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Top Degrees in Photojournalism

A degree in photojournalism provides individuals with the knowledge necessary to properly operate a camera, capture images, and relay moments visually. Students pursuing this degree will learn to operate as both a photographer and journalist. Some programs will not have a specific photojournalism degree, but rather will have a journalism degree with a focus on photography or a visual arts degree with a focus on journalism.

Various programs are available offering certification to a master's degree, but as photojournalism is a highly competitive field a minimum of a bachelor's is required to find work.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$49,250

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

24.75%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

116,080

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Photojournalism Schools

The focus of study of the Photojournalism major at Syracuse University is about the professional sequence in photojournalism or in illusion photography. Photojournalism is best suited for photographers who like the excitement of being present in the field as stories unfold and capture images for magazines, newspapers, and multimedia. The programs that are offered here are grounded in the liberal arts. Students are guaranteed to learn how to manage and produce for the mass media as well as in other areas of public communications. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design is offering a BFA in Photojournalism degree program.  It provides an ideal training ground for the new generation of documentarians and creative visual reporters. Majors can expect to learn the traditions of visual reportage. They will also be introduced to both new media and skill sets needed in this rapidly changing field. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

BA program in Communication Studies is currently offered at Widener University – Main Campus. The working professionals in this program are all established in their fields. These professionals have valuable input in creating a stronger student experience and curriculum. They have promised to provide their time and talent to ensure that their students will have professional contacts in public relations, technology start-up companies, journalism, sports communication and broadcasting, politics, and corporate communications. 

Acceptance Rate

71.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Department of Journalism at the University of Cincinnati provides a comprehensive journalism education paired with experiential learning opportunities and individualized relationships with faculty mentors. Their comprehensive offerings include but are not limited to feature writing, photojournalism, political reporting, international field work, broadcast news, and social media. As a result, their students are able to customize their skill sets and direct their own career paths in modern news media. Since the City of Cincinnati is an active media market, their students can easily explore and report stories from a vibrant urban landscape with diverse cultures and audiences. 

Acceptance Rate

76.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

A degree in Photojournalism is available at Gallaudet University. This course is designed to give emphasis to the fundamentals of photojournalism, where students learn how to use images to tell a story and at the same time develop a personal vision. Students are guaranteed to gain experience thinking fast, quickly capturing and recording decisive moments. This program is also designed to help students analyze the role of photography in mass communication, emphasizing the photographic essay. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Central Michigan University offers one of the top ranked photojournalism degree programs in the country. Both the students and alumni of this program have consistently won state, regional and national awards. They facilitate small classes to enable one-on-one interaction with award-winning professors that provide hands-on experiences and guidance in service-learning projects. Their faculty members are also known to have excellent contacts with media around the globe.

Acceptance Rate

69.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Communications & Media at Assumption College offers a Study program in Sport Media and Communication, and Introduction to Digital Photography. The Sport Media and Communication course is designed to introduce students to the role of communications in sports and in the growing usage of new media technology. Students here will have the opportunity to explore different channels for communication within the sport industry. The Introduction to Photojournalism & Digital Photography course will allow the students to gain more knowledge about technical and aesthetic foundations of photography through the latest digital technology. 

Acceptance Rate

81.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

A program for Bachelor of Science in Photojournalism is offered at St. John’s University – New York. This program is structured to prepare students for graduate and professional opportunities in photojournalism as well as in photography in general. The program is designed to be career-oriented and interdisciplinary. It fuses critical areas in visual aesthetics, documentary filmmaking, photojournalism, commercial photography and multimedia communications. 

Acceptance Rate

72.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

A Photojournalism degree program is currently offered at Minnesota State University – Moorhead. Here, you can develop your visual and audio storytelling skills by learning digital storytelling techniques both for still and video photography. Students here collaborate with peers and professors while they produce award-winning publications. Since they are the only University who offers a Photojournalism program in the region, they became a destination for students interested in truthful, digital storytelling through audio and visuals. 

Acceptance Rate

65.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The Communication Department at Oakwood University provides a synergistic learning experience which combined theoretical grounding and practical application. This is in response to their goal of shaping the communication professionals of tomorrow. They guarantee to help their students be prepared to successfully compete in today’s marketplace. The BA in Communication Media that they offer have three concentrations: Broadcast Journalism, Photo Journalism, and print Journalism. 

