Brief Overview of Online Photography Bachelor Degree Programs
Online Photography Bachelor Degree programs offer aspiring photographers and visual artists a comprehensive education in capturing, editing, and presenting images. These programs blend artistic principles with technical expertise, and they're designed to prepare students for a range of careers in photography and related fields. If you're considering an online bachelor's in photography, here's what you can expect:
- Affordability: Many online programs provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional on-campus degrees. You'll find that tuition varies, but online courses often reduce the need for costly commuting or relocation.
- Program Outcomes: Graduates of these programs can anticipate acquiring a strong foundation in photographic techniques, digital imaging, and visual storytelling, which are essential skills for professional photographers.
- Accessibility: One of the major benefits of online education is the ability to access coursework from anywhere at any time. This flexibility makes it possible for students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.
- Student Support Services: Top online programs offer robust support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical assistance to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
- Accreditation: Accreditation is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your degree. Look for programs accredited by recognized agencies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or regional accrediting bodies.
- Flexibility: Online photography programs typically offer asynchronous coursework, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedule. Some may also provide options for part-time enrollment or accelerated tracks.
- Program Reputation: A program's reputation can significantly impact your future opportunities. Our proprietary algorithm considers factors such as graduate success rates and faculty credentials to rank the best online photography programs.
When selecting an online photography bachelor's degree program, consider how each program aligns with your career goals and personal circumstances. By choosing a program that excels in affordability, outcomes, accessibility, support services, accreditation, flexibility, and reputation, you're positioning yourself for success in the dynamic field of photography.
Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
#1 in Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
Southern New Hampshire University
Program Accredited By: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Program Information:
Cost per Credit:
$320
Contact: enroll@snhu.edu
Online Graduate Overall Median Earnings:
Not Provided
Why We Picked It:
SNHU stands out for its affordability at $330/credit, extensive support network, and a broad curriculum that covers both the art and business of photography. Its program is designed for maximum flexibility, offering up to 90 transfer credits and 24/7 online access, making it highly accessible. The emphasis on direct instruction from professionals, business skills development, and portfolio enhancement, alongside the opportunity for hands-on practice with industry-standard software, positions it well for a good return on investment.
#2 in Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
Liberty University
Program Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Program Information:
Cost per Credit:
$390
Contact: admissions@liberty.edu
Online Graduate Overall Median Earnings:
Not Provided
Why We Picked It:
Liberty's program is notable for combining core digital design courses with photography-specific training, including a 90-hour practicum and 180-hour internship for hands-on experience. At $390/credit, it's a bit more expensive than SNHU but still provides value with a curriculum that incorporates a biblical worldview. The possibility to transfer up to 75% of the degree, discounted rates for military members, and a program that prepares students for fast-growing photography-related careers contribute to its high ranking.
#3 in Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
Lindenwood University
Program Accredited By: Higher Learning Commission
Online Program Information:
Cost per Credit:
$495
Contact: onlineadmissions@lindenwood.edu
Online Graduate Overall Median Earnings:
Not Provided
Why We Picked It:
Lindenwood offers a comprehensive educational environment with a diverse array of support services and resources aimed at fostering a well-rounded educational experience, even though specific details of its photography program are sparse. The cost per credit of $495 places it in the mid-range for affordability. Its wide range of academic programs, including those in art and design, paired with robust student services, suggests a supportive and resource-rich setting for photography students.
#4 in Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
Savannah College of Art and Design
Program Accredited By: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Program Information:
Cost per Credit:
$891
Contact: contact@scad.edu
Online Graduate Overall Median Earnings:
$36,365
Why We Picked It:
Despite the absence of detailed program information due to access issues, SCAD's reputation in art and design fields, along with a cost of $891 per credit, suggests a high-quality but less affordable option. Its strong focus on design and the creative arts, however, would likely provide students with a solid foundation in photography, alongside ample creative career opportunities, contributing to the potential for a good return on investment.
#5 in Best Online Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in 2024
Rhode Island School of Design
Program Accredited By: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Program Information:
Cost per Credit:
$1,863
Contact: admissions@risd.edu
Online Graduate Overall Median Earnings:
$45,571
Why We Picked It:
RISD's program is the most expensive at $1863 per credit but is known for its rigorous approach to art and design education. The program's focus on exploring photography through social, cultural, and historical contexts, along with the requirement for a senior year degree project, suggests a deep, immersive learning experience. However, its high cost and intensive application requirements, including a portfolio, make it the least accessible of the options listed.
