Top Non-Art School Colleges for Photography?

I've got a big passion for photography but don't necessarily want to attend a traditional art school. What are some great non-art-schools in the U.S. that have strong photography programs?

There are several non-art universities and liberal arts colleges that offer robust photography programs. Often, these schools are advantageous because you can explore your passion for photography while also having the opportunity to receive a broad, liberal arts education.

1. New York University (NYU): The Tisch School of the Arts at NYU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Imaging which includes training in photography, digital imaging, and multimedia.

2. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a concentration in Photography. The program covers photography's technical aspects along with courses focusing on critical analyses of the medium.

3. University of California, Berkeley (Cal): UC Berkeley offers a concentration in photography within their Art Practice major. This major allows students to explore a variety of art mediums while also offering specialty courses in photography.

4. University of Michigan (UMich): The Stamps School of Art & Design at UMich offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs where students can focus on photography.

5. Yale University: The School of Art at Yale provides a Bachelor of Arts in Art where students can hone their skills in photography. The program places a strong emphasis on developing individual artistic style and understanding photography's influence on society.

6. Stanford University: Stanford’s Department of Art & Art History offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art Practice with the ability to focus on Photography. They have both digital and darkroom facilities.

7. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT): Though it might feel a bit more like an "art school," RIT is widely recognized for its strong photographic arts programs, like the BFA in Photographic and Imaging Arts, which provides students with technical instruction, opportunity for aesthetic development, and coursework to understand the larger contextual and historical aspects of photography.

Each of these programs is unique, so I encourage you to look into them to see which aligns best with your interests and career aspirations. Remember, in addition to the photography program itself, consider the college's overall environment, from its location to the other academic resources it could provide you.