Earn a Photography Degree Online
- $320/credit (120 credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 100% online instruction
- Work with professional photographers
- Learn essential business skills
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
Online Photography Degree Program Overview
Kick-start your career in the arts or blaze a new professional trail with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Photography from Southern New Hampshire University. The online bachelor's program provides a strong footing in the technical skills of digital camera operation, lighting and post-production image editing while refining your visual literacy and providing you with a foundation in the humanities – all at a fraction of the cost of comparable programs.
"Earning your online degree at SNHU will afford you the opportunity to lay the foundation of being an expert in your craft, and have a deeper understanding of professional photography," said Colleen Vandenberg, photography faculty at SNHU.
In addition to a solid grounding in the liberal arts, this unique online photography degree also delves into the business, social media and brand-building aspects of the profession to help you differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace. Throughout the program, you'll also develop a professional portfolio for both career advancement and personal fulfillment.
In SNHU's online BA in Digital Photography program, you'll learn how to:
- Market and advertise services to attract clients
- Analyze and plan the composition of photographs
- Use various photographic techniques and lighting equipment
- Capture subjects in commercial-quality photographs
- Enhance the subject's appearance with natural or artificial light
- Employ the latest photo-enhancing software
- Maintain a digital portfolio to showcase your work
Set Your Sights on a Career in Digital Photography
Have you dreamed of assisting major photographers on a fashion editorial – or even photographing it yourself someday? Or maybe you see a future photographing the covers of leading food magazines or becoming a renowned wedding photographer in your area. Whatever your goals are, the bachelor's in digital photography can help prepare you for a variety of professional opportunities.
Once you complete the online bachelor's in digital photography program, you'll have a skill set directly applicable to a number of fields, including:
- Portrait photography: Let a person's or group's personality shine through. These shots are usually posed to capture subjects at their best for special occasions, business reasons or just keepsakes.
- Commercial and industrial photography: Help clients present their products to customers with photography for marketing campaigns. Small businesses and large corporations alike rely on high-quality, professional photographs to drive sales.
- Aerial photography: Give your shots some altitude. Using a plane or drone, you can get great shots of landscapes, buildings and events. From real estate to weddings, aerial photography is popular.
- Scientific photography: Using specialized equipment, you’ll present scientific information through photographs. If you’re interested in biology, chemistry, engineering or medicine and enjoy the technical side of photography, this field could be a good choice.
- News photography: Tell stories for news outlets (including newspapers, journals, magazines and television) as a photojournalist.
- University photography: From employee portraits to events to publicity photos, academic institutions need photos. Larger universities might have an in-house photographer while others rely on freelance photographers.
While earning your online photography degree already gives you a competitive advantage in the job market, the best candidates have multiple talents and related skills such as picture editing and capturing digital video. For specialties like photojournalism and industrial and scientific photography, a bachelor's degree is often a must.
At SNHU, we trust your artistry can take you far, but we also know your creative skills as a photographer are just the tip of the iceberg. Many career photographers are self-employed – freelancing or even owning their own businesses – which comes with additional responsibilities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics even reports that the demand for self-employed photographers is projected to grow.1 That's why our digital photography curriculum goes beyond the technical side of photography to include courses that teach you the vital business and communication skills you'll need to work with clients. Learning about the legal, marketing and entrepreneurial aspects of photography, you'll graduate from the program knowing how to manage self-employment and market yourself professionally.
Eventually, your work experiences as a photographer could lead you down other creative paths. After cultivating professional connections, acquiring new skills and exploring your passions, you might pursue positions like:
- Art director. Create a cohesive look and feel for magazines, photoshoots, products, campaigns and even movies. While you'll need 5+ years of related experience to find employment as an art director, the hard work could pay off. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual salary of $97,270 in 2020.1
- Graphic designer. Communicate ideas that inspire action through visual concepts. You'll lay out photos and copy, create digital images and utilize color and typography. According to the BLS, graphic designers had a 2020 median pay of $53,380 per year.1
- Video editor and camera operator. Shoot and edit videos for a variety of industries. While photography and videography have plenty of differences, your background in photography can give you a great start. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,900 for film and video editors and camera operators in 2020.1
Learn more about how to become a professional photographer.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Digital Photography Degree
Why SNHU for Your Digital Photography Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Opportunities
As an online student, there's still plenty of opportunity for you to interact with your peers and get involved with the SNHU community.
The SNHU Art Exhibition Contest celebrates visual artists. The contest has 3 major categories: photography, graphic design and illustration, and multimedia and motion graphics. After the hundreds of submissions have been curated by an expert panel, the top 25 are uploaded to a web gallery for public voting. Each category winner is awarded an SNHU scholarship, among other prizes.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.2 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so SNHU can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
"The courses challenged me to be creative," said Susana Ellis '20. "Each class was fun and engaging with great insight from teachers."
