Where in Massachusetts Can I Take Classes to Become a Photographer?

Photography is a dynamic and competitive industry where education can really help you get ahead in the field. Students of photography in the Massachusetts area will want to look at the schools listed in this article to see if any of the photography classes offered are relevant to their interests and needs.

What You Need to Know

Photography classes are often taught as part of photography or graphics arts degree programs. In Massachusetts, these programs are offered at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels at community colleges, art schools and universities. Associate's degree programs take two years to complete. Bachelor's degree programs take four years, and master's degree programs take two years if attending full time. These programs include a number of photography classes, as well as related art topics. Some programs may include portfolios, internships, final projects or a gallery exhibition. Below are some Massachusetts photography programs. Read on to find out if they will work for your goals.

Photography Associate's Degree Program in Massachusetts

Springfield Technical Community College

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) offers a degree program in graphic arts where you may choose to concentrate in either digital photography or graphic design. The program is run through Springfield Technical Community College's graphic arts technology department. Classes in the core curriculum that you must complete include modern art, English composition and Photoshop. The department also offers a certificate program in digital photography.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Graphic Arts Technology
• Specialization Area: Digital Photography
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $5,088 per year in-state, $10,296 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; 4,921 students (all undergraduate)

Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University

The Art Institute of Boston (AIB) was founded in 1998 as part of Lesley University. Your first year in the bachelor's program in photography includes foundational studies in the concepts and techniques commonly used in photography and photojournalism. As you continue your studies, you will complete lab and seminar classes in areas like digital imaging and portrait photography. You can also participate in a photography internship to gain real-world experience.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $27,975 per year (2018-2019)
• Admissions Requirement: Applicants must submit a portfolio of their work for review
• School Type: 4-year, private not-for-profit; 4,838 students at Lesley University (2,208 undergraduate)

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

As a photography major, you can take up to six credits of required classes each semester to complete your degree. Elective courses you can choose from include lighting and landscape photography. You must complete both a senior project and senior thesis in order to graduate. The college also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate in photography.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $13,200 per year in-state, $36,400 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Admissions Requirement: Applicants must submit a portfolio of work that is no more than two years old
• School Type: 4-year, public; 2,087 students (1,954 undergraduate)

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

The university's photography degree program is offered through the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Classes you will take as part of the program include history of photography, visual language, structural drawing, studio photography and digital media. To graduate, you must submit a final portfolio and participate in a gallery exhibition in your senior year.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition & Fees: $13,921 per year in-state, $29,141 per year out-of-state (2018-2019)
• Admissions Requirement: Applicants must submit a portfolio of work
• School Type: 4-year, public; 8,513 students (6,841 undergraduate)

Photography Master's Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

As a graduate student, you can take advantage of the college's 20X24 Polaroid 'Land Camera,' of which only seven were ever made. You can also attend visiting artist seminars and lectures as well as enroll in classes in traditional and alternative photography techniques. Common topics you'll study in this program include photography lighting, photo techniques, digital projects and landscape photo. As part of this master's degree program, you must prepare a thesis.

• Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Photography
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $23,400 per year (2018-2019 graduate rate)
• Admission Requirements: Must submit a portfolio work; should have at least six credit hours in art history completed prior to application
• School Type: 4-year, public; 2,087 students (133 graduate)

University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

The university's graduate degree program in photography is administered through the College of Visual and Performing Arts. To participate in the program, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and carry a course load of at least nine credits. In addition to classes, you may also apply to become a teaching assistant during your second year.

• Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Visual Design
• Specialization Area: Photography
• Program Length: 2-3 years, full-time
• Tuition: $16,337 per year in-state, $29,141 per year out-of-state (2018-2019 graduate rates)
• Admission Requirement: Applicants must submit a portfolio of 20 recent works
• School Type: 4-year, public; 8,513 students (1,672 graduate)

To summarize what is provided above, Springfield Technical Community College can provide students with an associate's degree level education in photography, while those looking for bachelor's or master's degree level programs may consider either the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University or the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth.