Best Online Digital Photography Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online digital photography degree?

An online digital photography degree blends artistic development with technical training, all from the convenience of your own workspace. While programs vary, most offer a mix of creative exploration, hands-on projects, and industry tools to prepare you for a wide range of photography careers.

Here’s what you can typically expect when pursuing your degree online:

• Core Photography Skills: Learn the fundamentals of composition, lighting, camera operation, and editing through virtual lessons and assignments.
• Software Proficiency: Get hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Cloud tools via online tutorials and guided exercises.
• Portfolio Development: Create a professional portfolio remotely, with instructor feedback and peer reviews to refine your work.
• Art and Design Theory: Study visual storytelling, color theory, and design principles through online lectures and interactive projects.
• Specialized Tracks: Choose from online electives in areas like portrait, fashion, nature, or commercial photography to tailor your studies.
• Real-World Assignments: Work on projects that simulate client briefs, allowing you to gain practical experience without setting foot in a studio.
• Flexible Scheduling: Take asynchronous courses that let you balance school with work, travel, or freelance commitments.

Where can I work with an online digital photography degree?

An online digital photography degree can unlock a range of creative career paths across industries. Thanks to the flexibility of online programs, many students build professional networks and freelance portfolios even before graduating.

Here are some of the industries and workplaces where digital photography skills are in demand:

• Media and Publishing Companies: Newsrooms, magazines, and digital publications that rely on high-quality visuals for storytelling.
• Advertising and Marketing Agencies: Firms that require branded photography for campaigns, social media, and promotional content.
• E-commerce and Retail Brands: Online shops and major retailers that depend on product photography to drive sales.
• Film and Television Production Studios: Creative environments where cinematography and still photography intersect for visual storytelling.
• Art Galleries and Museums: Institutions that support fine art photographers through exhibitions, installations, and archival projects.
• Fashion and Beauty Industry: Studios, fashion houses, and brands that need editorial and product photography for lookbooks, campaigns, and ads.
• Corporate and Event Companies: Businesses that hire photographers for conferences, headshots, marketing materials, and internal content.

How much can I make with an online digital photography degree?

Earning your photography degree online doesn’t limit your income potential. In fact, it can open doors to flexible, high-earning opportunities in freelance, commercial, and creative roles. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn according to ZipRecruiter (n.d.):

• Top Earners: Around $58,000 annually, often through advanced skills, specialization, or successful freelance businesses.
• 75th Percentile: Approximately $45,000 per year, typically with a few years of experience and a strong portfolio.
• Average: About $42,345 annually, reflecting a mix of entry-level and mid-career professionals across the field.
• 25th Percentile: Around $32,000 per year, common for recent graduates or those just starting to build client work and experience.

List of the Best Online Digital Photography Degree Programs for 2025

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Digital Photography designed to turn your creative instincts into real career potential. The program combines hands-on training in digital camera operation, lighting techniques, and post-production editing with courses in entrepreneurship, branding, and legal rights. 

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Technical Photography
• Cost per Credit: $342
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. New York Institute of Art & Design

New York Institute of Art & Design's The Fundamentals of Digital Photography is an online course designed for beginners through its sister school, the New York Institute of Photography. The program covers core skills like camera settings, composition, and creative vision, with flexible pacing and personalized feedback from professional mentors

• Program Length: 18 months
• Tracks/concentrations: Fundamentals of Digital Photography
• Cost per Credit: Available upon request on their website
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

3. Cornell University

Cornell University's the Digital Photography Cornell Certificate Program is designed to help students develop both the creative vision and technical skills needed to capture compelling images. You'll learn to control lighting, composition, and camera settings while creating a final photographic project suitable for a portfolio or exhibition.

• Program Length: 4 months
• Tracks/concentrations: Digital Photography
• Estimated Cost: $1,599
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

4. Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography that blends historic techniques with cutting-edge digital technologies. Students develop visual literacy, master color and composition, and shape a distinct personal style. The program prepares graduates for careers in fashion, fine art, media, and beyond.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Photography
• Cost per Credit: $712
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography helps students build visual literacy through hands-on projects and critical engagement. Students explore digital photography techniques, aesthetics, and concept development while creating work ranging from portraits to photobooks. 

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Digital Photography
• Estimated Cost: $6,515/semester
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design offers an online Bachelor's in Photography that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the photography industry. The program emphasizes professional practice, guiding students through technical training, business operations, and portfolio development. 

