, from fashion and fine art to commercial and documentary photography.

Every corner of New York City holds a story and a dream. It is the city of arts and artists, capturing so many young and creative minds to start their journeys from here. The city is home to some of the best art institutions — be it schools and colleges, museums, or studios. Therefore, anyone who is seeking to build a successful career in photography knows NYC as the place that dream begins. 

Looking for photography programs NYC is the right step in the right direction. We say that because the city has prestigious private art schools, as well as state colleges and universities, that offer excellent undergraduate and professional photography classes. 

However, the large variety of the best photography colleges in New York does not make it easy to choose the right one for yourself. There is a lot to consider, including the duration of the programs, the coursework, the cost of attendance, and even the acceptance rate. So, prestigious colleges like the NYU or NYFA have really selective admissions, with acceptance rates being no more than 12%. 

Therefore, to help you in finding the best photography programs NYC, this comprehensive guide is all you need. It includes not only undergraduate photography in New York photography schools but also a variety of alternatives such as online programs and one-year certifications. Kickstart your photography career as a freelancer, or start a new photography business with the right education. Let’s explore!

Undergraduate photography programs NYC – A complete list

Firstly, we will take a look at some of the best photography courses in NYC. so, this list includes undergraduate college programs, as well as certifications and affiliate programs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a full degree, a short-term certification, or just an inspiring class to refine your skills, this list has got you covered.

Online photography degree program by Rocky Mountain College of Art

The Rocky Mountain College of Art is a private art and design school located in Colorado. However, if you reside or work in NYC, you can still opt for RMAD’s online photography undergraduate degree program. Firstly, the program offers in-depth industry insights that ensure that each student is prepared for a professional journey ahead. It focuses on fostering crucial professional skills needed in the industry, such as lighting, editing, and camera operations. 

Furthermore, it prepares students for a variety of photography careers, with skills such as business management. So, blending creativity and technical knowledge helps RMD’s students to explore a diverse range of careers. In addition to this, the program aims to build a pleasing portfolio for each student, boosting your career opportunities right from the beginning.

Online photography degree — Academy of Arts

Just like New York, you will also find many great schools and art institutions in California. This is why the Academy of Arts is also located in San Francisco, CA. It is a private, for-profit school known for providing the most prestigious degrees and photography programs. So, as you reside in NYC pursuing the career of your dreams, you can opt for the fully online photography degree at the Academy of Arts. 

Firstly, the program has an acceptance rate of 100%. Secondly, the bachelor of fine arts in photography can be further continued to get a master’s degree in the same. Moreover, the BFA program is designed to help students build a strong foundation in photography. Therefore, it covers essential skills such as camera techniques, lighting, composition, image editing, and post-production using industry-standard software. 

Additionally, its curriculum is structured to allow students to specialize in different fields, including commercial, editorial, documentary, and fine art photography, ensuring a well-rounded education. Another great part about this program is that you will be working on hands-on and practical projects. As a result, you will be applying all your conceptual learning in real life to build a stronger understanding. 

Photography programs — New York Film Academy

New York Film Academy does not need any introduction. It is a prestigious school in NYC, known for its industry-leading faculty and programs. Particularly, the school focuses on “learning by doing”, ensuring that every student is able to apply their learnings to practical work. NYFA has photography schools all over the USA, but it’s photography programs NYC are the most popular. 

First of all, the NYFA photography school in NYC offers a variety of programs, including different types of photography workshops NYC, certifications, and 4-year undergraduate degrees. Under the guidance and mentorship of experienced faculty members, you develop several technical skills and capabilities related to digital photography. 

In addition to this, the photography school by NYFA is the best opportunity for you to meet like-minded people and start networking. Additionally, NYFA’s location in New York City and Los Angeles provides students with opportunities to network with industry professionals, work on commercial and fine art photography projects, and explore diverse career pathways.

One-year photography programs — International School of Photography

While undergraduate degrees are the best route to achieving your career goals, there are other alternatives to explore. Certifications and short photography courses NYC are helpful in equipping you with additional skills and qualifications. Therefore, we strongly recommend you explore the one-year certificate photography programs NYC offered by the International School of Photography. 

Firstly, there are 3 different programs you can choose from, which include Creative practices, Documentary practice and visual journalism, and documentary practice and visual storytelling. We strongly recommend the creative practices program, which focuses on digital photography. Additionally, the program explores different types of techniques for visual expressions through photography. Furthermore, it exposes you to the world of photography through a historic as well as contemporary lens. 

Additionally, this is an on-site program that requires at least 1 year for completion. So, keep in mind that you get a professional certificate after completing this photography program NYC, but not an undergraduate degree. 

Exploring photography colleges in New York

We already know NYC as the hub for all types of art, including photography. Therefore, it does not happen to be a surprise when we see that there are so many amazing photography schools in NYC. Each of these colleges offer excellent programs, rich with knowledgeable and skilled faculty members teaching core courses and photography classes in school. We have handpicked some of the best colleges for photography in NYC, Queens, and other boroughs to help you get started:

What can I do with a photography degree in NYC?

With the city’s vibrant scenes and a plethora of opportunities in the art world, there is so much you can do with a photography program in NYC. Once you graduate or complete your professional program in photography, you can step out in NYC to find numerous opportunities. Moreover, most of the world’s media industries, fine art platforms, and other such platforms are found in NYC. This opens many doors for photography graduates to knock on. 

So, you can not only find jobs and employment for photography in NYC, but also start your own photography business. Read this comprehensive guide to learn more about starting a photography business. 

In addition to that, here are some things you can do with a photography program or education in NYC:

• Find work opportunities in fashion magazines that are established in a huge number in NYC and nearby areas
• Work as a gallery manager at a fine arts gallery — an excellent way to network with industry leaders
• Document exhibitions and other events at museums and popular institutions like the Met
• Work for different types of newspapers and magazines as a photojournalist
• Collaborate with nonprofit organizations to document their work
• Find part-time employment at photography studios
• Capture images in NYC and sell them as stock images online
• With a good sum of money, set up a photography studio in the heart of the city
• Work in the education sector as a tutor or assistant in photography classes NYC

Find the complete photography career guide here!

Get enrolled in photography programs NYC!

In summary, finding a photography program NYC is not going to be difficult – thanks to the abundance of extraordinary schools and colleges. The variety of prestigious art schools and institutions in this vibrant city make it the ideal spot to start your journey as a successful photographer. In addition to this, the variety of programs ranges from 1-year professional certifications to full-time 4 year degrees from colleges like NYFA. However, some of the private institutions may have a hefty cost of attendance. But you can explore financial aid and other opportunities to attend these excellent entities. With the right guidance and degree advice, you can get a boost to your photography career.