Our online photography program was designed to give you the advanced technical knowledge you need to succeed as an artist. You'll learn about:
- Digital camera operation. Studying the ins and outs of your camera body and lenses, you'll learn how to move on from auto mode to take truly individual and creative photos.
- Lighting. See how the manipulation of light can affect the aesthetic of a photo, illuminating a subject while communicating emotion.
- Post-production editing. Explore the art of image editing in software such as Photoshop and Lightroom while gaining knowledge about key topics like color, resolution and formatting.
On top of technical photography skills, our bachelor's in digital photography teaches you the vital business knowledge needed to establish and run a successful photography business. Focusing on the legal, marketing and entrepreneurial aspects of photography, you'll learn how to:
- Build a personal brand
- Copyright your work
- Develop contracts and release forms
- Set pricing structures and manage overhead costs
- Work with clients
But when it comes to running a successful photography business, you'll need more than core business knowledge. In this digital photography program, you'll also strengthen general skills and attributes that are considered necessary when working with clients. These include:
- Accountability and professionalism
- Creative intelligence and problem-solving
- Flexibility, timeliness and time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Written and verbal communication
Throughout the program, you'll be accumulating works through various assignments. While learning the technical aspects of photography, you'll enjoy a robust feedback process to enrich your learning experience. Engaging in peer and professional critiques of photographic work, you'll be preparing yourself for formal employment and contract interviews. SNHU now has one of the largest online photography programs in the country, so you'll be able to benefit from studying with and learning from a diverse group of students from all over.
"The classes have pushed my boundaries and allowed me to grow my skill set," said Saryn Christina '21. "I have gained a lot of self-confidence and knowledge," which she adds will lead to many new opportunities in the future.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Show your knowledge of the materials in your program's math courses, and you could earn up to 12 math credits – at less than $50 for each course assessment.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| BA in Digital Photography |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| BA in DIgital Photography Online | ||
| COM 130 | Media Communication and Visual Literacy | Examine the concept of media literacy. Practice deconstructing media messages to recognize their potential effect. Understand how media literacy is associated with an individual's role as a consumer of and participant in media. |
| COM 310 | Social Media | The possibilities and dangers of social media increase daily. This course explores the history, technology, impact, and strategies of social media. Students will examine the uses of social media for business, personal branding, community building, journalism, affecting change, and marketing communications. The course provides hands-on experience with the most current technology. |
| FAS 226 | Digital Photography | Photography as a visual medium is integral to the study of contemporary communication. This course introduces students to the history and practice of producing photographic images. The course is a combination of lecture and the hands-on practice of both the analog and digital methods of photographic image-making. The traditional darkroom is dispensed with, giving over to the computer the role of dark- room, with the student using Adobe Photoshop and other image editors to process traditional film and digital image captures. The student is taught to use various digital cameras techniques to capture, process, and print a portfolio of several original photographic images. Lectures on pictorial composition, subject matter choice, and methods of presentation display will accompany hands-on technical exercises. |
| FAS 235 | Photographic Practice in the Digital Age | As the practice of digital photography leverages new technical skills through software programs and digital editing, it is critically important that practicing photographers gain a greater understanding of emerging methods for producing, editing, and distributing photographic works. This course provides an intermediate experience in the process of generating portfolios of digital images for presentation, distribution, or exhibition. Key to this experience is a broad understanding of design concepts that lead to decisions in coloring, resolution, formatting, and so on to produce high quality images that reflect a creative point of view. Students are exposed to advanced techniques using industry standard software to manipulate digital works for print and digital output, including color theory, management, calibration, and standard file formatting. |
| FAS 240 | The Business of Photography | This course serves as an introduction to the business practices of photography, focusing on the legal, marketing, and entrepreneurial aspects of the highly competitive photography industry today. Students gain valuable exposure to best practices recommended for working with clients and agencies, setting up an entrepreneurial business, developing appropriate contracts, licensing works, setting a pricing structure, model and property release forms, and managing overhead costs, among other topics. This course culminates in students determining their next steps in their professional development, including how to drive their personal vision and brand as a practicing photographer. |
| FAS 255 | Lighting for Photography | The act of photography inherently depicts how light reacts and reflects its subject matter, while also communicating different emotions, moods, and feelings to the audience. This course serves as a comprehensive introduction to how light is used and manipulated for different purposes and effects. Topics covered include using ambient light versus flash or studio light for different subject matter (portraits, editorial work, fine art, etc.), angle of light and how it influences the look of the subject matter, using a single light source versus multiple light sources, how to blend ambient light with strobe lighting, using long exposures and film speed to manipulate the look of your imagery, along with other purposeful techniques for manipulating the aesthetics of light. |
