Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degrees

Aspiring photographers can earn a bachelor's degree through online programs introducing technical, artistic, and business aspects of the field. Study.com has completed extensive research using information from the Department of Education and an analysis of factors like tuition rates, student retention information, and admissions criteria. We also considered how flexible program structures are, the scope of course offerings, and special opportunities schools offer their online photography students. The result of this in-depth examination is this list of top programs for future online photography bachelor's degree students.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's online photography program gives students the chance to learn from professional photographers through fully online coursework covering camera functions, lighting, composition, and editing. The curriculum also sets students up for success by investigating the business side of the industry and how students can market their work and forge successful relationships with clients. Even though coursework is completed online, photography students still have access to the school's nationwide alumni network and opportunities to participate in events like art exhibits. The university prides itself on offering affordable programs with tuition rates among the lowest in the country, and transfer students benefit from the school's policy to accept up to 90 credit hours.

2. Arizona State University-Skysong

Students can earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in digital photography through Arizona State University's online program. The university boasts that this program incorporates a unique, studio-based approach in which students create and share photographs while responding to concepts introduced in class. Courses cover both photographic techniques and aesthetic aspects, and students have the chance to complete individualized assignments that will be critiqued by a faculty that includes professional artists. This emphasis on photography practice helps students develop a portfolio and a specific artistic point of view prior to completing their degrees.

3. Savannah College of Art and Design

Photography students at Savannah College of Art and Design can choose a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Fine arts degree program with both offered online. The Bachelor of Arts program includes a concentration in photography with 45 credit hours in camera work, lighting, printing, and photography business practices. Students in the BFA program complete similar courses and also select a concentration in commercial, documentary, or fine art photography, allowing them to tailor their studies to their professional interests. The college proudly promotes its commitment to helping photography students gain a thorough understanding of the field by covering past and present technologies and visual literacy along with practical techniques.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online Associate Degrees in Photography

Associate degrees in photography are offered either as Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and while they are most commonly available through on-campus programs, certain degrees are offered online. Designed as introductory programs and averaging around 60 credit hours, associate degrees provide students with basic foundational knowledge and skills in photography. Upon graduation, students may choose to begin their careers or pursue further education by transferring credits to a 4-year program. Common programs of study include introductory courses in digital photography, lighting, portfolio and branding development, and digital editing software.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Photography

Online programs in photography reflect the trends and criteria of their on-campus counterparts and typically award either a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). Bachelor's degrees in photography provide opportunities for specialized study as students progress, offering them further skills and insight into potential career paths. Averaging around 120 to 180 credit hours, most bachelor's degrees in photography include a selection of foundational, intermediate, and advanced courses with opportunities for concentrated study and portfolio development. Online BFA, BA, and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are also available in related fields, such as journalism and visual communication.

Online Master's Degrees in Photography

While many photographers do not choose to pursue a master's degree in their field, individuals who are interested in moving to more advanced positions of leadership or scholarship may pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) or Master of Arts (MA) degree. Like bachelor's degree programs, most master's degrees in photography are offered on-campus, averaging around 40 to 60 credit hours. These degrees offer even further specialized study in various photographic fields, and most programs require internship experience. Graduating students must provide a final thesis or portfolio exhibition in their final semester.

Online Certificates in Photography

Online certificate programs in photography can be completed in a matter of months and might include around six to seven courses. These certificates offer instruction in specialized areas and may be available in basic, intermediate, and advanced formats. Students often complete a few credits in photography fundamentals before narrowing in on specific study content like lighting, Photoshop and building a portfolio.

The photography field is divided into two general areas, commercial and fine art, and the available online bachelor's degrees reflect this. BA programs in photography tend to align with the commercial or industrial field, which includes careers like sports photography, photojournalism, and advertising. These programs focus on the idea of visual communication, often offering complementary courses in related areas such as media literacy, social and behavioral science, or business. BFA programs in photography differ in that the construction of courses remains primarily focused on visual art, with emphasis on design skills and the development of personal artistic vision. They require extensive general visual arts education, including courses in art history and high-level arts electives. In BFA programs, students typically spend more time crafting portfolios and refining both technical and aesthetic skills.

The field of photography is diverse, and while they may not all be offered online, there are different specializations and concentrations students may pursue while earning a degree. These areas of concentration provide a more in-depth view of specific photographic areas and may better prepare the student for careers in those areas. Some common concentrations in photography degrees include subjects such as:

• Digital photography
• Commercial photography
• Documentary photography
• Fine art photography
• Fashion photography

More commonly, many schools with online programs offer BA or BFA degrees in art or visual communication with a concentration in photography. These programs offer a broader art or design curriculum before students narrow in on specific photographic study.

As with most degrees, the curriculum for online photography programs usually involves a selection of general or core education requirements, introductory courses, and more advanced or specialized concentrations and electives as the student progresses. Most online programs also require students to present a thesis or portfolio of work upon graduation, typically included in the coursework credit outline, as well as class critiques on submitted work in virtual seminars. Some common online photography courses include:

• Drawing and design elements
• Art history or history of photography
• Digital narratives or documentation
• Camera and film technique
• Studio and lighting technique
• Digital editing
• Internship or portfolio exhibit

While most bachelor's degrees average around four years for completion, the online approach offers students greater flexibility. Many online programs allow students to study and work at a personal determined pace, providing the ability to stretch or compress the time needed for degree completion. In addition, programs often accept transfer credits in general courses from prior degrees, which may accelerate the student's degree path. On average, however, students must complete around 180 credit hours in required coursework to earn a BA or BFA in photography.