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Photography
• Cost per Credit: $740
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Columbus State Community College

Columbus State Community College's Digital Photography Program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled digital photographers across industries. The curriculum blends photography with digital design, marketing, and web development, giving students a well-rounded creative and technical foundation. 

• Program Length: 2 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Digital Photography
• Cost per Credit: $135.93-$361.24
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University offers a BFA in Art and Design with an Emphasis in Photography, designed for aspiring photographers ready to turn their creative passion into a professional path. The program combines foundational design principles with advanced photography, videography, and cross-media exploration. 

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Photography
• Cost per Credit: $495
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. Maryland Institute College of Art 

Maryland Institute College of Art's Photography program blends traditional darkroom processes with state-of-the-art digital techniques, encouraging a wide range of creative approaches. Students build core technical skills, explore the history and contemporary directions of photography, and develop their own artistic voice.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Photography
• Cost per Credit: $2,354
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. Sessions College

Sessions College's online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography is designed to prepare students for careers as creative, adaptable professionals in a rapidly evolving industry. The 120-credit program can be completed in 10 semesters and emphasizes critical thinking, research, and technical expertise. It’s ideal for both recent high school graduates and adult learners aiming to sharpen their skills or earn a full degree.

• Program Length: 3-4 years
• Tracks/concentrations: Digital Photography
• Cost per Credit: $300
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

How long does it take to complete an online digital photography degree?

Online digital photography programs range in length by credential. A full bachelor’s degree, like the one from Southern New Hampshire University, takes about 4 years and includes both photography and general education courses. With the digital photography market expected to surpass $160 billion by 2032, this kind of in-depth training is more valuable than ever.

For those looking for a faster option, certificate programs can be completed in just a few months. Cornell University, for example, offers a photography certificate that can be finished in as little as 4 months with a weekly commitment of 5–7 study hours. 

Choosing the right timeline depends on your goals. A 4-year degree provides a deeper foundation in both technical skills and visual theory, while shorter programs offer immediate, practical training. Either way, online formats give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace from anywhere.

How does an online digital photography degree compare to an on-campus program?

Compared to its on-campus program counterpart, online digital photography degrees are built for timeline flexibility and remote accessibility. With advances in digital tools and online collaboration, students can gain a comprehensive photography education without setting foot in a studio. The key differences come down to structure, access, and learning style.

Here’s how the two formats stack up:

• Editing and Post-Production: Online students often get early exposure to industry-standard tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, while on-campus programs may combine digital editing with access to studio-grade hardware.
• Portfolio Development: Online programs typically focus on building a digital portfolio optimized for web, freelance platforms, and social media, while in-person programs may emphasize gallery-ready prints and physical showcases.
• Lighting Techniques: On-campus students may train with full lighting rigs in a studio, but online learners are often taught how to replicate pro results using natural light and portable gear—useful for real-world shoots.
• Provision of Gear Training: Online students get hands-on experience using their own DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, while campus learners may have access to a wider variety of school-provided equipment.
• Critique and Feedback: Online programs deliver critique through video reviews, discussion forums, and one-on-one virtual sessions, whereas in-person programs offer immediate, face-to-face feedback in studio settings.
• Project Variety: Online assignments often mimic real-world briefs like product photography, remote shoots, or content for digital media, while on-campus students may focus more on fine art, analog methods, or studio portraiture.

If flexibility and affordability matter most, choosing a low cost digital photography degree online may be the smartest way to sharpen your skills and build your portfolio without breaking the bank.

What is the average cost of an online digital photography degree?

The cost of an online digital photography degree can vary dramatically depending on the institution. On the lower end, programs like Sessions College offer tuition around $300 per credit, totaling roughly $36,000 for a full degree. On the higher end, schools like Maryland Institute College of Art can charge up to $2,354 per credit, reaching a total of about $226,000.  Students exploring creative fields may also consider best audio and music online degrees as an alternative pathway to combine technical skills with artistic expression.

For context, the median in-state tuition at public colleges is $7,070, while the median for out-of-state private institutions is $38,400. This makes some online programs competitive with traditional in-person options, especially when factoring in the savings from commuting, housing, and campus fees. 

When evaluating cost, it’s important to weigh not just tuition but also what’s included: access to software, personalized mentorship, portfolio support, and career guidance. Ultimately, choosing the right program means balancing budget with educational depth and long-term career goals.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online digital photography degree program?

