Top Photography Schools (US)

The 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Graduate Schools ranking highlights some of the most prestigious and influential art institutions in the United States, with particular attention to their specialty programs. Among these, the photography programs stand out, with Yale University securing the top position for its graduate-level photography offerings. This ranking reflects the continued excellence of Yale’s Department of Photography, which has long been recognized as one of the preeminent programs for aspiring photographers in the country. Following Yale in the rankings are the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), institutions that are each known for their unique strengths in visual arts education.

Yale University: The Pinnacle of Photography Education

Yale University’s School of Art has earned a distinguished reputation for its graduate photography program, placing it firmly at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings. The program’s emphasis on conceptual development, critical thinking, and engagement with contemporary artistic discourse sets it apart as a leader in photography education. Students at Yale are given access to state-of-the-art facilities and are mentored by world-class faculty who are themselves prominent photographers, curators, and scholars in the field. The program focuses not just on the technical skills necessary for successful photography, but also on how photography interacts with broader themes in art, culture, and society.

The MFA program at Yale is highly competitive, drawing talented artists from around the world who seek to refine their craft and advance their careers in the fine arts. The program's curriculum is designed to encourage creative experimentation, allowing students to explore a variety of photographic techniques and mediums, including digital photography, alternative processes, and mixed-media work. In addition to technical proficiency, students at Yale are expected to develop a unique artistic voice, which is nurtured through close critiques, workshops, and discussions with peers and faculty members.

Beyond technical and artistic education, Yale’s photography program is deeply embedded within the vibrant art scene of New Haven, Connecticut, as well as the wider art world. The university’s connections to major galleries, museums, and art institutions provide students with valuable opportunities to exhibit their work, engage with influential artists, and participate in global conversations about the role of photography in contemporary art. With its rigorous program and prestigious reputation, Yale consistently remains a top destination for aspiring photographers seeking advanced education in the fine arts.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago: A Legacy of Excellence in Fine Arts

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), ranked second for photography programs, is another leading institution in the field of visual arts. SAIC has long been recognized for its interdisciplinary approach to art education, providing students with opportunities to explore a broad range of artistic practices while maintaining a focus on fine arts traditions. The school’s photography program is no exception, blending technical mastery with a deep understanding of the historical and theoretical aspects of the medium.

SAIC offers a range of degree programs, including undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, as well as graduate programs such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio. The MFA in Photography at SAIC is designed for students who are committed to developing a distinctive artistic practice and pushing the boundaries of photographic media. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities and are encouraged to explore photography’s intersections with other disciplines, such as painting, sculpture, new media, and performance art.

The faculty at SAIC includes accomplished photographers and artists who are dedicated to mentoring students and helping them develop both their technical skills and creative vision. Students are given the freedom to explore diverse photographic practices, from traditional darkroom techniques to digital photography and video. Additionally, SAIC’s location in Chicago, a city with a rich cultural landscape, provides students with numerous opportunities to engage with galleries, museums, and art institutions, further enriching their education and expanding their professional networks.

SAIC is also recognized for its commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive artistic community, where students from a wide variety of backgrounds come together to share ideas and collaborate on projects. This inclusive environment encourages critical dialogue, creative experimentation, and an engagement with contemporary issues, making SAIC’s photography program one of the most dynamic in the country.

Rhode Island School of Design and Rochester Institute of Technology: Excellence in Fine Arts Education

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) share the third-place ranking for photography programs in the 2009 U.S. News & World Report survey, further cementing their reputations as leading institutions in the fine arts. RISD, one of the most prestigious art schools in the United States, offers an MFA in Photography that combines rigorous technical training with an emphasis on conceptual and artistic development. RISD’s location in Providence, Rhode Island, provides students with access to a vibrant art scene and a network of professional opportunities, from galleries to museums to art foundations.

RISD’s photography program encourages students to experiment with new technologies and media, while still valuing the traditional techniques that form the foundation of photographic practice. The program fosters a deep understanding of the history of photography and encourages students to engage critically with the ways in which photography shapes and reflects society. Faculty members are renowned photographers, many of whom exhibit their work internationally and have deep ties to the global art community. The program’s close-knit community and emphasis on individual artistic development ensure that RISD students receive personalized attention and guidance as they work to refine their artistic vision.

RIT, with its strong focus on technical innovation and commercial applications of photography, also offers an MFA in Fine Arts that incorporates photography as a central component. RIT’s photography program has gained recognition for its technical sophistication, providing students with access to state-of-the-art studios and digital imaging facilities. The program at RIT allows students to combine artistic expression with the technical aspects of photography, making it a perfect fit for those interested in pursuing both artistic and professional careers in photography.

RIT’s MFA program is known for its emphasis on professional development, and students are encouraged to participate in internships, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. The program’s faculty includes photographers who are both artists and industry professionals, providing students with the skills and insights necessary to succeed in the competitive world of photography. RIT is also known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary study, encouraging students to explore photography in relation to other art forms and technical fields such as media arts, design, and imaging science.

Other Notable Institutions in Fine Arts

Beyond the top four photography programs, several other schools offer exceptional fine arts education and have been ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report. These institutions, such as the University of New Mexico, California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), San Francisco Art Institute, School of Visual Arts (SVA), UCLA, Arizona State University, California College of the Arts, and Cranbrook Academy of Art, each bring unique strengths to their photography and fine arts programs.

For example, the University of New Mexico offers a strong MFA program in photography that encourages students to explore the intersections of visual art and cultural identity, while California Institute of the Arts and the San Francisco Art Institute are known for their experimental approaches to art and photography, allowing students to push the boundaries of traditional photographic practice.

Schools like UCLA and the School of Visual Arts in New York also offer comprehensive fine arts programs with a focus on innovative techniques and contemporary trends in photography. These institutions’ photography programs offer students a diverse range of opportunities, from studying at one of the most dynamic art schools in the country to accessing world-class faculty and extensive alumni networks.

Conclusion

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 rankings of the best graduate photography programs clearly demonstrate the diversity and excellence of fine arts education across the United States. Yale University, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design, and Rochester Institute of Technology represent the pinnacle of photographic education, offering students access to top-notch faculty, facilities, and professional opportunities. These institutions not only provide technical and artistic training but also create environments where students can develop their creative vision, engage with contemporary issues, and prepare for successful careers in the fine arts. As photography continues to evolve in the digital age, these schools remain at the forefront of educating the next generation of photographers, visual artists, and cultural leaders.