Accreditation for schools with online bachelor's degree programs in photography is available at the regional level from institutions such as the Higher Learning Commission (HCL), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). If a school with an online photography program is accredited, this ensures students that it meets regional quality standards and that they qualify for financial aid.

With advanced specializations and the increasing quality of mobile phone cameras, photography is an increasingly competitive career. To stand out from the masses, photographers looking to gain repute may choose to become certified. Two types of certification are available from Professional Photographers of America (PPA): the Certified Professional Photographer and the Certified Drone Photographer. To become certified, photographers must prepare for and pass an exam in addition to submitting images for evaluation. To remain certified, candidates must complete continuing education every three years.

Photography is a widely specialized field, and it requires great skill and years of practice, which students may continue to develop while pursuing a degree. While some individuals may choose to pursue work through photography businesses, the vast majority of current photographers are self-employed and do freelance work. Careers in photography are also highly competitive, with a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook projecting employment to decrease 4% from 2019 to 2029. Additionally, photographers earned a median salary of $36,280 as of May 2019.

Individuals with a degree in photography may also choose to take on careers in digital media, arts curation, or advertising, or they may go on to educate future generations as photography teachers. A sample of the wide variety of careers you can pursue with a degree in photography include:

• Portrait photographer
• Photojournalist or documentary photographer
• Culinary photographer
• Wildlife or landscape photographer
• Sports photographer
• Forensic photographer
• Aerial/drone photographer
• Commercial/industrial photographer
• Teacher or educator
• Arts critic
• Art director
• Social media strategist

How to Become a Photographer

While it is not required, many photographers choose to pursue degrees in photography or related fields, where they may gain opportunities to refine their skills and receive critique from accomplished faculty. Professional photographers also need to build a strong portfolio that showcases their individual eye and work, which higher education programs may assist in developing through portfolio and thesis projects.

According to the BLS, 64% of professional photographers were self-employed in 2019, so a successful career often requires solid business marketing and personal branding skills in addition to a well-trained photographic eye. Furthermore, to generate a strong client base, individual photographers need to spend time networking, whereas photographers who belong to larger companies may face more assignment-based projects.

How to Become a Photojournalist

Photojournalists, also known as news photographers, document footage that accompanies news stories and profiles. To capture the most relevant material, photojournalists will often travel to different locations and events. They may also work irregular hours or even be exposed to dangerous working conditions, such as natural disasters or confrontational sites. Much of what it takes to become a successful photojournalist applies to the field of photography in general. A successful career in photography requires not only photographic expertise but also solid networking, communication, business, and marketing skills. Some photographers work to connect with galleries or exhibits to increase exposure, but in general, photographers need to develop their own personal brand and deliver high-quality work to gain ground in the field.

Photojournalism is a specialized field that requires an eye for storytelling through pictures, and becoming a photojournalist can require years of training and relevant experience. A bachelor's degree is often required for individuals seeking careers in photojournalism. Not only does a degree provide students with ample training time, but it also gives them the ability to build a strong portfolio under the guidance of experienced mentors. Budding photojournalists may also need to build a network freelancing before potentially landing a position with a media company.

How to Become an Aerial Photographer

Aerial photographers capture images from an overhead view using specialized equipment such as helicopters or drones. These images cover vast landscapes and are often used in geographic data and information systems, cartographic archiving, and wildlife publications. While a high school diploma is often listed as the minimum education required for aerial photographers, many do choose to pursue a degree in photography to increase their competitive edge.

For drone photographers, photographic skills must be accompanied by official certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Individuals must pass physical health guidelines as well as a specialized aeronautical exam approved by the FAA to earn drone certification.

While online degrees help cut down on housing costs, students may choose to pursue financial aid or scholarship opportunities to help fund their education. Subsidized loan programs are available for students interested in making post-graduate payments, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides the opportunity for eligible students to receive need-based federal financial aid through various loans or grants. Students seeking federal aid should check for school and state application deadlines before applying.

In addition, several scholarships, grants, and awards are available for photography students seeking financial aid. Many of these grants are merit-based or involve competitions, such as the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards offered through the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Students wishing to apply for scholarships or awards need to submit a portfolio of work, sometimes accompanied by artist statements, transcripts, letters of recommendation, or resumes.

Whether you are an established photographer or a budding artist, the photography industry provides access to several professional organizations that let photographers connect, train further, and access member benefits. Some prominent professional photography organizations include:

• Professional Photographers of America (PPA): In addition to providing certification services, the PPA grants members access to continuing education and benefits such as copyright licensing, equipment discounts, networking events, and insurance coverage.
• American Photographic Artists (APA): The APA offers members benefits such as peer portfolio reviews, partner discounts, software access, vendor services, and industry publication access, among others.
• American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP): The ASMP connects photographers to interested parties with its ''Find a Photographer'' database feature. The organization also provides members with access to workshops, conferences, and classes for continuing education; approved travel accommodations; publication access; and select equipment, software, and insurance discounts and benefits.