photography school rankings

I've heard that there are some lists out there of photography school rankings. I know that adobe and

mamiya have made their own rankings. Does anyone know where I can find these or any others?

thanks.

Evan:

I have been in the post-secondary photographic education since 1992 and know most of

the programs across the country. I have seen a few lists attempting to rate schools but I

can honestly say they have never impressed me. The reason? These lists are usually

generated by industry (like you mentioned) or by individuals directly linked with a school

(like me). So it is very difficult to find a ranking not biased by some undisclosed

relationship.

There are many programs out there catering to a specific audience so the best school for

you may be different from the next person. Consider things like:

1. Location - do you want to commute or can you move away for an extended period of

time.

2. Time - Are you looking for a 2 or 4 year degree or an abbreviated certificate program?

3. Cost - Is this an issue?

4. Instructors - A school is only as good as its faculty. You have to check them out first!!!

5. Philosophy - Do you want to become a fine art photographer or do you want to work in

the portrait/commercial world?

6. Equipment - new or old?

Answers to these questions will give you a clear picture when looking for the school that

meets your needs. Please feel free to ask me for school references based on this criteria

and I will be happy to give you as many schools that come to mind.

OK, here it comes! I am the Director of Outreach for The Center for Digital Imaging Arts

(CDIA) at Boston University. www.cdiabu.com

Here the answers to the criteria I listed above.

1. Location: Waltham, MA - Boston suburb where housing is cheap and parking is

abundant. Waltham is a thriving community with plenty of opportunities to work in Boston.

2. Time: 9-month Full time or 18-month Part time certificate programs.

3. Instructors: http://www.cdiabu.com/photography/faculty.php

4. Philosophy: We want our students working full-time after graduation. Although there is

a sold art foundation, students will quickly apply the fundamentals of design to produce

images for pay.

5. Equipment: All brand-new Mac G5's, Epson printers, studio lighting kits, etc...

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at: bchenaille@cdiabu.com