Las Vegas, NV, Photography Schools
Aspiring photographers in the Las Vegas area can find programs at three public colleges and universities, which can lead to a certificate or an associate or a bachelor's degree. Information about the schools can be found in the table in the next section, and descriptions of the programs follow.
- The University of Nevada - Las Vegas, located 2.8 miles from the downtown, offers undergraduate majors in photography. Each fall, the Department of Art invites prominent artists, historians and critics to speak to students.
- At the College of Southern Nevada, located about 12 miles from downtown Las Vegas, students can an associate degree in commercial photography through the Department of Media Technologies. This department is the most comprehensive of its kind in the state of Nevada.
- Although a photography program isn't available at Nevada State College, the school does offer photography classes, as well as two bachelor's degree programs in visual media, which may be of interest to students who want to focus more on digital photography. At about 21 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada State College is the furthest away from the downtown.
Comparison of Schools
This table has been designed to provide future photographers with a snapshot of the three featured schools and includes important details about acceptance rates and program costs. Figures concerned with financial aid and retention of first-year students can also be found in this table.
| The University of Nevada - Las Vegas | College of Southern Nevada | Nevada State College | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year; public | 4-year (primarily associate); public | 4-year; public |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 30,679* | 29,942* | 7,227* |
| Campus Setting | Midsize city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | $8,737 for in-state; $24,828 for out-of-state* | $3,848 for in-state; $11,534 for out-of-state* | $6,075 for in-state; $19,440 for out-of-state* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 95%* | 83%* | 95%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 83%* | N/A - Open admissions* | 79%* |
| Retention Rate (Fall 2020 to Fall 2021) | 77% for full-time students and 39% for part-time students* | N/A* | 76% for full-time students and 26% for part-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (Students who started Fall 2015) | 47%* | 16%* | 29%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Students at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas can learn about different perspectives on art by attending the school's Visiting Artists and Scholars Lecture Series. The school also has galleries that showcase work from both students and prominent artists.
Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Photography Concentration
The photography concentration in this 120-credit program requires students to take part in an appropriate internship. The curriculum includes courses in black and white and commercial photography, photographic processes and digital photography. Students must also take core art courses, including drawing, art history and basic design.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with Photography Concentration
A total of 132 credit hours have to be completed to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art. Students take the same courses found in the B.A. program, with the addition of a B.F.A. seminar, a required art history course and a project which involves completing a body of work to be presented in the B.F.A. Senior Exhibition in the spring.
College of Southern Nevada
In the associate degree program in commercial photography, students receive training in the use of Adobe Photoshop. The school also hosts workshops, contests, symposiums and other events to help students build photography skills.
Associate Degree in Commercial Photography
The associate degree program in commercial photography typically takes two years to complete and includes courses in digital photographic imaging, photographic lighting, portraiture and business practices. In addition, students take general education courses as prescribed by the school.
Nevada State College
Nevada State College doesn't offer a photography program; however, the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science in Visual Media program curriculum includes some photography courses.
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media
Students in this program take a foundational course in digital photography. They will also take classes in digital editing, lighting and introduction to film. Overall, program emphasis is on media design, digital imaging and computer animation. The school also offers a similar Bachelor of Applied Science program with a photography projects class that reviews topics in photographic production.
