Best Places to Study Photography in the USA

I'm really into photography and thinking about majoring in it in college. What are some of the best colleges or universities in the USA for studying photography? Any personal experiences or recommendations would be awesome!

Sure! Studying photography at a higher level is an excellent way to sharpen your skills and learn deeper aspects of the craft. Here are some top-notch U.S. colleges that offer strong photography programs.

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): RISD's Photography department offers BFA and MFA degrees. Their program focuses on both technical and conceptual sides of photography.

2. New York University (Tisch School of the Arts): The Photography & Imaging program at Tisch is quite comprehensive, offering a wide range of courses from classical darkroom techniques to digital imaging and multimedia production.

3. California Institute of the Arts: CalArts' program is known for stressing artistic exploration alongside technical knowledge. They encourage students to experiment and push boundaries with their work.

4. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago: SAIC offers both BFA and MFA degrees in Photography. They too emphasize critical thinking and encourage the exploration of a range of photographic practices.

5. University of New Mexico: This school has a great BFA program in art studio with the option to concentrate in photography.

It's also important to remember that the best school for you is one that aligns not only with your academic and career goals, but also with your personal fit and financial considerations. It can be helpful to visit the campuses (if possible), speak with current students or alumni, and connect with admissions advisors to get a better sense of each school's environment and offerings. Lastly, don't forget to check out the work from their alumni or current students as it can give you vital insights into the kind of work you'd be expected to produce.