Online Master's Degree in Photography

Increase your experience and gain advanced education through an online master's degree program in photography. For more information on online programs, including common classes and careers in the photography industry, read on below.

<h3 id="section---WhatDoesAnOnlineMasterSProgramInPhotographyInvolve">What Does an Online Master's Program in Photography Involve?</h3> <p>An online master's degree in photography will train you to control and utilize the advanced tools of the photography trade; it usually takes 1-2 years to complete. You'll usually be able to learn an array of specialties within photography, which may include: commercial, portraiture, digital media, nature, travel or industrial photography. You may even be able to study a niche area like food photography or undersea photography. At this level, you are expected to refine your personal visual style. Online master's degree programs usually require the completion of a photography portfolio as a final project. </p> <p>For some schools, an on-campus project might be required. Often, if you need additional resources, schools will provide on-campus equipment for your use. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td>Program teaches advanced tools of the photography trade; typically takes 1-2 years and a final photography portfolio for completion</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>High-speed photography, color management applications, digital imaging, properties of light</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Teach photography courses, work for magazines, freelance, photojournalism</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$41,280 <i>(Photographers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>4% decline <i>(Photographers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>Exact course offerings will vary according to the curriculum set in place by the program you are enrolled in. A photography master's degree program may include courses such as digital imaging, web design, high-speed photography, properties of light, color management applications and visualization. You may also take courses on documentary-style photography and printing. </p> <p>After you've completed your degree, you will have gained a working knowledge of cameras, lighting equipment, digital software and other tools. You'll apply these skills to create compelling visual images in various formats, such as still-life compositions and human poses. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWouldMyJobBeLike">What Would My Job Be Like?</h3> <p>You can seek salaried work with a magazine or other publication that focuses on the subject matter in photography you're most interested in. If you like to keep up-to-date with news and events, you might pursue photojournalism. Freelance photography is another option to consider; you'd sell your work to various personal clients, companies and media outlets or even open your own business. With this advanced degree, you can also opt to teach photography. </p> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth in the photography field will decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. The BLS reported that the decreasing costs of digital photography equipment, increasing number of amateur photographers, and widely available online stock photos will limit employment growth (<i>www.bls.gov </i>).</p>