The top ten best photography schools in the world

I'm not a big advocate for going to school for photography. In fact, I highly recommend studying other subjects such as business (if you want to run a photography business). That said, if you're really set on studying photography then the following are the ten best photography schools in the world.

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Degree: BFA and MFA in Photography
• Known for: Comprehensive fine arts program with access to world-class studio facilities.

2. School of Visual Arts (SVA)

• Location: New York, New York
• Degree: BFA and MFA in Photography and Video
• Known for: Strong industry connections, visiting artists, and the ability to explore both traditional and contemporary photographic practices.

Find online photography classes in New York

3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

• Location: Valencia, California
• Degree: BFA and MFA in Photography and Media
• Known for: Experimental and interdisciplinary approaches, with emphasis on conceptual and contemporary practices.

Find online photography classes near Los Angeles

4. Parsons School of Design at The New School

• Location: New York, New York
• Degree: BFA in Photography
• Known for: Integration of photography with fashion, design, and fine arts, with access to New York’s vibrant art scene.

Find online photography classes near Rochester NY

5. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)

• Location: Rochester, New York
• Degree: BFA and MFA in Photography and Related Media
• Known for: Technical rigor, strong industry links, and a broad array of specialties in imaging and photographic technologies.

6. Yale University School of Art

• Location: New Haven, Connecticut
• Degree: MFA in Photography
• Known for: Prestigious program with a focus on fine art photography, critical theory, and personal artistic development.

7. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Degree: BFA and MFA in Photography
• Known for: Interdisciplinary approach, with access to the resources of one of the most prestigious art museums in the country.

Find online photography classes near Chicago.

8. Pratt Institute

• Location: Brooklyn, New York
• Degree: BFA in Photography
• Known for: Strong foundation in fine arts, with access to state-of-the-art studio and darkroom facilities.

9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• • Location: Los Angeles, California
  • Degree: BA in Fine Arts with a concentration in Photography
  • Known for: Focus on conceptual, experimental photography and access to the vibrant Los Angeles art scene.

Find online photography classes near LA

10. The Royal College of Art (RCA)

• Location: London, United Kingdom
• Degree: MA in Photography
• Known for: Renowned global reputation, with a strong focus on critical thinking, visual culture, and contemporary photographic practices.

Ten Best Photography Schools

These institutions are the ten best photography schools in the world. They are known for their robust faculty, curriculum, and opportunities for students to develop their portfolios in a creative, supportive environment. Some emphasize fine art photography, while others offer broader studies that may include commercial photography, photojournalism, or new media.

Learn Photography Basics

It's a great idea to learn the basics of photography before attending photography school. Taking an online class or even buying a book such as my book on exposure is a great place to start.

Become A Professional Photographer Without Going To School

Photography school is expensive. Plus, there are other great paths into the industry. If you're interested in exploring more, faster ways to becoming a professional photographer get my book on Becoming A Photographer Without Going To School.