Top Career Paths by Salary for Photography in 2024
Career | Annual Median Salary | Hourly Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Creative Director | $127,830 | $61.46 |
Photo Agency Manager | $127,830 | $61.46 |
Art Director | $105,180 | $50.57 |
Multimedia Artist | $98,950 | $47.57 |
Director of Photography | $85,320 | $41.02 |
Media Producer | $85,320 | $41.02 |
Visual Content Producer | $85,320 | $41.02 |
Photography Instructor | $76,030 | $N/A |
Digital Asset Manager | $75,990 | $36.53 |
Content Creation Specialist | $73,150 | $35.17 |
Copywriter for Photography Content | $73,150 | $35.17 |
Forensic Photographer | $63,740 | $30.64 |
Data sourced From O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Typical Tasks for Careers in Photography
Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
Adjust positions and controls of cameras, printers, and related equipment to change focus, exposure, and lighting.
Assess or propose sustainability initiatives, considering factors such as cost effectiveness, technical feasibility, and acceptance.
Assess the nature and level of physical security threats so that the scope of the problem can be determined.
Audition and interview performers to match their attributes to specific roles or to increase the pool of available acting talent.
Budget and schedule security design work.
Technologies and Skills Used for Careers in Photography
Analytical or scientific software
- Data visualization software
- Google Analytics
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Slack
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Talking to others
What Jobs Can You Get With an Online Photography Bachelor Degree?
Earning an online Bachelor's degree in Photography opens up a world of creative and commercial opportunities for you. This degree is not just about understanding how to take a good picture—it's about developing a nuanced understanding of visual communication and digital media. Here are some of the career paths you can pursue after graduation:
Professional Photographer: Specialize in areas like portrait, wedding, fashion, or commercial photography, capturing images that tell stories or promote products.
Photo Editor: Work for magazines, newspapers, websites, or publishing houses to select and edit photographs that best fit the narrative of the content.
Art Director: Lead creative teams in advertising agencies or marketing departments, where you'll be responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and television and movie productions.
Multimedia Artist: Create visual effects for movies, television, or online content. This role often involves working with various forms of media beyond still photography.
Graphic Designer: Combine photography with other graphic elements to create visual concepts for branding, advertisements, brochures, and more.
Photography Instructor: Share your knowledge by teaching photography at the high school or postsecondary level.
Photojournalist: Tell stories through images by capturing newsworthy events, people, and places for media outlets.
Visual Content Creator: Work as a freelancer or as part of a company to create imagery for social media platforms, blogs, and other online channels.
Stock Photographer: Produce photos for stock photography agencies that sell images to businesses and individuals for their own use.
Real Estate Photographer: Specialize in capturing homes and commercial properties to aid in sales efforts.
Each of these roles leverages the skills you'll have developed during your online photography bachelor degree program. Understanding composition, lighting, color theory, and post-processing are essential across all these positions. But beyond the technical skills, you'll also learn about the business side of photography—such as marketing yourself, managing projects, and working with clients or teams.
For more information on the outlook and specifics of these careers, visiting authoritative sites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide valuable data on job growth and salary expectations. Additionally, networking through professional organizations such as the American Photographic Artists can offer further insights into the industry and help you make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Photography Bachelor Degree Programs
What is an online photography bachelor's degree?
An online photography bachelor's degree is a program that provides comprehensive education in photography, art, and design through digital means. Students can complete coursework remotely, often with the flexibility to fit their studies around personal and professional commitments.
How long does it take to complete an online photography bachelor's degree program?
Most online photography bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. However, some programs offer accelerated courses or part-time options that can lengthen or shorten this timeframe.
What will I learn in an online photography bachelor's degree program?
You'll learn a wide range of skills, including:
- Technical proficiency with camera equipment and software
- Artistic principles of composition and design
- Digital imaging and post-processing techniques
- The history and theory of photography
- Business and marketing strategies for photographers
Are online photography bachelor's degree programs accredited?
Yes, many online photography programs are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain educational standards.
Can I get financial aid for an online photography bachelor's degree?
Yes, students enrolled in accredited online photography bachelor's degree programs are typically eligible for federal financial aid. To determine eligibility, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What are the technical requirements for studying online?
Technical requirements vary by program but generally include:
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer with sufficient processing power
- Access to photography software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
- A digital camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
How does online learning work for a practical subject like photography?
Online learning for photography includes a blend of theoretical instruction and practical assignments. Students often submit their photographic work digitally, receive critiques from instructors, and participate in virtual workshops or discussions.
Can I build a professional portfolio through an online program?
Absolutely. Online programs encourage students to develop a professional portfolio throughout their studies, which is crucial for future employment opportunities or freelance work.
What career opportunities can I pursue with an online photography bachelor's degree?
Graduates with an online photography bachelor's degree can pursue various careers such as:
- Commercial photographer
- Photojournalist
- Portrait photographer
- Fine art photographer
- Photography editor or curator
Remember to research each program thoroughly to ensure it aligns with your career goals and offers the support services you need to succeed.