Best MFA Photography Programs

Why it is here: A two-year, 120-credit MFA in Photography in Gothenburg; selection is based on assessment of submitted work samples.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants preparing work samples for a Swedish MFA.

Why it is here: A 90-credit, three-year MFA with four large communal B&W darkrooms; applicants submit 20 images or other documentation of recent original work.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want a three-year studio program.

Why it is here: A 60-credit MFA in Photography, Video and Imaging in Tucson; the department documents private and communal darkrooms for all film formats and professional equipment checkout.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; portfolio requirements are not recorded; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want darkroom access across film formats.

Why it is here: A 60-credit low-residency MFA over two years with two weeks on campus each summer, with fall and spring sessions held off campus; applicants submit a PDF portfolio of 20-25 images.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented. Residency format and the January 15 priority deadline are stated without a year.

May suit: Applicants who need a low-residency format.

Why it is here: MFA students have access to wet labs and black-and-white enlarger suites.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; portfolio requirements are not recorded; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want darkroom wet lab access.

Why it is here: A 3-year MFA in Art Studio (Photography specialization) with a dedicated graduate digital lab and access to darkrooms and non-silver labs.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; portfolio requirements are not recorded; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want non-silver lab access.

Why it is here: A 60-credit MFA with a Photography Lab in Green Hall; applicants upload 20 still and/or moving image files, with video files no more than two minutes.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants preparing a 20-file portfolio.

Why it is here: A 63-credit online MFA that ends with a thesis project and includes a course on developing a cohesive and professional body of work for graduate committee review.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; portfolio requirements are not recorded; named faculty are not documented. Any on-campus requirement is not stated in the research file.

May suit: Applicants who need a fully online MFA.

Why it is here: A two-year MFA with a Photo Lab offering equipment check-out; completion is marked by an exhibition or other approved public presentation, with mid-residency and graduation reviews.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want a public presentation as the final step.

Why it is here: The MFA documents a digital lab, traditional darkrooms, a lighting studio and 4x5 Durst enlargers.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; portfolio requirements are not recorded; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants who want darkroom and digital studios.

Why it is here: The department page documents analog and digital photography equipment, darkrooms, digital labs and studios, and MFA applicants submit a portfolio of 20-25 images of recent work.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants preparing 20-25 recent images.

Why it is here: A two-year MFA whose students have exclusive access to a large-format printer and studio space in the Fletcher Building; applicants submit 10-20 examples of visual work.

Limitations: Not documented in the research: no fees are recorded in the research file; no exhibition or final-project details are recorded; named faculty are not documented.

May suit: Applicants preparing 10-20 examples of work.