Photography Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Getting a Photography Degree in Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you’re passionate about capturing moments through a lens and want to turn that passion into a career, obtaining a Photography Degree can be your first step. Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers a range of educational opportunities for aspiring photographers, from Associate Degrees to advanced graduate programs. This guide will walk you through the available options for photography education, career opportunities, and the steps needed to pursue a successful career in photography.

What is a Photography Degree?

A Photography Degree provides students with the technical skills, artistic vision, and professional knowledge required to excel in the field. Programs typically cover subjects such as photography techniques, digital imaging, lighting, and composition. Depending on your career goals, you can pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS), a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or even a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography. Specializations like fine art, commercial photography, and photojournalism allow students to tailor their education to their interests.

About Minneapolis

Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota, is known for its thriving arts scene and picturesque landscapes, making it an ideal location for budding photographers. Nestled along the Mississippi River and home to iconic landmarks like the Stone Arch Bridge and the Walker Art Center, the city offers endless inspiration for photography students. Learn more about what Minneapolis has to offer by visiting its official city website.

Photography Degree Programs in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis and the surrounding areas offer several excellent options for students seeking Photography Degrees. Below is a list of programs available locally and nearby.

1. Minneapolis College

  • Program: AAS in Photography and Motion, Certificate in Photography
  • Description: Minneapolis College offers hands-on training in photography and motion media. Students gain expertise in both technical and creative aspects, with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Location: Downtown Minneapolis
  • Website: Minneapolis College Photography Program

2. Century College

  • Program: AAS in Photographic Careers, Diploma in Photographic Careers
  • Description: Located in White Bear Lake, approximately 20 miles from Minneapolis, Century College provides practical training and a focus on portfolio development to prepare students for the workforce.
  • Location: White Bear Lake, MN
  • Website: Century College Photographic Careers Program

3. Ridgewater College

  • Program: AAS in Professional Photography, Diploma in Professional Photography
  • Description: Ridgewater College, located about 80 miles west of Minneapolis in Hutchinson, MN, offers small class sizes and personalized instruction from industry-experienced faculty.
  • Location: Hutchinson, MN
  • Website: Ridgewater College Photography Program

Photography Career Opportunities in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is home to a variety of creative businesses and organizations that provide excellent career opportunities for photography graduates. Here are some prominent employers in the area:

1. Lifetouch

  • Description: A national leader in school and family photography, Lifetouch has its headquarters in the Twin Cities metro area. The company offers roles for photographers specializing in portrait and event photography.
  • Website: Lifetouch Careers

2. Target Corporation

  • Description: As a major retailer headquartered in Minneapolis, Target provides opportunities for commercial photographers to work on advertising campaigns and product photography.
  • Website: Target Careers

3. Twin Cities PBS (TPT)

  • Description: This public television station offers opportunities for visual storytellers, including photojournalists and multimedia photographers.
  • Website: TPT Careers

Prerequisites for Photography Degree Programs

To enroll in a Photography Degree program, students typically need to meet the following requirements:

  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Application Materials: Completed application form and official transcripts.
  • Portfolio: Some programs, especially BFA and MFA tracks, require a portfolio showcasing your best work.
  • Standardized Tests: ACT/SAT scores may be required for Bachelor’s programs, while MFA applications may request GRE scores and letters of recommendation.

Photography Degree Requirements in Minnesota

Photography Degree programs in Minnesota are designed to provide comprehensive education tailored to industry standards. Requirements include:

General Curriculum

  • Core Courses: Photography techniques, lighting and composition, digital imaging.
  • Specialization Courses: Fine art (art history, studio practices), commercial photography (business practices, advertising), and photojournalism (journalism ethics, documentary photography).
  • Hands-On Experience: Internships and portfolio development are often mandatory.

Accreditation

Ensure the program is accredited by reputable bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Relevant Organizations

  • Minnesota Department of Education: education.mn.gov
  • Professional Photographers of America (PPA): ppa.com
  • Twin Cities Professional Photographers Association: tcpa.org

Get Started Today

Embarking on a journey to earn your Photography Degree in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a step toward a fulfilling and creative career. With a variety of degree programs, resources, and career opportunities available, there’s no better time to begin. Contact schools today to learn more about their programs and start building your future in the world of photography.