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Art & Design

Photography

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Become a voice for the next generation of image-makers.

Immerse yourself in the world of photographic expression and critical thinking. Learn how to create a photograph from initial concept to final image, control technical elements, and take command of your visual language. Explore analog and digital processes in fine art, documentary, commercial photography, and related media. Be empowered to forge your own voice and creative practice. Do it all under the guidance of acclaimed faculty and in unparalleled professional photography facilities.

With your photography degree from Lesley, you'll blaze a trail in the creative economy as you grow into your career as a museum curator, photojournalist, creative artist, archivist, art educator, commercial artist, gallery director, or more.

Dive right into the field during your first-year foundation courses. These technical and conceptual classes, combined with courses in the humanities, art history, and visual arts, prepare you to approach the medium in new ways. And our reimagined general education curriculum will prepare you to make a positive impact by deeply engaging you in today's social issues. Everything you learn this year lays the groundwork for you to dig deeper into photography’s practices, discourses, and personal and societal concerns.

As you progress, focus on the areas of photography that interest you, from alternative processes to digital printing, installation, and video work. Work alongside experienced faculty who broaden your experience with diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, and approaches. Apply your new knowledge and skills to building a body of work that reflects your distinctive style and voice.

Throughout your studies, receive feedback from photographic artists, critics, gallery owners, curators, and printers, and make connections during internships throughout Greater Boston and beyond. Through your apprenticeship or internship in places like the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Cartoon Network, the Boston Center for the Arts, and many more, you'll receive hands-on guidance and support so you can launch a career in the rapidly evolving creative economy. Present your work in student-curated and solo exhibitions. Get published in the annual student photography magazine, Taking In. Graduate with the real-world experience needed to push the boundaries of the medium and your career.

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

123 Credits
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

“One of the most important and transformative things I learned in the photography program was how to articulate what my photographs are about. I found my voice and gained the confidence to stand behind my artistic decisions.”
Kelly Burgess ’13, Photography
Craft Creative Combinations
As a Photography major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
student working on art in studio

Small Art School, Big University

We're a premier art and design school of about 700 students, but we're also part of a dynamic university with a liberal arts college. This means you'll have the small studio, hands-on experience of a professional art school where you'll gain industry-specific knowledge. And, you'll benefit from a broader perspective of a liberal arts educational experience—something most art schools can't provide.

black and white photo of young woman sitting in empty white room wearing a black sweatshirt

Curating Her Own Path

Brittany Smith '17 finds a new way of applying her degree and sees a passion emerge. The path toward independent curator is more fulfilling than expected, as she accesses new space to help her and her college friends exhibit work and grow as artists.

Careers
Where You Could Work
Photography is an exciting field, with opportunities to work across a wide range of industries, from fashion and advertising, museums and galleries, media, and beyond. Organizations you could work for include:
Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Professional opportunities in photography are in demand, and Greater Boston is a great place to start your career. Some of the top job titles for someone with a photography degree include:
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Cambridge is one of the most creative cities in the country. In fact, there are about 96 art and culture events happening in the Greater Boston area every day. And while you'll benefit from our dynamic surroundings, you'll also be a big part of them. You'll take art and design classes in our $48 million Lunder Arts Center. And our $7 million Visual Effects (VFX) studio—a state-of-the-art facility where our VFX curriculum comes alive—is the only one of its kind in New England.

Faculty

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Photography
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.