A range of scholarships and financial aid programs are available to support emerging photographers at every stage of their creative journey. Whether you're into still photography, multimedia, or video, there are competitive awards tailored to digital storytellers.  Students interested in expanding their digital design skills alongside photography may also explore best online user experience design degrees to strengthen their creative and technical portfolios.

Here are some notable opportunities:

• College Photographer of the Year Award: Offers 87 awards of $5,000 each to undergraduate or graduate students worldwide who submit exceptional still photography, video, or multimedia work.
• Doodle for Google Scholarship: Awards up to $55,000 in scholarships for creative students who design original doodles. Submissions can include digital art and photography-based entries.
• James Alan Cox Foundation Scholarship: Provides $2,500 awards to college and graduate students focused on still or video photojournalism. High school students may also win DSLR cameras.
• Nikon Storytellers Scholarship: Ten $10,000 scholarships are available to students pursuing photography, journalism, or multimedia degrees in the U.S. or Canada, with portfolio submission required.
• Anchell International Documentary Photography Scholarship: A $1,000 award recognizing socially driven documentary photography projects submitted by undergrad or grad students worldwide.

For aspiring photojournalists, it’s worth noting that many also pursue writing degrees alongside photography, making it smart to explore options like the cheapest online creative writing degree to round out your storytelling skills affordably.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online digital photography degree program?

Before you dive into a world of lenses, light, and visual storytelling, there are a few things you’ll need to have in focus. While each school has its own admissions criteria, most programs share some common entry requirements. Think of these as the foundation for launching your creative journey smoothly.  Students seeking a broader perspective on leadership and service may also consider a fast track Christian ministry degree online to combine creative skills with spiritual and community development knowledge.

Here’s what most programs look for:

• High School Diploma or GED: A basic academic foundation is required for admission into associate or bachelor’s programs.
• Completed Application Form: Includes personal information, academic history, and sometimes a brief personal statement.
• Transcripts: Most schools require official high school transcripts or previous college transcripts for transfer students.
• Portfolio (Optional or Required): Some programs may request a sample of your creative photography work, especially for more competitive or advanced programs.
• Basic Computer Skills: Since the program is online and photography relies heavily on editing software, comfort with digital tools is essential.
• Access to Equipment: You’ll typically need your own DSLR or mirrorless camera, plus a reliable computer and photo editing software like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knack for Cameras and Composition: A natural interest in how cameras work, along with an eye for composition, lighting, and detail, can give students a strong head start in mastering digital photography techniques.

Photography often opens the door to related fields like filmmaking, where storytelling continues in motion. If you’re drawn to both still and moving images, it’s worth exploring the cheapest online cinematography degree programs to expand your visual skill set and creative career possibilities cost-effectively.

What courses are typically in an online digital photography degree program?

Behind every great photograph is a mix of instinct, technique, and intention—skills that online digital photography programs are designed to teach. From mastering manual settings to understanding the visual language of storytelling, these courses build both your technical toolbox and your artistic eye. 

Here are some of the courses you’ll likely encounter:

• Digital Camera Techniques: Learn how to manually control exposure, focus, and composition using DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
• Lighting for Photography: Explore how to leverage light (natural or artificial) for portraits, products, and environments.
• Photo Editing and Retouching: Use tools like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom to enhance, correct, and stylize your images.
• History of Photography: Understand the evolution of photography as an art form and cultural force.
• Studio and Location Photography: Practice shooting in controlled environments and unpredictable real-world settings.
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Photography: Learn about copyright, licensing, consent, and professional standards.
• Portfolio Development: Create a cohesive body of work that showcases your personal style and technical strengths.
• Entrepreneurship for Creatives: Gain skills in branding, pricing, marketing, and managing a freelance or studio business.

Those who aspire to become fashion photographers usually complement their digital photography degree with fashion design or merchandising courses. See our list of affordable fashion merchandising degree online programs for your reference.

To better understand where digital photography graduates are making their mark, here’s a chart that provides a breakdown of industries with the highest concentration of employment for digital photographers:

What types of specializations are available in online digital photography degree programs?

