Prospective students of MFA programs in photography may be interested in learning about some of the top programs available. These programs are often competitive and may differ in the availability and access to equipment and studio or work spaces. Below, five of the highest-ranking photography graduate programs in the country are briefly discussed, in addition to information regarding how to gain admission to these programs.
Overview of the Best MFA Programs in Photography
Yale University
At Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut, students can enroll in the MFA program and pursue photography as their selected study area. This program requires the completion of a total of 60 credit hours, of which 42 must be completed within the student's selected concentration. These 42 credits consist of studio and critique courses, as well courses that cover topics like issues in contemporary photography. Of the remaining 18 credits, students must take 6 credits from departments outside the art school. According to the 2016 rankings of U.S. News and World Report Best Photography Schools, the Yale program ranked first.
University of New Mexico
Another solid option for students is the MFA program in fine arts offered at the University of New Mexico, in which students can specialize in the area of photography. In this program, which takes a total of three years, students will complete 60 total credit hours. Of these hours, 18 are elective credits and 24 are studio courses in the student's chosen specialty. The remaining hours are completed through art history courses and the final dissertation project. This project requires that students give a public talk and take a final examination, as monitored by their advising committee.
School of Art Institute Chicago
Another highly-regarded MFA program in photography is offered by the School of Art Institute Chicago and requires that students complete a total of 60 credit hours. Twelve of these credits are completed through art history courses and nine are completed through elective courses. Students spend the majority of the program taking studio courses within their chosen discipline. Additionally, students must participate in four graduate critiques, which take place over a week-long period during each of the four semesters of the program.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a top-ranking photography MFA program in the state of New York. Students in this program will complete a total of 60 credit hours over the span of the two-year program. During the first year, students will take studio courses to refine their photography skills, in addition to courses that cover the history of photography as well student-chosen electives. The second year is more research-oriented and culminates in the completion of a master's thesis, which entails an exhibition and artistic statement that explains the thesis project. Students who are accepted to this program also may be granted graduate assistantships, and all students in the program receive some sort of scholarship assistance.
University of California Los Angeles
In the MFA program that offers a specialization in photography at the University of California Los Angeles, students must complete a total of 72 quarter-credits in order to fulfill the requirements. Of these, students will complete at least 24 credits in photography-specific courses if they choose this specialization. Students also complete required coursework in topics like art history, art critiques, and art seminars. As part of the comprehensive exam, students take part in a final exhibition of photographic works.
Admissions Standards for the Best MFA Programs in Photography
When applying for admission to an MFA program in photography, students must submit a number of documents and information to admissions committees in order to be considered as applicants. A completed application file typically will include an application form, letters of recommendation, past academic transcripts, and a CV or resume. Additionally, an important component of MFA applications is the portfolio that students must submit, which provides admissions committees with examples of their photographic and creative work. These portfolios can typically be submitted electronically and students are advised to check with each program in regard to the specific requirements.
To summarize the information above, students seeking MFA programs in photography have a number of highly-regarded options from which to choose. Top programs are available across the U.S. and may differ somewhat in time to completion, course options, and various graduation requirements.
