Atlanta Photography Schools
In the Atlanta area, multiple schools offer photography classes through degree programs in the arts. This article puts the spotlight on the learning experiences and courses available at three institutions. For even more information on the education options, be sure to look over the table of stats about the universities and check out the details on a couple of other schools in the area.
- Georgia State University is located directly in downtown Atlanta and offers bachelor's and master's degrees in photography.
- Located roughly two miles from the city's center, the private Clark Atlanta University has a bachelor's degree program in art that allows students to complete a photography concentration.
- Emory University, situated around five miles from Atlanta's downtown area, offers a bachelor's degree in media studies that allows students to pursue photography coursework.
Comparison of Schools
Get to know more about the featured universities by reviewing the table below. It has info on tuition rates, acceptance figures, student enrollment and much more to assist you in your education research.
| Georgia State University | Clark Atlanta University | Emory University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | University; public | University; private not-for-profit | University; private not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 36,973* | 4,055* | 14,779* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $9,286 for in-state; $24,517 for out-of-state* | $24,012* | $55,468* |
| % of First-Year Students Receive Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 97%* | 97%* | 61%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 100%* | 58%* | 13%* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2019) | 75%* | 70%* | 95%* |
| Graduation Rate (students began studies in Fall 2015) | 56%* | 42%* | 90%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
Georgia State University
Two galleries are available on campus at Georgia State University. Students can have their works appear in these galleries when exhibitions are held.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio with Photography Concentration
The initial photography courses in this undergraduate program are meant to provide students with a core foundation, while the latter classes allow students the opportunity to explore individual creative visions. Photography can be explored as a profession or as an art form. Guest artists sometimes provide workshops in a specialized area that students can attend. Studio lighting, digital photography, light and color and the history of photography are just a few of the classes on this program's curriculum.
Master of Fine Arts in Studio with Photography Concentration
A weekly seminar is the foundation of this graduate program, although students also spend time independently in studios. Once 24 hours of classes have been completed in this program, a review is issued to a student to check on the progress of the student's work. Assistantships are available to students in lab work, research and teaching. During the final critique of a student's thesis project, guest scholars and artists have been known to visit and examine the student's work alongside faculty members.
Clark Atlanta University
Although Clark Atlanta University does not offer a specific major dedicated solely to photography, the concentration option with the general studio major has several photography courses available.
Bachelor of Arts in Art with General Studio Concentration
At least 122 credit hours have to be earned to graduate with this bachelor's degree. The first year of the program is spent acquiring a foundation in the arts. After taking these courses, students take photography courses as electives. The introduction class goes over image composition and how to correctly use cameras. From there, students learn how to apply a personal vision to the coursework assignments.
Emory University
In order to ensure that they are safe during studio courses, students fulfill a mandatory training requirement. This is to make sure students know how to properly use the equipment in these studios.
Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies
Students will find several photography courses available in this program. They can choose an introductory course in photography or topics in photography from among those offered to fulfill the media making course requirement. A concentration in media making provides the same courses as well as a more advanced course in photography. These photography studies are also found in the documentary studies concentration, which also includes filmmaking and documentary film history.
Other Schools
Gwinnett Technical College has a diploma and an associate degree program in photography and is located about 28 miles away from Atlanta. Southern Crescent Technical College is roughly 36 miles outside of Atlanta and offers an online digital photography program.
