If you love photography but don’t want to major in it, there are many alternative options which may still cross over with your artistic interests. Below are some college majors that can help you expand your abilities as a photographer outside studying photography.
1. Psychology
Psychology and photography are virtually inseparable. For us to understand images, we must touch on various psychological aspects such as perception, emotion, and identity.
For example, common elements found in images such as color, line, and shape all have a unique psychological characteristic.
We can see the psychological implications of these elements manifested in compositional rules such as the rule of thirds, rule of odds, leading lines, in addition to visual concepts such as gestalt and color theory.
Further, how we interpret images is heavily influenced by our identities. Past experiences guide how a photographer frames a shot. Similarly, the viewer’s experiences will affect how he or she will perceive an image.
Studying psychology will help you understand how your audiences perceive the world. This insight will help you create images that will strike a chord with your audience.
Also, having a foundation in psychology will help you understand yourself better. This self-awareness will allow you to discover how your experiences shape your images.
In some instances, photographers are only able to express who they are to the world through their imagery. They exhibit what they want others to see while exploring other facets of their identity.
As a photographer, studying psychology can help you better understand your craft.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Psychologist, Marketing Specialist, Market Research Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Psychiatric Technician.
Entry Level: $35.9K, Mid-Career: $60.4K
2. Creative Writing
Storytelling is fundamental to our humanity. Whether through images or words, we use stories to understand and learn about the world we live in.
One of the essential skills creative writers develop at school is the ability to tell engaging narratives. Students will learn how to conceptualize stories and the best ways to communicate them.
The skills of a creative writer and a photographer overlap in many ways. Both fields need a refined eye for spotting interesting narratives and translating them into engaging content.
Photography, just like creative writing, is an art of storytelling. It takes skill and preparation to capture a photo that leaves viewers longing to step foot into your pictures.
The skills you learn as a creative writer are especially helpful if your goal is to tell stories through a series of images.
By understanding how a good story flows, you can visually paint a narrative without using words.
Also, as a creative writing student, you’ll develop abilities to examine abstract ideas. You will learn how to connect the dots of concepts that seem unrelated. This is a vital skill to have as a photographer.
A meaningful photograph gives the viewer the experience of seeing something that is all at once, familiar and foreign. It enables viewers to experience old things in new ways or vice versa. It expands our world and its possibilities.
By training in creative writing, you’ll develop skills in presenting new ideas as something your audience can relate to. In the alternative, you can find new ways of presenting things that they have encountered in the past.
As a photographer, studying creative writing will sharpen your abilities to recognize complex ideas and hone the skills to express them effectively.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Writer, Advertising and Digital Copywriter, Journalist, Editor, Content Marketing Specialist.
Average Salary: $51K.
3. Communication Studies
Communication studies examine the different ways we communicate as a society in both verbal and nonverbal form. Photography is a form of nonverbal communication. In essence, a camera is a medium that enables the photographer to communicate thoughts and ideas without the use of words.
As a communication student, you’ll learn how to design messages in various forms of communication, such as text, symbols, and images.
Also, you’ll learn to create unique narratives by developing a deeper understanding of your audience and their history. This knowledge is vital in creating a successful image.
To understand what makes a compelling image, you will first need to gain insight into your subjects and viewers.
You will need to take the time to learn who your subjects are to tell their stories effectively. You will also need to learn about your audience and how they relate to images. Only by doing so will you be able to create work that has a lasting impact.
Images are fundamentally a communication system between the photographer and the viewer. A successful image is one that tells the viewer about the photographer’s story.
As a photographer, a background in communications will help you effectively convey your ideas. It will give you insight into creating images that will have a lasting impact on your audiences.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Public Relations Specialist, Media Planner, Advertising Executive, Marketing Executive, Brand Strategist.
Entry Level: $38.1K, Mid-Career: $70.0K
4. Anthropology
A degree in anthropology will benefit journalists, portrait, and travel photographers the most.
At its core, anthropology is the study of humanity. It covers topics ranging from cultures to behaviors, evolution, language, music, and more.
Anthropologists are keen observers of humans and their behaviors. They often seek to answer questions about society and humanity, such as: How does our past affect our actions? How do interactions foster a prosperous community? How do people from different cultures interact?
Studying anthropology will provide you with more in-depth insight into the world. This perspective will enable you to capture the essence of your subjects.
With an anthropology degree, you will learn how to view the world from a different perspective. As an anthropologist, you learn to dig deeper to gain a better understanding of how humans, cultures, and societies work as a whole.
Focus: Visual Anthropology
Interested in anthropology but want to focus more on visual communications? Consider majoring in visual anthropology.
Visual anthropology is a subfield of anthropology. It focuses on visual communications such as photography, film, and new media.
As a student, you learn about different ways to present visual arts. These methods of presentation include museums, archival methods, and mass media.
By studying visual anthropology, you will expand your understanding of visual art and how we use them around the world.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Government Officer, International Aid/Development Worker, Community Development Strategist, Market/Social Researcher, Teaching.
Entry Level: $36.8K, Mid-Career: $61.5K
5. Advertising
Advertising courses range from marketing to psychology, visual design, and communication.
Students will learn how to convey messages effectively. Often, the goal is to create an emotional connection to influence viewers’ perception. The more the audience emotionally connects with an image, the more they will remember it.
To do this, students learn design skills such as color theory, form, and depth and space perception. Students also learn psychology to help them understand how customers perceive ideas.
The advertising world has a demand for photographers who can communicate their ideas through images. Viewers often find it easier to put their confidence in pictures more than words.
Unlike speaking or writing, humans are born with the ability to comprehend visually. In this regard, images transcend racial, cultural, and language barriers.
