Photography Careers Start at Columbia
Build a Professional Photography Practice in the Heart of Chicago
Develop your vision with a BFA in Photography from one of the best colleges for photography in Chicago. At Columbia, you'll build a sophisticated body of work while training in professional-grade facilities, from darkrooms and digital imaging labs to commercial lighting studios and dedicated studio spaces, all alongside award-winning faculty and a driven creative community.
As a photography major, you can expect to:
- Experiment across formats. Work in documentary, video, collage, and installation-based practices, establishing a foundation in traditional technique and pushing the boundaries on experimentation.
- Plug into Chicago's photography scene. Visit studios and galleries, connect with visiting artists and curators, and benefit from our partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
- Exhibit your work publicly. Complete a thesis project showcased in a high-profile capstone exhibition, presenting your portfolio to Chicago's creative community.
You will graduate with a photography degree and a cohesive body of work, meaningful industry connections, and the confidence to step into Chicago's dynamic creative community. Connect with Columbia today and start building your creative future.
Learn More About Columbia College Chicago
Let us know the best way to reach you by filling out the form below and we'll send important information about applying to Columbia straight to your inbox!
Live in a City at the Forefront of Arts and Culture
At Columbia, your campus is the city. Our South Loop location puts you steps from world-class museums, theaters, design firms, and media outlets, meaning inspiration and opportunity are never far away. Chicago is a living lab where you'll test ideas, build meaningful connections, and gain real-world experience.
Plus, as a full-time student, you'll have a Ventra U-Pass, giving you unlimited access to the city's transit system so you can explore every area of Chicago with ease. From grabbing food with friends to walking through exhibits at the Art Institute, the city is part of everyday life.
A High-Level Look at the Photography Degree
Your Work With a Senior Thesis Show
Digital Imaging Labs, Commercial Lighting Studios, and Darkrooms
Graduates Employed or Pursuing Their Creative Practice Within One Year
Creative Careers Start at Columbia
Columbia grads launch creative careers across industries—from design and media to performance, business, and tech. 96% of recent graduates reported being employed, continuing their education, or achieving success in their creative practice within a year.
Graduates of the Photography BFA program are prepared to excel in creative careers, including fine photographer, studio artist, museum curator, art gallery director, commercial photographer, and photography educator.
"I made great strides in my artistic practice and met amazing colleagues, mentors, and professional contacts."
— Jessica Hays MFA '23
Columbia Makes a Creative Education More Affordable
A Columbia degree is an investment in your creativity—and we're committed to making it accessible. With 99 percent of first-year students receiving financial aid, you'll find the support you need to focus on what matters most: creating.
Ways Columbia helps you save:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: You're automatically considered for these when you apply to Columbia.
- Talent-Based Scholarships: You can choose to apply by submitting a portfolio or completing an audition.
- Visit and FAFSA Awards: Up to $8,000 over four years for visiting campus, plus $1,000 just for filing the FAFSA.
Faculty Spotlight: Cecil McDonald
Cecil McDonald, MFA '08 is an award-winning Columbia College Chicago instructor and photographer whose work explores how people and their histories can inform and free one another. His path to international recognition includes projects like “Looking for Baldwin,” a collection inspired by James Baldwin's essay “Stranger in the Village” and his award-nominated book In the Company of Black.
“You have to do the work that you are really interested in. You have to validate yourself.”