Acceptance Rate

64.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Ohio University offers an undergraduate major in Photojournalism that teaches about the heart of capturing moments and the technology needed to do so. This major is best suited for those interested in using photography to show interesting situations, places and people. Students here interact with other people constantly and lead them to unique compelling ways to tell their stories. The quality of training that this program provides was verified by the students as they become award-winning leaders in the field of photojournalism. 

Acceptance Rate

82.07

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The School of Communication at Point Park University is offering a Journalism degree which prepares students to work in a variety of formats. Their former Bachelor of Arts in Photojournalism was replaced by the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. This new program exposes its students to a variety of photography, reporting, multimedia, writing, and design courses that is why students learn how to effectively combine visuals and words. Starting on day one, students will already receive access to their state-of-the-art facilities. 

Acceptance Rate

73.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

A Minor in Photojournalism is currently offered at Kent State University – Kent Campus. This Minor Program is housed in their School of Media and Journalism. This minor is designed to teach basic visual storytelling and photojournalism. This is offered exclusively to students in a bachelor’s degree, AAS or AAB degree or the ATS degree. 

Acceptance Rate

85.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Mass Communication students at Campbellsville University may major in journalism, film, public relations, or broadcasting and digital media. Each of these majors require 37 hours, except Film students, they may not complete both a major and minor within mass communication. But those who want to study all of the disciplines within mass communication may elect to complete an area which consists of a minimum of 61 hours. Additionally, they also offer a Minor in Photojournalism degrees

Acceptance Rate

70.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Columbia College Chicago is known to be the home to one of the most innovative photojournalism programs in the nation. Their faculty members are photojournalists that document for the Associated Press and the Chicago Tribune, aside from this, they are also Pulitzer Prize winners. They guarantee to provide a solid foundation in photography technique for equipment both for professional cameras to smartphones. Students here experience hitting the ground running, documenting people and events around Chicago and gaining experience with video and audio. All of their efforts resulted in the development of a well-rounded photo and media expert graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

90.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Photojournalism degree at Western Kentucky University aims to prepare students for a changing media environment by focusing on ethics, content and technology. They put effort in developing the personal, artistic, and technical qualities of the students that pursue a professional career in photojournalism. They create a background for understanding the role of photojournalism in reflecting and shaping contemporary society. They make sure to provide instruction in photographic theory, principles and practice for the student in any area of scholarly pursuit. 

Acceptance Rate

97.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

If you are looking for a degree that can take you to places, then the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Central Oklahoma can help you. Here, you can get your Bachelor of Arts in Photographic Arts (Fine Arts, Commercial, and Photojournalism). This degree program is designed to prepare students to apply the aesthetics and techniques of contemporary photographic styles to their own work. Students will present a portfolio of original photographic work in a public forum. Graduates will be able to demonstrate awareness of global and cultural photographic practices and standards. 

Acceptance Rate

84.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Randolph Community College offers qualified students access to a top ranked photographic technology degree program.  Specialties within the RCC programs include commercial photography, photojournalism, and portrait studio management.  The associate in applied science degree in photojournalism provides students an in-depth curriculum of the logistics and techniques of the industry.  Learn more about the technical standards and admissions requirements of the RCC program today.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of Arkansas Rich Mountain provides students access to a number of quality degrees, technical certificates, and certificates of proficiency.  Programs at UARM range from early childhood education to business courses to help you fulfill your academic goals.  The school is located in Mena, Arkansas and provides a quality platform for technical trades and service-based careers across the region.  Learn more about the academic programs and admissions process of UA Rich Mountain today.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

An undergraduate and graduate program in Photojournalism is offered at Ohio University – Eastern Campus. The Photojournalism major is best suited for people interested in using photography to show interesting situations, people, and places. While their MA Program in Photojournalism Track is a renowned program that is part of VisCom’s legacy. The courses available in this program focuses on documentary photojournalism and are designed to provide students the chance to go in-depth in their approach through essay, editorial, picture story, and audio/video storytelling. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

