What are some top universities for pursuing photography?

Hey y'all! I'm super passionate about photography and I've been doing it all throughout high school. As a junior, I'm now looking at colleges and I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for universities that excel in their photography programs? Thanks in advance!

Sure, happy to help with this! Photography and related fields fall under the umbrella of the Fine Arts, so ideally, you'll want to check out schools that are known for their strong programs in the Fine Arts.

To start, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a good one; their photography department has consistently been recognized for their excellent programs. Notably, they have both BFA and MFA degrees available in photography. Similarly, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) also offers highly regarded photography programs. The programs are known for their focus on technical and theoretical aspects of photography, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.

New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts also offers a renowned Photography and Imaging program. Here, students can explore everything from traditional image-making techniques to the latest multimedia applications. The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) also offers an excellent photography program where students can experiment with both traditional and contemporary photographic technologies.

These schools all have strong programs for photography, but as with any college search, it's important to consider which school would be the best fit for you personally. Make sure to consider factors such as location, cost, size, and campus culture. Research each program's course requirements, look at the kind of work their students are creating, and see if any professors' work or research aligns with your own interests. Lastly, keep in mind that portfolio requirements can vary across these programs, so start preparing your portfolio sooner rather than later!