Master's vs BA in Photography

I recently graduated from Union College with an interdepartmental BA

in Visual Arts and Geology. Six of my eleven Visual Arts courses

were in photography (including my thesis). I'm not sure if I should

be pursuing an undergrad degree specifically in photography or if I

should be looking into Master's programs. Brooks Institute

encouraged me to apply to their undergrad program, but I don't know

if this is because their Master's program is more lecture-based and

less hands on than other Master's programs. I live in New England,

but am open to traveling to find the program that would best suit my

situation. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I am starting My MA in Digital Photography in the fall with Savannah College of Art and Design. It is with their e-learning department so I can do it from anywhere! Check out their website www.scad.edu

I'd go into an mfa program. You should check out Columbia college chicago. A lot of

schools actually like people who where not photo majors in there MFA programs and

Columbia is one of them. Brooks is a very techy school so they just want you to go through

there undergrad to become a fellow tech nerd. http://www.colum.edu

There are very real and clear answers to your questions. You need to first ask yourself

what do you want to do with photography? (i.e. Full-time/Part-time career, hobby, etc...) If

full-time career, what field? Portrait/Commercial business, Sports, Fashion, Photo J,

Nature, Landscape, etc... These may seem like arbitrary questions but will give you a clear

answer. Why? Because you need to provide your employer/client with the qualifications

THEY are interested in.

 

What is the #1, #2 & #3 qualifications YOU would look for in hiring a photographer for let's

say . . . your wedding? Really, STOP here and answer this question before you go on . . . .

 

Typically they are (in order of importance) 1. High Quality portfolio 2. Great Personality

(i.e. hard worker, dedicated, overall comfort level with them, etc...) 3. Pricing (?)

 

Having a "BFA in Photography" is rarely a requirement for most people. Ashley, you have a

Bachelor degree so you have already fulfilled this requirement for the few that may put

their faith into a piece of paper. So where does that leave you? I would suggest that you

continue to move forward by joinging a specialized program where you can concentrate on

developing your artistic & technical skills.

 

A cool program was recently started in Boston, MA as an affiliate to Boston University

called the Center for Digital Imaging Arts (CDIA) www.cdiabu.com

 

The program director is Cary Wolinsky from National Geographic. It is a 9-month hands-

on intensive program that gives you absolutely everything needed to begin a career

immediately upon completion. There is even placement assistance programs.

 

Check it out!

Just curious what was your thesis title?