An undergraduate degree in Photojournalism is currently offered at Ohio University – Lancaster Campus. This is perfectly suited for students that are interested in using photography as a communication tool to show interesting people and situations without staging or controlling the subjects. The subject matter which students in this program sequence photograph runs the gamut. Additionally, they also offer a graduate degree in Photojournalism. Alumni of this MA degree program are now working in the news and communication field. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Photojournalism major is available at Ohio University – Zanesville Campus. In this major, students are allowed to interact with other people constantly in an aim of helping them find their own unique way to tell stories. They also offer an M.A. degree in Photojournalism which have helped many graduates to have successful careers in the industry in a variety of capacities. Their alumni have taken on roles at newspapers, magazines, media outlets, and organizations, while some have successful freelance careers. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Associate of Science in Photojournalism degree at Vincennes University takes a hands-on approach to teaching the skills demanded in this rapidly changing and fast-paced career field. This offers two tracks: Journalism and Photojournalism. Both of these tracks are designed to prepare graduates to transfer on to four-year programs or enter the workforce directly after earning an associate’s degree. Majors will take classes in Communication Law, Mass Communication, News Reporting and Editing. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Spokane Falls Community College is offering an Associate in Applied Science degree in Photography.  Students in this program receive training in demonstrating business skills so they can successfully enter the profession. They will be required to create a portfolio that shows their creativity and storytelling skills. Students who completed this program are ready to apply interpersonal skills to work in industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

South Plains College is located in Levelland, Texas and has established an excellent academic reputation over the years.  The degrees at SPC span from kinesiology to creative arts.  The degrees and certificates offered at South Plains College allows students to explore academic interests in pursuit of meaningful careers after graduation.  SPC provides a number of quality academic programs for both service-based and technical areas of interest to posture students for the future.  Learn more about the admissions process and cost of attendance today. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Photojournalism Requirements

Courses in photojournalism will vary from college to college depending on the school's curricular design and programmatic emphasis. Generally, you will find that a core group of classes will be common from school to school that may include:

  • News and Ethics
  • Digital Publishing
  • Social Documentary
  • Editing and Design
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Visual Communications
  • Photographic Journalism
  • Graphic Design
  • Communications

Photojournalism Jobs

Though jobs in photojournalism are expected to grow, the field is highly competitive and has more aspiring photojournalists than openings. Jobs in photojournalism are typically at newspapers and magazines, and over the last few years have become increasingly online oriented.

Photojournalists are now expected to create content to go along with the images that extend beyond captioning the image. Audio and video, along with slide shows and timelines, have become the standard by which photojournalists are rated. Though it is not required to have a degree to obtain work, the likelihood is slim due to the high amount of competition.

A strong portfolio along with a similarly strong educational background is often the deciding factor for employers. Starting a career in photojournalism may require pursuing internship opportunities which will require patience and tenacity to obtain.

Skills Required in Photojournalism

Aspiring photojournalists must develop a unique set of formal and informal skills. While each employer will require different skill sets, you can expect the following list to be a reliable starting point. The typical skills required in photojournalism include:

  • Editing
  • Composition
  • Social Interaction
  • Image Manipulation
  • Aural Comprehension
  • Computers and Camera (Including Software and Image Formats)

Photojournalism Career Outlook

Though jobs in photojournalism are expected to grow, the field is highly competitive and has more aspiring photojournalists than openings. Jobs in photojournalism are typically at newspapers and magazines, and over the last few years have become increasingly online oriented. Photojournalists are now expected to create content to go along with the images that extend beyond captioning the image.

Audio and video, along with slide shows and timelines, have become the standard by which photojournalists are rated. Though it is not required to have a degree to obtain work, the likelihood is slim due to the high amount of competition. A strong portfolio along with a similarly strong educational background is often the deciding factor for employers. Starting a career in photojournalism may require pursuing internship opportunities which will require patience and tenacity to obtain.

Photojournalism Salary & Resources

Photojournalists develop skills that may be used in other fields such as documentary filmmaking, commercial photography, and industrial photography. The average salary for a photojournalist is $38,500 per year. If you are interested in obtaining a photojournalism degree you may also want to consider a degree in journalism, broadcast journalism, or cinematography. The PPA and the NPPA are national organizations designed to support the ever-evolving photojournalism vocation from coast to coast.

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