| FAS 360 | Innovations in Digital Imaging | Numerous advancements in digital imaging have created an exigent need for working professionals to remain on the cutting edge of these practices. This course provides students with an opportunity to research advancements in digital imaging and digital photography techniques with the intent of enhancing their own photographic practices. Students are expected to apply a selection of these emerging techniques and articulate the process, creative choices, and outcomes produced in their work. |
| FAS 375 | Photographic Aesthetic Concepts | This course explores various aesthetic theories of photographic practice and the evolution of photography as a respectable fine art medium available to contemporary artists and subject to critical inquiry. Students learn how photographic images shape our understanding of both the past and present as well as the very nature of photography as an art form and how this has changed over time. Besides theory, students also explore through hands on practice the methods and techniques for developing one's own aesthetic characteristics and personal style in photographic work. |
| FAS 400 | Digital Narratives and Documentary | Participate in an advanced exploration of the concepts of narrative and linear vs. non-linear imagery. Research the history of documentary photography, focusing on how creative works produced as professionals can be used to make an impact on communities and audiences. With an emphasis on storytelling through creative imagery, develop a digital narrative showcasing advanced techniques in camerawork, lighting, and other pre- and post-production skills. |
| FAS 485 | Digital Photography Portfolio | The digital photography portfolio course provides students with a comprehensive development opportunity to showcase their professional work, establish a branded identity as a working professional, and engage in peer and professional critiques of design work in preparation for formal employment and contract interviews. Students create both digital and print-ready portfolios that demonstrate their competencies in the digital photography program outcomes. |
| GRA 220 | Introduction to Digital Imaging | Using Photoshop and Illustrator software, this course is an introduction to professional computer graphics creation and to the software and hardware typically used in the graphic design, video, photography and interactive Web/multimedia industries. Emphasis will be placed on the professional use of image-capturing devices, such as scanners, digital still cameras and video cameras. Image editing and color management systems will be discussed and demonstrated. The important differences between vector and bitmap graphics will be defined, as will the significant differences in preparing images for print, broadcast and Web distribution. Students will be encouraged to experiment with their own and pre-existing images using sophisticated digital editing techniques such as layering, channel masking, filtering, cloning and montaging. Special attention will be paid to copyright awareness in the age of digital image. |
| Total Credits: 120 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
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Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
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Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
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Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
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Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
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SNHU Purchase Programs |
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Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Digital Photography Technical Requirements
Required Photography Equipment:
- Interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) either DSLR or mirrorless models with manual and semi-auto modes allowing for shooting in RAW and control of the ISO, white balance, aperture, and shutter speed.
- Wireless Camera Remote Control
- Tripod
- Lighting Kit
Required Software:
- The full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is required in at least the following courses: COM-230, COM-232, FAS-226 and all GRA classes.
- The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan will support most other program courses, including Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop. Students will use Lightroom Classic for their photography classes.
Students may also wish to purchase (not required):
- A digital hand-held light meter that can measure both ambient and strobe lighting
- A portable electronic flash unit
- An external intervalometer
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation—and haven't raised our costs in a decade.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
| Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a degree in photography online?
Yes, taking photography classes online is a great way to earn your degree – especially if you need a program that fits into your busy life.
At SNHU, the online digital photography degree is designed with flexibility in mind. You can attend class when it’s convenient for you, with all course materials accessible 24/7.
While you will need to have your own photography equipment, including a DSLR camera, the photo editing software used in your courses is all available online, allowing you to learn key editing skills from the comfort of your home – or anywhere else you complete your coursework.
The digital photography workflow process is infused throughout the program, providing you with the understanding and practice of working with digital images from creation to output. Digital portfolios and online discussion forums with your instructor and peers ensure you can get key feedback on your photography as you develop your artistic vision and technical skills.
"I am thrilled that I will be able to check the box saying, YES, I have my BA in Photography," said Saryn Christina, Class of 2021. "It has given me a lot more confidence in myself and my work."
What is the best online photography school?
The best online photography school is the one that best prepares you for the career you want.
At SNHU, a digital photography degree can give you a strong understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of photography and can also prepare you for the professional world.
"I saw a commercial for SNHU and it really hit all the right buttons for me," said Susana Ellis '20. "Once I enrolled in SNHU, I found the staff extremely helpful, and the faculty always positive and ready to assist. The cost was the lowest I had seen; the online structure is easy to work with and flexible for any working student with a family."
