Top 10 Photography Schools Ranked for 2021
If you're looking to pursue a career in photography, it's crucial to choose a top-notch school that can provide you with the education and experiences you need to succeed. Here are the top 10 photography schools ranked for 2021.
1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
RISD consistently ranks as the top photography program in the country. Students not only learn the technical skills of photography, but also get the opportunity to explore the medium as a means of self-expression and communication. The faculty consists of working artists with extensive experience in the field, offering students valuable insights and connections.
2. Yale University School of Art
Yale's photography program has a strong focus on the creative and conceptual elements of the medium. Students are encouraged to experiment and take risks, as well as to develop a critical understanding of the cultural, social, and political contexts in which photography is produced and consumed.
3. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
SAIC's photography program is known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to draw from other art forms and areas of study to inform their photographic practice. The curriculum is designed to give students a deep understanding of the history and theory of photography, as well as contemporary trends and issues.
4. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
CalArts' photography program emphasizes experimentation and innovation, encouraging students to push the boundaries of the medium and explore new techniques and technologies. The program also places a strong emphasis on developing students' professional skills, including networking, self-promotion, and entrepreneurship.
5. School of Visual Arts (SVA)
SVA's photography program offers a diverse range of courses and opportunities, from traditional darkroom techniques to digital photography and video. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic voice and vision, while also honing the technical skills necessary for a successful career in photography.
6. Pratt Institute
Pratt's photography program emphasizes hands-on experience and creative exploration, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support students' growth and development. The program also offers countless opportunities for internships, exhibitions, and networking, helping students build a strong professional network and portfolio.
7. New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts
NYU's photography program is highly selective, admitting only a handful of students each year. This exclusivity ensures that students receive an exceptional education and personalized attention, with a curriculum that covers the technical and conceptual aspects of the medium as well as practical, real-world experience.
8. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of the Arts and Architecture
UCLA's photography program offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines technical training with critical analysis and intellectual exploration. The program emphasizes the social and political dimensions of photography, helping students develop a deep understanding of the ways in which images shape our world.

9. Columbia University School of the Arts
Columbia's photography program offers a unique blend of technical training, critical inquiry, and artistic experimentation. Students receive individual attention and mentorship from renowned faculty members, and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
10. Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
MICA's photography program emphasizes visual storytelling and documentary photography, helping students develop a strong sense of narrative and a critical eye. Through hands-on projects and real-world experience, students learn to use their photographic skills to communicate important stories and perspectives.
Choosing the right photography school can be a daunting task, but with this list of top 10 photography schools ranked for 2021, you can rest assured that you'll be getting an education that will help you succeed in the competitive world of photography. From technical training to artistic exploration to professional networking and mentorship, these schools offer everything you need to build a successful career in photography.