What are some of the best photography schools in the United States?

United States Photography Schools

• Answer:

  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that the demand for photographers would increase by more than 12 percent from 2008 through 2018. To enter the field, postsecondary education in photography is typically necessary, especially for careers in journalism or industrial and scientific photography. A number of private and public colleges in the United States offer degree programs in photography. Parsons The New School for Design Established in 1907, Parsons The New School for Design is a private, nonsectarian institution in Manhattan, New York. Home to more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the college offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in photography. To receive admissions consideration, students must submit a portfolio that shows samples of their photographic work. Courses required for the degree include visual culture, lighting, the history of photography and videography. All students have the opportunity to complete an internship prior to graduation. The college also offers a master's degree program in photography. Approximately 70 percent of students at Parsons receive some form of financial aid, according to the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges. Parsons The New School for Design 66 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10011 877-528-3321 newschool.edu St. Edward's University The Catholic Church founded St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, in 1885, and since that time, the school has grown to an enrollment of more than 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students. The school received the 21st-place ranking among universities in the Western region of the United States in the "Best Colleges 2011" rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The college offers a baccalaureate degree in photocommunications for would-be photographers. The program covers black and white and color photography, video, digital imaging as well as dark room techniques. All students must submit a formal portfolio for review prior to graduation. An internship is mandatory for all students. Around 90 percent of freshmen and 83 percent of continuing students benefit from some form of financial aid, explains the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges. St. Edward's University 3001 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704 512-448-8500 stedwards.edu University of Washington Located in Seattle, the University of Washington is a public college with more than 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in its programs. U.S. News & World Report named the college 41st among all universities in the United States in its "Best Colleges 2011" rankings. The unviersity offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program in photo media. Among the courses included in the curriculum are theory and criticism and digital imaging. Students must participate in a formal portfolio review and submit a selection of their works for inclusion in a public exhibition during their senior years. Around half of all freshmen and 43 percent of continuing students at the university are financial aid recipients, reports the 2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges. University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 206-543-9686 washington.edu