What Schools Offer a Master's in Photography?

by Gary Beckner

Master's programs in photography help graduate students explore the art and business of photography. Most programs offer students the opportunity to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Photography, a degree which can be used to teach or work professionally. Such degrees will take two to three years to complete and cover a wide-variety of topics, including traditional and digital photography.

Students may choose from a number of schools that offer graduate degrees in photography.

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Rhode Island School of Design

The Rhode Island School of Design offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts in Photography. The program provides training and education through coursework, studio work, seminars and professional critiques. The graduate program takes pride in offering students the opportunity to conduct independent research in photography. Students are encouraged to explore traditional photography, video, digital imaging and multimedia. Photography students also have 24-hour access to the school's studios. Some students may choose to work as graduate teaching assistants to earn work-study income and teach undergraduate courses. Rhode Island School of Design Photography Department Design Center 30 North Main St. Providence, RI 02903 401-454-6122 risd.edu

Brooks Institute

The Brooks Institute offers a Master of Fine Arts in Photography program. The program is intended to take two years to complete, yet some students may take three years. Students will take courses that explore the creative, business, research and academic practices of the photographic field. Courses include contemporary imaging systems, interdisciplinary aspects of communication, and methods in imaging education, to name a few. Each student will build a portfolio of professional-level photography. Students must complete 61 credits to graduate. Brooks Institute 27 E. Cota St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 888-276-4999 brooks.edu
School of Visual Arts

The School of Visual Arts, an art school located in New York City, offers a Master of Fine Arts in Photography. Students admitted into the program may also study video and related media. Students will learn both traditional and digital photography. Courses include digital imaging, aesthetic history of photography, and studio photography, to name a few options. The school offers many guest exhibitions and lectures. The school also offers many areas of student support; graduate students may apply for housing near campus, study in the state-of-art visual arts library or seek guidance from the career development office. School of Visual Arts 209 East 23 St. New York, NY 10010 212-592-2000 schoolofvisualarts.edu