There are many types of photography schools and academic programs available to students interested in pursuing a career in the industry. From photojournalism to commercial photography to portraiture to artistic photography to fashion photography, students can find their niche through majors, minors, concentrations, workshops, online programs and internships. Depending on your academic and professional experience, you may want a well-rounded, four-year educational experience that rewards you with a bachelor’s degree. Or, you may want to supplement your on-the-job training and natural talent with night classes at a community college or an online program. Some photography institutes only offer individual courses or certificate programs that teach photographers very specific skills. The New York Institute of Photography, for example, currently offers courses in using Adobe Photoshop, learning about digital photography, and becoming a professional photographer. If you’d like a top job in photojournalism, you may want to consider earning a master’s degree to help you build up your contacts, connect you to more internship and professional opportunities and develop your skills even further.

If you plan to get an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in photography or a related field, you can research the school’s communications, fine arts and visual arts departments. These programs combine general academic courses with photography courses, giving students a more well-rounded education that can help them become a competent photography professional as well as a creative talent. If you are interested in starting your own photography business or want to become a photojournalist, enroll in a bachelor’s degree program that lets you specialize in a particular area within the field or add electives to your major that will help you with your future goals. These concentration areas could include marketing and public relations, digital photography, communications and journalism, and others. Fine arts programs, at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, require students to complete more photography coursework and studio time than BA or MA programs. General academic courses may be sacrificed, or students may have to complete more total hours to graduate.

Photography schools teach students a variety of skills that help them succeed in the industry, including the business of photography, the history of the art, different photography specializations, using digital and traditional techniques, understanding contemporary art, engaging an audience, storytelling, developing film, and more.

Top Online Programs

A.A. in Information Technology B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communications	University of Phoenix – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – The University of Phoenix prepares students for the rapidly evolving multi-million dollar industry of World Wide Web designing and interactive media. The programs offered at the institute teaches students everything from developing their skills in drawing and design to learning programming and scripting techniques.
B.S. in Web Development B.S. in Communication A.A.S. in Information Technology	Kaplan University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Kaplan University offers a web design degree that could be completed in as few as 12 months. This allows students to earn their degree at an accelerated pace and be on their way to advancing in their career in web design.
B.F.A. in Web Design A.A.B.A. in Visual Communications B.F.A. in Digital Design	American InterContinental University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – For those interested in the exciting career of web design, American InterContinental Universitye will help them prepare with their staff of knowledgeable and skilled professionals who have had prior experience working in the web design industry. The program is a great choice for those seeking to pursue a career in web design, web development, graphic design, graphic art, or web publications designer.
A.S. in Web Design B.F.A. in Graphic Design B.A. in Fashion Merchandising	International Academy of Design & Technology – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - Since 1977, the International Academy of Design and Technology Online has helped thousands of students prepare for a career in which their creativity and talents are respected and valued. Their affordable courses allow individuals with a passion for web design to advance in their career.
B.S. in Web Design & Multimedia B.S. in Visual Communications A.S. in Graphic Design & Multimedia	Westwood College – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – Westwood College's programs consists of courses in design theory, web design, imaging and advanced web technology to help students build valuable portfolios for potential employers. They offer their programs completely online, allowing flexibility for working individuals or individuals with other time contraints.
A.S. in Web Graphic Design B.C.I.S. in Web Development B.C.I.S. in Web Game Programming	DeVry University – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree – DeVry University has helped thousands of students apply practical skills to produce high-quality graphics and develop many types of graphic media. They are ideal for many students because of their affordable and convenient programs available online.
B.A. in Visual Communications B.A. in Art History	Ashford University – Bachelor's Degree - Dedicated to helping intellectual, professional, and creative individuals, Ashford University offers one of the best web design degrees online. Their web design courses are very convenient and achieveablefor students who have restricting schedules.
B.S. in Web Design A.S. in Web Design Diploma in Web Design	The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Associate's & Bachelor's Degree - The Art Institute of Pittsburgh provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest software and programming applications to compete in the highly competitive, yet rewarding, web design industry. They place special emphasis on the practical application of web development skills and how to effectively use them for organizations.