Online digital photography programs often let you carve out a path that reflects your artistic voice and career goals. Whether you’re drawn to fashion shoots, environmental storytelling, or cinematic visuals, there’s a focus area that fits your lens. Common specializations include:

• Portrait Photography: Learn the art of capturing authentic expressions through expert lighting, composition, and posing. This specialization prepares you for careers in studio work, lifestyle shoots, or personal branding photography.
• Photojournalism: Train to document real-life events with accuracy and emotional impact. This path emphasizes ethical storytelling, field techniques, and fast-paced editing for news and media outlets.
• Nature and Wildlife Photography: Discover how to photograph animals, landscapes, and natural phenomena in unpredictable outdoor environments. You'll gain expertise in long lenses, natural lighting, and field preparation.
• Event and Wedding Photography: Learn to shoot live, fast-paced moments while managing client expectations and logistics. This specialization blends documentary instincts with polished portraiture and post-production.
• Architectural and Real Estate Photography: Focus on perspective, lighting, and editing to make spaces look their best. Our list of affordable real estate degree programs online can help you enter the sector without spending so much.
• Film and Cinematography: Step into motion storytelling with courses on camera movement, lighting for scenes, sound, and editing. You'll learn how to translate visual storytelling into film, commercials, or documentary work.

Choosing a specialization helps define the specific skill set you want to sharpen and the career path you aim to follow. To guide your decision, here are eight essential skills every digital photographer needs to succeed in today’s competitive creative industry:

How to choose the best online digital photography degree program?

Picking the right online photography program is like framing the perfect shot—angle, lighting, and focus all matter. With an avalanche of options available, it’s important to zoom in on what fits your creative goals, lifestyle, and budget.  Students interested in healthcare careers may also explore an accelerated post masters certificate pediatric nurse practitioner online to quickly advance their clinical expertise while balancing professional commitments.

As the photography workforce grows, with over 116,000 professionals in 2023 and a steady 17% growth since 2014, there’s never been a better time to step into the field. Whether you’re among the 62,361 (53.5%) men or 54,139 (46.5%) women shaping this visual industry, the right online program can help you make your mark (Data USA, n.d.).

Here’s what to consider before enrolling:

• Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited by a recognized body to ensure quality education and eligibility for financial aid.
• Faculty Expertise: Research the instructors. Professional photographers and industry veterans can bring real-world knowledge into the virtual classroom.
• Portfolio Development: A strong program should help you graduate with a polished, industry-ready portfolio that reflects your personal style.
• Specializations Offered: Choose programs that offer tracks aligned with your goals, whether it’s fashion, photojournalism, or cinematography.
• Online Learning Tools: Ensure the program includes robust digital resources like recorded lectures, editing tutorials, and peer critique platforms.
• Software Access: Confirm whether the school provides access to professional editing tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, especially if included in tuition.
• Equipment Requirements: Check what gear you’ll need at home. Most online programs require a DSLR or mirrorless camera, editing software, and a stable internet connection.

The best online program won’t just teach you how to use a camera. It will give you the structure, support, and inspiration to turn your passion into a creative career.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online digital photography degree?

From glossy magazine covers to behind-the-scenes film sets, your skills behind the lens can lead to creative, commercial, or journalistic paths. With an online degree, you’re equipped to work from anywhere and turn your vision into your livelihood.

Here are some of the most common career paths for online digital photography degree graduates:

• Commercial/Product Photographer: Create clean, high-impact visuals for advertising, packaging, and online retail.
• Photojournalist: Document current events and human stories for newspapers, magazines, or digital platforms.
• Event and Wedding Photographer: Capture real-time moments at weddings, corporate events, and other live gatherings.
• Cinematographer: Blend your photography background with motion storytelling to shoot films, documentaries, or branded video content.
• Forensic Photographer: Work with law enforcement to document crime scenes, evidence, and investigations. Check out other forensic science specialties here.
• Museum/Gallery Photographer: Document exhibitions, artwork, and events for promotional or archival use within cultural institutions.
• Travel Photographer: Capture the spirit of destinations and cultures for magazines, tourism boards, or stock agencies.
• Stock Photographer: Build and license a library of images through platforms like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock for passive income.
• Medical Photographer: Work in hospitals or clinics capturing images for documentation, education, or surgical procedures.
• Creative Director: Oversee visual strategy for campaigns, branding projects, or media production, often blending photography, design, and storytelling.

Whether you're freelancing, building a studio, or joining a creative team, an online photography degree gives you the foundation to craft a career as dynamic as your portfolio.

What is the job outlook for graduates with an online digital photography degree?

