What you will study
Today’s Fine Arts degrees for Photography train you in the technical processes of
digital photography, videography and traditional craft-based skills while refining
your artistic vision. Coursework for UCM’s bachelor’s degree in Photography covers
the full life cycle of an image, from conceptualization to exhibition.
Acquire transferable, widely sought-after skills, including analysis, creative problem-solving
and clear communication, in undergraduate courses such as:
- Digital Imaging: A core component of modern Photography degrees, digital imaging involves not only
image manipulation but also nuanced creative expression.
- History of Photography: Ground your art with an understanding of how contemporary photography reached its
current state by degrees. For photography, how society has developed over time has
been as remarkable as the advancement of technology.
- Digital Marketing: Learn concepts, skills and methods for marketing in digital and interactive media.
Valuable training for many professions, this is especially critical for marketing
your own work as a creative entrepreneur.
- Photography IV: Plan and produce exhibition-quality portfolio work that expresses your visual identity
and demonstrates clarity of intent. This course includes frequent peer and faculty
critiques, in keeping with best practices for the most competitive degrees for Photography.
Excellence in Photography
- Continuously accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1986.
- #1: Best Value Bachelor’s Degree College for Photography in Missouri (College Factual,
2022)
- #1: Best Value College for Photography in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor's Degree College for Photography (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor's Degree College for Fine Arts (College Factual, 2022)
- A Best Value Bachelor's Degree College for Fine & Studio Arts (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in photography
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Photography at UCM have access to a variety
of facilities, equipment and industry-standard software. Practice shooting in our
portrait and commercial studios and hone your techniques in the darkroom or printing
lab. You can also borrow items from our library of over 500 pieces of photography
equipment at any time.
Degrees for photography should always include an external review component. At UCM,
we bring in outside professionals to participate in your portfolio review. Kansas
City’s vibrant arts scene, only a short drive from the Warrensburg campus, draws artists
and industry professionals of the highest caliber.
Studio Art majors spend a lot of time in individual practice — so what can you do
with a photography degree that feels community-oriented and inclusive?
- Community engagement: Visit local galleries and professional studios, collaborate with businesses on real-world
projects, plan campus activities and connect with fellow UCM students as you photograph
athletic, club and social events.
- Independent Artist Entrepreneurship Speaker Series: Learn what it takes to succeed as a creative entrepreneur from preeminent regional
experts in a network-building format.
- Kleppe Visiting Artist Lecture series: UCM students in Studio Art, including those pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Photography,
are invited to attend this outstanding series, where high-profile artists provide
a glimpse into their working life and creative process.
What can you do with a Photography degree from UCM?
University of Central Missouri graduates with Photography degrees often go on to become
creative solo entrepreneurs, small business owners or professionals in creative fields.
With a solid liberal arts education supporting your mastery of photography skills,
you can succeed in a number of career paths.
Your Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a concentration in Photography, from UCM will also
prepare you to pursue an advanced degree. Some students choose to continue with their
academic career before entering the job market, while others prefer to gain professional
experience between earning their bachelor’s degree in Photography and returning to
school for graduate studies.
Learn more about jobs for Photography majors
Bachelor’s degrees for Photography prepare you for more than pursuit of the art form.
Use our interactive tool below to explore salary, employment and other trends for
college graduates with photography degrees. UCM’s Career Services Center, as well
as your faculty mentors, can also help you navigate job opportunities.
Financial assistance options for your Photography degree
Photography degrees can lead to an exciting, fulfilling career centered around your
art. You deserve to enter that career set up for financial success, able to fully
focus on what you can do with a Photography degree.
At the University of Central Missouri, we’ve been committed to offering affordable,
high-value education since our founding more than 150 years ago. While UCM’s tuition
fees are competitive thanks to our commitment to low student debt, we also offer a
wide range of options for financing your college education.
The cost of undergraduate degrees for Photography students may be offset by program-specific
funds and university-wide resources. Scholarships specifically for Photography majors
include:
- Mel Jenkins Photography Scholarship
Learn more about the funds available for Photography majors by using the .
Acquire a Respected Degree — Not Debt
Affordable Photography degrees
The University of Central Missouri’s commitment to low student debt has earned us
national recognition. Our accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program provides
a high-quality, standards-led education at an accessible cost.
Succeed With Mentorship
Faculty and peer support
Small class sizes and engaged, caring faculty create a positive college experience
focused on what you need to thrive. You’ll also build a lasting, mutually supportive
network of friends and peers through engagement with student groups such as the American
Institute of Graphic Arts and the Student Artist Coalition.
What Can You Do With a Photography Degree?
Excel in your chosen career
UCM graduates with degrees in Photography can pursue multiple pathways to successful
jobs in creative fields. In our undergraduate degree program, you’ll acquire the technological
expertise, artistic confidence and widely applicable job skills to work behind the
lens as a creative or an imaging professional in any field.
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