Professional Photography Master's and PhDs: Degrees at a Glance
Though not required for employment, a master's degree program in photography could help you develop the technical skills and creativity needed for a career as a professional photographer or art director. Although doctoral degree programs in photography are extremely rare, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are available in subjects that can prepare you for a career teaching art history and criticism. Position as post-secondary education administrators might be available for PhD holders who have several years of work experience.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that, nationally, job opportunities for post-secondary teachers and administrators would grow 17% and 19%, respectively, over the 2010-2020 decade. The agency also predicted that, during that same time, photographers would experience 13% national job growth, but that art directors might only seek 9% national growth in jobs in their field.
| Master's | PhD | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Aspiring or experienced photographers interested in improving their technique | Students interested in research or academic careers |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | - Photographer ($37,000)* - Art director ($96,000)* - Post-secondary art, music or drama teacher ($73,000)* | - Post-secondary art, music or drama teacher ($73,000)* - Post-secondary education administrator ($97,000)* |
| Time to Completion | Around 2-3 years, full-time | Approximately 4-6 years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - 30-60 credit hours of coursework - Culminating thesis, project or exhibit | - 60 credit hours of study beyond the master's degree - Qualifying exam - Dissertation |
| Prerequisites | - Bachelor's degree - Portfolio of work | - Bachelor's or master's degree in the visual arts, art history or a related field - A portfolio might also be required |
| Online Availability | Online and hybrid degree programs are available, although rare | None available at this time |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures).
Master's Degree in Photography
Many photography master's degree programs award a Master of Fine Arts (MFA). Curricula for these programs focus on helping you develop photography techniques for both print and digital mediums through a series of studio courses and critiques. Other programs award a Master of Science and include coursework in visual communications theory and history. Both programs allow you to work independently and choose elective classes that fit your area of interest.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Earning a master's degree can qualify you for a post-secondary teaching position
- Photography job opportunities are available in a variety of fields, such as fine arts, commercial, scientific and fine arts photography
- Accelerated, online programs are available
Cons
- Most photography positions don't require formal training
- Strong competition was expected for photography, art director and tenure-track teaching positions*
- Online programs are generally only offered by for-profit institutions
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
While some schools require degree candidates to complete core art history courses or study topics in media law and communications research, master's degree program requirements largely consist of studio sessions and workshops. Electives also make up a large part of the curriculum and can include topics such as digital and landscape photography.
While enrolled in these courses, you put together a body of work to be displayed in a student exhibition. A written thesis and oral examination typically accompany this graduation requirement.
Online Class Options
Though relatively uncommon, a few for-profit schools offer online MFA and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) programs in photography or digital photography. Some programs can be completed entirely via distance education, while others require you to prepare for your thesis exhibition on campus. Some schools even offer short-term distance education programs to students who would like to take only a handful of graduate-level courses. These credit hours can later be applied toward an MFA.
Stand Out With This Degree
According to the BLS, you could face stiff competition when applying for art director, teaching or photography positions in the coming years. To stand out with your degree, develop an extensive portfolio. This collection of your work can play a key role in helping you land a position as an art director or professional photographer. While enrolled in a program, use feedback from your faculty and peers to develop the quality of your work. You might also want to utilize the digital printing and editing equipment available in school lab facilities.
The BLS explains that photographers with photo and digital video editing skills could face the best job prospects. When choosing elective courses, look for those that cover such topics as non-linear editing, Flash and digital video art.
The BLS also reported that 63% of photographers and 59% of art directors worked for themselves in 2010. To prepare for the life of a freelance artist or independent business owner, consider taking classes in marketing or accounting.
Finally, complete a teaching assistantship. If you're interested in a post-secondary teaching career, previous experience could work to your advantage during a job hunt. Some schools offer these teaching opportunities as a means of helping graduate students finance the cost of their education.
PhD in Photography
For students interested in careers as professional photographers, an MFA is usually a terminal degree program. However, earning a PhD might be of interest to you if you'd like to incorporate research into your photography practice or pursue an academic career as a professor or scholar. Those who want to study photography at the doctoral level need to pursue PhDs in fields such as art history or criticism. Some schools offer special art practice concentrations that allow students to complete studio work as part of their dissertation, but these programs are rare.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- PhD program graduates could be preferred for post-secondary teaching positions
- College and university professors generally have flexible work schedules
- When combined with work experience, a PhD could qualify you for a job as a dean or provost of a post-secondary institution
Cons
- Few doctoral program options allow students to incorporate art practice in their studies
- Job opportunities for post-secondary administrators could be limited by government budget cuts*
- Earning a PhD can require up to 13 total years of schooling
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Courses and Requirements
Core coursework in these programs is designed to develop a student's knowledge of art history across a variety of historical periods and cultures, while electives help students focus on their research interests. Some courses you might take include:
- Medieval art
- Contemporary art theory
- Renaissance art
- Visual arts research methods
In addition to completing coursework, you usually must pass qualifying examinations before advancing to degree candidacy and beginning work on your dissertation. In programs with art practice concentrations, you might need to also develop a studio art project prior to graduation.
Online Class Options
Online photography degree programs and courses are currently unavailable at the doctoral level. To earn an art history PhD, you will likely need to complete all program requirements on campus. Attending an on-campus program allows you to interact with students and professors during your studies.
Stand Out With This Degree
To stand out with your degree, look for opportunities to complete teaching assistantships. These assistantships provide you with experience working as a post-secondary teacher.
You might also want to choose coursework that can hone your research and teaching skills. Some programs offer courses in topics such as visual arts pedagogy, instructional technology and research methods. These knowledge might benefit you in a field where research contributions and teaching experience are considered when awarding tenured positions to associate and assistant professors.
