Colleges for Photography

Making a list of the top 10 colleges for photography involves many variables that rank differently in importance among various aspiring art students. The considerations for selecting the right school for a particular student includes such factors as school location, cost, available financing options, and experience and quality of the faculty. Other determining factors may include the desired campus environment, whether rural or urban, and extra non-academic opportunities offered, including sports programs.

If you happen to have a new found interest in photography and feel that you need to further educate yourself, then you may need to consider some college photography programs. These programs are easy, accessible and for the most part have proved to be effective in teaching students the things they need to know. When considering a facility for college photography, it would probably be wise to do some research on the prospective school. If a school boasts a prominent college photography program then you probably won't have much to worry about it but if a school lacks ample feedback, you have never heard of them, and they are not accredited, then you probably should consider another college photography program. You may also want to do some extra digging to prevent future disappointment.

A factor to consider is what kind of job placement system the school offers. What is their track record for locating students in permanent positions after graduation? Also during the time of a student's course studies, are there internship programs available through the college to various employers so that students can get real world experience as part of their course work?

In your search for the top 10 colleges for photography you will want to consider the issue of finances. Make an investigation of the different cost factors involved, including tuition, housing, and expenses required for materials. Also determine what the different colleges' qualifications are for giving out grants and scholarships.

Are the facilities of the school up to date and do they provide for their students the chance to utilize the latest in technology? As well, does the school incorporate a depth of artistic study that surrounds the photography field, including computer graphic design and other types of interior and exterior design courses complimenting the students study and overall understanding of the photography field?

The types of classes a student would take in a top level college photography program include Photographic Design, Lighting, Studio Photography, Business of Photography, Digital Image Illustration and Introduction to Photojournalism. As a compliment to a student's schedule of photographic courses, he may want to also take other elective courses that broaden his perspective of entering a career in the art industry. These may include some advertising courses such as Fundamentals of Media Communication and Advertising Case Studies.