Photography Bachelor’s Degrees in New York City
New York City, a global hub for art and culture, offers aspiring photographers an unparalleled backdrop to develop their craft. With a range of Bachelor’s degree programs in photography, students can immerse themselves in a dynamic environment that combines technical skill development with creative exploration. These programs are designed to equip students with expertise in digital and analog photography, post-production techniques, and visual storytelling, all while fostering a unique artistic voice. Whether you’re drawn to fashion photography, fine art, or photojournalism, NYC provides both the inspiration and professional opportunities to turn your passion into a thriving career.
The New School
Located in the heart of New York City, The New School offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography through its Parsons School of Design.
Curriculum Details:
- The BFA in Photography at Parsons School of Design combines technical training in digital and analog photography with conceptual and experimental approaches, emphasizing critical thinking and creative exploration.
- Students gain hands-on experience through studio work, internships, and exhibitions while developing a professional portfolio that prepares them for careers in photography and related fields.
- Address: 66 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
- Phone: (212) 229-8900
- Website: www.newschool.edu
- Directions: Head south on 6th Avenue and turn left onto West 14th Street. The campus is a 10-minute walk or a short subway ride on the F/M/L trains to 14th Street-6th Avenue.
School of Visual Arts (SVA)
SVA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum that covers both traditional and contemporary photographic practices. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, and opportunities to exhibit their work in the school’s galleries. The program also emphasizes professional development, preparing graduates for successful careers in the arts.
- Address: 209 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
- Phone: (212) 592-2000
- Website: www.sva.edu
- Directions: Head east on West 23rd Street for 1 mile. SVA is easily accessible by the M23-SBS bus or the 6 train to 23rd Street station.
New York University (NYU)
New York Universityof the Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography & Imaging. The program focuses on the creation and understanding of images, integrating technical skills with critical thinking.
Curriculum Details:
- The Photography & Imaging program at NYU Tisch focuses on artistic and technical mastery of photography and video, exploring cultural, social, and ethical issues through visual storytelling.
- Students build a professional portfolio through studio work, internships, and exhibitions, preparing them for diverse creative careers in visual media.
- Address: 721 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
- Phone: (212) 998-1900
- Website: www.nyu.edu/
- Directions: Take the F or M subway lines to Broadway-Lafayette Street. NYU is a 15-minute ride followed by a short walk.
Marymount Manhattan College
Marymount Manhattan College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Photography within its Art Department. The program provides a solid foundation in photographic techniques, art history, and critical theory, fostering both technical proficiency and creative expression.
Curriculum Details:
- The Photography Concentration at Marymount Manhattan College combines analog, digital, and time-based media training with a strong foundation in photography history, theory, and cutting-edge practices to help students develop their personal creative voice.
- Students gain professional experience through internships, collaborations with the International Center of Photography, and the opportunity to exhibit work in junior and senior portfolio showcases.
- Address: 221 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021
- Phone: (212) 517-0400
- Website: www.mmm.edu/
- Directions: Take the 6 train uptown to 68th Street-Hunter College. The college is a short walk from the station.
Pratt Institute
Located in Brooklyn, Pratt Institute’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography program emphasizes both the technical and conceptual aspects of photography.
Curriculum Details:
- The Photography program at Pratt Institute offers a balance of structured technical and conceptual training, fostering the development of each student’s unique artistic voice and vision.
- Students gain hands-on experience through small classes, faculty mentorship, and access to New York City’s museums, galleries, and photo-industry opportunities.
- Address: 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
- Phone: (718) 636-3600
- Website: www.pratt.edu
- Directions: Take the C train to Clinton-Washington Avenues station. Pratt is a 10-minute walk from the station.
CUNY Queens College
Queens College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Imaging. The program combines technical training with a liberal arts education, encouraging students to develop a broad understanding of visual culture. With access to modern facilities and a diverse faculty, students are equipped to pursue various professional paths in photography.
Curriculum Details:
- The Photography and Imaging BFA program at Queens College emphasizes creative and technical skills in photography, with courses in digital and analog techniques, studio lighting, and conceptual development.
- Students gain professional experience through internships, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, preparing them for careers in visual arts and photography.
- Address: 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY 11367
- Phone: (718) 997-5000
- Website: www.qc.cuny.edu
- Directions: Take the E train to Forest Hills-71st Avenue, then transfer to the Q64 bus toward Queens College.
St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography through its Department of Art and Design. The program focuses on developing technical skills, artistic expression, and critical analysis, preparing students for careers in various fields of photography. Students benefit from personalized instruction and opportunities to exhibit their work.
Curriculum Details:
- The Photography BFA at St. John’s University blends technical mastery in analog and digital photography with a foundation in art history, social impact, and conceptual exploration, offering a partnership with the International Center of Photography (ICP) for specialized training.
- Students engage in internships, studio work, and a choice of ICP coursework to build professional portfolios and prepare for careers in photography, visual storytelling, and related fields.
For more details, visit the Photography BFA page at St. John’s University.
- Address: 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439
- Phone: (718) 990-2000
- Website: www.stjohns.edu/
- Directions: Take the E subway line to Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station. From there, transfer to the Q46 bus heading toward Utopia Parkway. The university is located near the final stop.
Long Island University (LIU) Post
LIU Post offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography within its School of Visual Arts, Communications, and Digital Technologies. The program provides comprehensive training in both traditional and digital photography, encouraging students to develop a personal artistic style. With access to professional facilities and internship opportunities, graduates are well-prepared for the competitive field of photography.
Curriculum Details:
- The School of Visual Arts at LIU Post offers comprehensive programs in fine arts, digital art and design, photography, and game design, blending foundational techniques with cutting-edge technologies.
- Students engage in hands-on projects, industry-focused internships, and access state-of-the-art facilities, preparing them for diverse creative careers.
- Address: 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548
- Phone: (516) 299-2900
- Website: www.liu.edu
- Directions: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Hicksville station. From Hicksville, take a taxi or the N20H bus heading north toward Brookville. LIU Post is approximately a 15-minute drive from the station.