Christian photography schools can be found across the United States. Information on a handful of these schools' degree programs and student activities is covered below.
Christian Photography Schools Comparison
This table provides a breakdown of the tuition rates and denominations of the schools profiled below.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Mennonite | Harrisonburg, VA | $38,230 |
| Union University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Southern Baptist | Jackson, TN | $33,750 |
| Calvin College | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Christian Reformed Church | Grand Rapids, MI | $36,300 |
| Houghton College | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Wesleyan | Houghton, NY | $33,458 |
| Adrian College | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | United Methodist | St. Adrian, MI | $37,809 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
Overview of Christian Photography Schools
Students can earn a bachelor's degree in photography at all of these schools. They can get involved in activities like yearbook or newspaper, as well as spiritual activities like chapel services and prayer sessions.
Eastern Mennonite University
Located in a small city, Eastern Mennonite University has a photography major and minor. Part of the curriculum includes a course on conservation photography, which focuses on how photography can be used for environmental protection. Students can also learn about macro work and underwater photography. As of fall 2018, Eastern Mennonite University had 1,444 students attending, per NCES. Students at the school can choose from several dozen student organizations, such as the Campus Activities Council and a Cycling Club. The university provides worship services every two weeks on Wednesday from 10:10-11:00 AM. Students can request to participate in the services if interested. Other opportunities include weekly chapel services, spiritual renewal events, and spring break service trips.
Union University
With a 2018 enrollment of 3,247 students, as listed on NCES, Union University offers certificates through doctoral degrees. Students can pursue a major in photography, with the option to minor in visual theory and aesthetics. The university's newspaper, Cardinal & Cream, provides students with opportunities to work as photographers. Union holds chapel services on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:00 AM. The university also provides Life Group leaders, upperclassmen who serve as mentors to new students.
Cavin College
Calvin College offers a studio art major with a concentration in photography. Studio art is also offered as a minor. Photography students may be interested in joining the Visual Arts Guild. This organization focuses on promoting the college's contemporary art and fostering connections within the community. Other student activities include serving as a spiritual advisor in the dorms and Bible study groups. NCES lists a fall 2018 student population of 3,732 for Calvin College.
Houghton College
Houghton had 1,001 students attending at the start of the 2018-2019 school year, according to NCES. Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in applied design and visual communication, which combines courses in photography, graphic design, video, media studies, and art history. The university also offers a bachelor's degree in studio art with a concentration in photography. Houghton holds chapel services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:05-11:45 AM and also streams them live. The college offers many other worship opportunities, such as weekday morning prayer sessions, weekday communion at 3:45 PM, and a student-led worship session on Sundays. Students can join the campus newspaper, The Houghton Star, or many other clubs, including the Yearbook Club or the Student Government Association.
Adrian College
Adrian College holds chapel services each Wednesday at 12:00 PM. Students can join the praise team that performs during the services and participate in a variety of other spiritual life groups, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Brothers in Action, and African American Leaders Promoting Higher Achievement (ALPHA). Adrian offers a bachelor's degree program in studio art with an emphasis in photography. Students take basic and intermediate photography courses in addition to an advanced studio. They can also join the college's photographic alliance. In fall 2018, the college had a student population of 1,856, according to NCES.
