Photography Graduate Programs

Photography graduate programs prepare students to work in fields that require photographic skills and knowledge. Photography graduate schools may offer classes in the theory, history, and practice of photography and photographic technology—lighting, sets, scanning equipment, labs, and digital imagery. Schools with photography programs, such as a MFA Photography program, could impart the kind of skills and knowledge necessary for working with images not only in the artistic world but in the commercial sector as well. Graduates of photography programs may be able to pursue careers in the fields of marketing, documentary making, and journalism. There may be many exciting opportunities for individuals who hold a higher degree in photography.

There are several kinds of graduate photography programs, each with different requirements and goals. The most popular option may be MFA Photography programs. However there are graduate certificate programs in photography, too. You might consider, for example, a Graduate Certificate in Digital Photography. These are often shorter, more concentrated programs for those interested in brushing up their skills or simply exploring one area in depth.

Depending on the university, students may also be able to choose courses in online, hybrid, or on campus formats and do part-time or full-time studies. No matter which class format the student selects, graduate photography programs offer many options for students to explore their interests and achieve their career goals.

Masters in Photography or MFA Photography Programs

The majority of masters in photography programs offer the MFA Photography degree. This is a Masters of Fine Arts with an emphasis in photography and considered a terminal degree in the field. There may also be more specialized programs such as photojournalism, social documentation, and digital photography to allow masters in photography students to further focus their studies. Some photography masters degrees out there include a Photography MFA and a Imaging Arts/Photography MFA.

Most MFA photography programs balance time in the classroom with studio time to allow students to practice their craft. Core courses cover foundational concepts of photography, composition and technology. Elective courses may allow students to also explore related fields, such as video, printmaking and graphic design. Some MFA photography programs culminate with a thesis project. This may allow students to exhibit and publish a portfolio of work. Of course every photography school is different, so it’s best to follow directly to learn more about requirements, courses and goals.

Choose Your Graduate Program in Photography

You can find great graduate photography programs for you by using our filters to search by location, degree type, and program type (on-campus, online, or hybrid). Why not start today to learn more about the different options in photography graduate programs at accredited colleges and universities!

Types of Photography Graduate Programs

GradSchools.com offers 41 Photography Graduate Programs