Which Schools Offer Photography Classes in Arizona?

Are you passionate about photography? In Arizona, you can improve your skills by pursuing an associate's degree, a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree in photography.

What You Should Know

Both 2- and 4-year schools in Arizona offer photography classes and programs. An associate's degree in digital photography might be earned in 2 years, and you'll have internship opportunities. You could also earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in photography or in studio art with a specialization in photography. Internships may be available. As a graduate student, you could qualify for a 2-year master's degree program in studio art or in fine art with a specialization in black and white, digital or color photography. Program completion may include an exhibition. Explore the following programs to choose one that's to your liking.

Photography Associate's Degree Programs in Arizona

Phoenix College

This college has an additional location in downtown Phoenix and is part of the Maricopa Community College system. During this program, you can expect to complete courses in photographic imaging, commercial photography, intermediate techniques, self-promotion and marketing techniques. Before you are able to graduate, you may be able to participate in specialized portfolio development or internship opportunities.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Digital Photography
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $2,070 per year for in-state students, $7,854 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Requirements: Must be at least 18, or must be a high school student with parental and collegiate permission
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 10,959 students (all undergraduates)

Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs in Arizona

Arizona State University

This program is offered by the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and is located east of Phoenix. You will take courses covering topics in color design, art history, landscape photography, exhibition practices, photography composition and advanced techniques. You may also need to complete basic art design courses in painting, drawing, watercolor and jewelry.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition: $10,822 per year for in-state students, $28,336 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Requirements: Completion of some prerequisite art courses, portfolio containing 10-15 prints
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 43,000 undergraduates and 8,741 graduates

Northern Arizona University

This program may help develop skills in black and white photography, photojournalism, experimental techniques, color composition and digital photography. Before you graduate, you may also have the opportunity to participate in cooperative learning, internships and fieldwork experience. You are also able to enroll in a portfolio development course to fulfill capstone course requirements.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Photography
• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition: $11,564 per year for in-state students, $25,828 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Requirements: ACT/SAT scores; a minimum GPA of 2.5 during high school
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 27,072 undergraduates and 3,994 graduates

University of Arizona

This program may cover topics in 2-D design, art history, advanced photography techniques, black room operation techniques, art theory and 3-D studio design. You may also learn how to use studio lighting, photograph processors, photograph enlargers and digital output facilities.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art

*Specialization Area: Photography

• Program Length: Four years, full-time
• Tuition: $12,467 per year for in-state students, $36,366 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or equivalent
• Requirements: High school coursework in English, mathematics, laboratory science, social science, second language and fine arts; ACT/SAT scores; minimum GPA of 2.0 during high school
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 34,153 undergraduates and 9,944 graduates

Photography Master's Degree Programs in Arizona

Arizona State University

About half of this program requires you to complete studio related courses to develop hands-on skills. The other half of this program consists of completing courses outside of the photography concentration, studying art history and participating in practicals. Your practicum participation may require you to develop a thesis and submit your complete project to a graduate exhibition.

• Program Name: Master of Fine Arts
• Specialization Areas: Black and white, digital, and color photography
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $12,134 per year for in-state students, $25,888 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in related field; minimum 3.0 GPA from bachelor's program
• Requirements: Three letters of recommendation, work portfolio, statement of intent and resume
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 43,000 undergraduates and 8,700 graduates

University of Arizona

In addition to some required concept and critique courses, you may also need to complete advanced art history courses, independent study sessions and elective courses. This program also requires you to complete several studio-based courses and practicums. Before you are able to graduate, you are expected to complete a major thesis project and participate in oral examinations.

• Program Name: Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
• Program Length: Two years, full-time
• Tuition: $13,044 per year for in-state students, $33,393 per year for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree in related field; minimum GPA of 3.0 from bachelor's program
• Requirements: PDF containing 20 photographs; resume; statement of purpose
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 34,000 undergraduates and 9,900 graduates

In conclusion, aspiring photographers in Arizona can choose between programs at Phoenix College, Arizona State, NAU, and the University of Arizona.