While the field is competitive, steady demand for skilled photographers continues across industries like media, advertising, real estate, fashion, and e-commerce. With an online degree, you’ll be prepared to meet industry needs while adapting to new technologies and trends.

Here’s what the job market looks like according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

• Steady Growth: Employment for photographers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, keeping pace with the average growth rate across all occupations.
• Openings Every Year: About 13,700 photography-related job openings are expected each year, driven by workforce turnover and retirements.
• Diverse Industries: The demand spans industries, from freelance and editorial work to commercial, medical, and even forensic photography.
• Digital-First Advantage: Graduates with strong digital skills and online portfolios are increasingly favored in a visual-first, content-heavy economy.
• Remote and Flexible Roles: Many jobs, especially in product photography and editing, can be done remotely, giving online graduates a competitive edge in flexible work.

While the photography world is evolving, the need for talented visual storytellers remains strong, and those trained in digital methods are best positioned to seize the opportunities.

How can integrating creative writing enhance your digital photography career?

Blending visual artistry with the written word can elevate the impact of your photographic narratives. Interdisciplinary approaches encourage students to develop stronger conceptual frameworks, enabling them to craft stories that resonate both visually and textually. This fusion of skills not only nurtures creative precision but also broadens career opportunities across multimedia, advertising, and digital content production. Leveraging creative writing techniques alongside photography enriches portfolio development and paves the way for innovative projects that captivate diverse audiences. Discover what can you do with a creative writing MFA to further diversify your creative expertise.

How do online digital photography programs facilitate industry networking and career advancement?

Online digital photography programs increasingly focus on bridging academic study with professional opportunities through dedicated career services, mentorship programs, and industry partnerships. These programs often incorporate virtual networking events, panel discussions with seasoned professionals, and collaborations with creative agencies, enabling students to connect with potential employers and build a lasting industry network. Many schools also organize real-world projects and internships that provide direct exposure to current trends and client expectations. Additionally, some institutions offer guidance on how to leverage emerging fields by highlighting opportunities such as exploring cheapest MFA online programs for further creative development and expanding one’s skill set.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Digital Photography Degrees

Other Things You Need to Know About Online Digital Photography Degree Programs

What software do I need for an online digital photography degree program?

Online digital photography programs rely heavily on industry-standard software to help students develop technical and creative skills. Here are the key programs you’ll likely need:

• Adobe Photoshop: Essential for image editing, retouching, and compositing. This is used in nearly every photography course.
• Adobe Lightroom: A go-to for photo organization, batch editing, and RAW image processing.
• Adobe Illustrator: Occasionally used for graphics, typography, or branding assignments tied to photography projects.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Needed if your program includes video content creation or hybrid media work.
• Capture One: A professional alternative to Lightroom, often favored for tethered shooting and advanced color grading.

How do online digital photography students build a professional portfolio?

Online digital photography students build a professional portfolio by completing a series of structured projects throughout their coursework. These assignments often focus on specific techniques, styles, or industry niches—such as portrait, product, or editorial photography—and are designed to showcase both technical skills and artistic vision. 

Many programs also encourage students to seek out internships, freelance gigs, or personal passion projects to expand their portfolios beyond the portals of an academic institution. Final portfolios are usually curated digitally and presented through personal websites or online galleries.

What trends do I need to know as an online digital photography student?

As an online student, you’ll need to be aware of the latest tools, techniques, and creative demands shaping the field today. Here are the key trends to keep on your radar:

• AI Editing Tools: Artificial intelligence is streamlining workflows with tools that automate tasks like background removal, facial retouching, and color correction. 
• Mobile Photography: Smartphones are now powerful creative tools, and many clients and platforms expect photographers to understand mobile-first content. 
• Drone Photography: Aerial imagery through drone capture is in demand across real estate, travel, marketing, and film. 

What’s the difference between a BA, BFA, and BS in photography?

Understanding the type of photography degree you're pursuing can help align your education with your career goals. Each option emphasizes different skill sets, from creative development to technical application. Here's how they compare:

• BA (Bachelor of Arts): Offers a broad liberal arts foundation with photography as a concentration, ideal for students seeking flexibility or double majors.
• BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts): Focuses heavily on studio work, portfolio development, and hands-on practice. This is best suited for aspiring professional artists or commercial photographers.
• BS (Bachelor of Science): Emphasizes technical and scientific aspects of photography, including digital imaging, lighting, and media production. This is great for tech-driven or multimedia careers.