Photography

Program of Study

CIA’s Photography program provides a solid foundation in optics, light, time, frame, and theory. As you focus your creative interests toward still or time-based work, you'll receive in-depth coursework to further develop your creative vision and refine your technical skills in a collaborative, immersive environment.

You’ll work with committed faculty and gain invaluable tools to develop a creative career. You will learn through lectures, demonstrations, and assignments, while participating in group critiques and one-on-one discussions with instructors and visiting artists.

You’ll learn to use professional photographic and video imaging tools that include: digital and film-based cameras, studio lighting equipment, image editing software, wet lab darkroom equipment, optical scanners, and large-format archival inkjet printers.

You’ll engage in all phases of workflow, from concept to lighting and image capture, development, enhancement, editing, post-process manipulation and the use of special effects.

We host numerous lectures and workshops by artists, photographers, filmmakers, critics, writers, collectors, curators, museum and gallery directors to share ideas and critique portfolios.

You will be encouraged to participate in professional internships, institutional exchange programs, and international mobility studies. You will be offered access to valuable career opportunities.

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Real-world experience for real-world careers
What may best set CIA apart from other colleges of art and design is our commitment to preparing students for a career path through real-world experiences. You'll learn by working on real-world projects with external partners or clients, or in the public sphere—all before graduation.

These opportunities allow you to put your classroom and studio knowledge to work in a professional setting while still being guided by faculty. You’ll learn what it takes to meet clients’ expectations, and you will emerge with confidence that will serve you as you launch your career.