You’ll learn how to manually control the camera and manipulate light, and you’ll explore how to use post-production programs like Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance digital photography.
You’ll also practice giving, receiving and applying feedback from instructors and peers – a key set of skills that can prepare you for receiving artistic criticism during your career.
"The techniques and tools you will acquire through the coursework in the SNHU digital photography degree programs will set you apart from the hundreds of thousands of photographers out there who have an awesome camera, and know how to apply filters in Lightroom," said Colleen Vandenberg, an SNHU photography instructor. "SNHU wants to prepare you for any professional opportunity that comes your way.”
Is a photography degree worth it?
While smartphone cameras and photo editing apps have made taking photos easier than ever, a digital photography degree can still give you a leg up when starting a photography career.
While salaried photographer jobs are highly competitive, job prospects may be best for candidates who have a strong portfolio and related skills, such as editing photography or capturing digital video, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
A photography degree can also prepare you to become a freelance photographer or start your own photography business. According to the BLS, employment of self-employed photographers is projected to grow as more businesses work with contractors instead of employing in-house photographers.1
"I feel the online education I received is equal to what I would have received in person, if not better," said Susana Ellis '20. "It was definitely worth it, in value and in fulfilling my goals."
Ellis shared that she recommended the school to her husband, who also graduated with the class of 2020 and went on to pursue his master's. "We both talk about how much we have enjoyed fulfilling this college dream together and hope someday our children want to enroll at SNHU as well."
Not ready to commit to a bachelor's degree program? SNHU also offers a shorter online photography degree – the associate in digital photography.
Which degree is best for photography?
It depends on the job you want. While many photographers don’t need a degree to get started in entry-level positions, a digital photography degree can give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs.
For specialties like photojournalism and industrial or scientific photography, a bachelor’s degree in photography is often required, and coursework in the field in which you’re seeking employment is also a plus, according to the BLS.1
A degree that gives you a strong understanding of business principles, including marketing, pricing and licensing, can also help prepare you for a career as a freelance photographer or entrepreneur.
"With my new degree, I feel I have more experience and education to offer more professional freelance work," said Susana Ellis '20. "I can market myself and stay on top of the latest trends while also creating my own niche."
How do I start a photography business?
Starting a photography business requires a strong grasp of the technical and artistic skills of photography, as well as a foundation in the legal, marketing and entrepreneurial aspects of the photography business.
At SNHU, you’ll explore how to work with clients and agencies, set up your own business, develop contracts, set pricing, manage overhead and many other entrepreneurial skills. You’ll also learn how to build a brand to differentiate yourself in a competitive marketplace and how to use social media and other tools to market your business.
"Learning how to build and maintain a freelance business and the importance of a brand – and marketing that brand – is essential for students to learn," said Sloan Kelly, associate dean of fine and applied arts at SNHU.
Throughout your degree program, you’ll develop a digital photography portfolio that showcases your professional work and demonstrates a cohesive creative vision – a key part of any successful photography career.
How much does it cost to get a bachelor's degree in photography?
It depends. If affordability is top of mind, you should consider taking photography classes online.
With a full bachelor's tuition cost of $38,400, SNHU's BA in Digital Photography is available to you at a fraction of the cost of comparable programs. But the actual cost of your degree can vary based on any credits you transfer in, the courses you take and the materials they require.
While SNHU’s online degree programs aim to make use of free resources whenever possible – including ebooks, websites and training videos – you will need access to a DSLR camera, photo editing software and other technical tools.
SNHU also has a generous transfer policy, allowing up to 90 transfer credits to be applied to your degree program. With 36 free electives available in the digital photography program, you may be able to apply previous college credits to your degree and save money.
Can photography be a career?
Absolutely. Having a photography degree can make you a prime candidate for a range of jobs in the field, such as commercial photographer, photojournalist, digital photo editor, videographer, or even an educator.
According to the BLS, the largest employers of photographers were1:
- Self-employed workers
- Photographic services
- Broadcasting (except internet)
- Newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers
Self-employment makes up the majority of those employed – and is still projected to grow. The demand for portrait photographers will remain as people continue to want new portraits, and corporations will continue to require the services of commercial photographers to develop compelling advertisements to sell products1.
“I decided to major in photography to fulfill a lifelong artistic dream of mine,” said Susana Ellis '20. “I knew I wanted an education and experience that would help me in this field.”
Earning an online bachelor’s in photography can help you build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in your career – whether you’re just starting or taking it to the next level.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm (viewed May 26, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm (viewed May 26, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (viewed May 26, 2021)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/film-and-video-editors-and-camera-operators.htm (viewed May 26, 2021)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.