Images are also subjective. When we see a picture, we give it meaning based on our life experiences and make it our own. This personalization makes images more memorable than other forms of communication.
As such, photography stands apart from other art forms used in advertising. Effective use of photography can completely alter a viewer’s thought processes and behaviors. It can entice a viewer to consume and develop relationships with products and brands.
While some people may think of photography as a way to capture moments, advertisers see so much more.
With a photographer’s eye and a background in advertising, you’ll be well equipped to create images that provide awe, interest, awareness to others.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Market Research Analyst, Product/Brand Managers, Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Representative, Sales.
Entry Level: $35.9K, Mid-Career: $62.2K
6. Sociology
Sociology is the study of interactions in social institutions. Students will examine how human behaviors help develop and cultivate a society.
Sociology students look at human behavior through various social lenses. Students will examine social perspectives, such as economic status, race, and gender.
As a photographer, a degree in sociology will give you insight into the world you are trying to capture. It will help sharpen your abilities to recognize issues that often get overlooked.
As a student, you will also learn how to use empirical data to gain a deeper understanding of social realities. This will help you become a more responsible and honest photographer.
Using sociology in concert with photography can be one of the most effective tools for cultural and social exploration.
With a background in sociology, you can use your images to shed light on social issues. Or, you can help develop a deeper understanding of cultural interactions.
Studying sociology will teach you to view the world with an open mind. This, in turn, will make you a better photographer, capable of taking authentic images.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Management Consultant, Policy Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Human Resources Representative, Guidance Counselor.
Average Salary:
Entry Level: $36.5K, Mid-Career: $58.2K
7. International Studies
Planning on becoming a travel photographer? Consider majoring in international studies.
International studies involve topics such as law, political science, sociology, language, and history.
Students will examine the different aspects that influence international affairs. To do this, students will analyze the political ideologies, cultures, and values within a country.
One bonus in choosing international studies is that you will get to spend at least a year of your study abroad. This experience would provide you with a forum for capturing a variety of portfolio work.
With a strong education in international studies, you’ll be better prepared to capture images that tell the story of the country you are in.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Foreign Affairs Analyst, Immigration Specialist, International Sales Specialist, International Lawyer, International Marketing Specialist.
Entry Level: $40.9K, Mid-Career: $80.9K
8. Film
Many of the skills you’ll develop as a film student overlap with the skills you’ll need as a photographer.
For example, as a film major, you will learn about visual concepts often used in photography. In school, you’ll examine ideas such as composition, color theory, and depth perception.
As a student, you’ll also learn about the psychologies of visual representation. You will examine the effect of visual mediums on cultural perception and beliefs. This insight will give you a broader understanding of the capabilities of visual mediums and the power of your content.
Further, as a film student, you will analyze plots and characters. Having this experience will help you understand the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another.
As a photographer, empathy is a great way to improve your abilities to tell a story. It is only through such intimate knowledge that we can adequately convey the depth of our subjects.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Video Producer, Film/Director, Film/Video Editor, Videographer, TV/Radio Broadcaster
Entry Level: $37.9K, Mid-Career: $68.5K
9. Art History
Art history majors study various forms of visual arts. Students will analyze artwork through different lenses, such as literature, philosophy, and history.
Art history gives photographers a thorough understanding of art as a form of visual communication. In school, you will learn how art relates to many facets of our lives, including psychology, politics, and innovation.
As an undergraduate, you will examine the cultural context of various artworks. You will learn to analyze art forms as subjective representations of culture and history.
By studying art history, you will sharpen your visual perception. You’ll learn to recognize the subtleties and nuances of visual concepts. This awareness can help fuel ideas and inspire you when creating your work.
You will also develop skills in critical thinking and data-driven research. As the world becomes flooded with images, these skills are becoming more and more significant.
As a photographer with a background in art history, you’ll be able to create unique and relevant images.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Art Consultant, Artist Management and Representation, Art Conservation and Restoration, Museum/Gallery Marketing and Public Relations, Museum/Gallery Curator
Entry Level: $35.8K, Mid-Career: $64.9K
10. Journalism
Journalism is the process of gathering, assessing, and presenting news and information.
The skills learned as a journalism major can be applied to your photography in many ways.
For example, as a student, you will learn how to present complex ideas simply. Knowing how to communicate ideas to your audience effectively is the essence of good photography.
Also, as an undergraduate, you will develop improved critical thinking and persuasion skills. These skills will enable you to turn information and ideas into engaging content.
You will also learn how people consume information through different forms of media. This will give you insight on how to find and reach your target audiences.
By merging your passion for photography with journalism, you can fulfill your interests as well as share your work with the world from a unique platform.
Focus: Photojournalism
Photojournalism and Journalism have similar course work. They are different in that photojournalists focus on images to tell narratives.
As a student, you’ll learn how to create unbiased pictures. This will ensure that the images you capture depict the realities of the events in the most honest way.
While, as a photojournalist, you must adhere to a rigid framework, you will also learn how to use creativity to produce captivating images. As a student, you will learn how to evoke different emotions using your pictures.
Further, majoring in photojournalism will have a direct impact on your technical photography skills. As an undergraduate, you will learn the basics and advanced techniques of photography.
Studying photojournalism will help you create captivating, yet honest, images. It will elevate your work and ability to tell a story.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Broadcast Journalist, Editor, Copywriter, Public Relations Specialist, Reporter, Marketing Coordinator.
Entry Level: $35.6K, Mid-Career: $66.7K
11. Visual Arts
Visual arts students will have the opportunity to express their creativity through hands-on experiences in art.
As a student, you will learn how to research, analyze, and synthesize the world around you to create vibrant and engaging artwork.
There are a few key elements that you will learn as a visual arts student that will help you with photography.
First, as an undergraduate, you will gain experience in a wide variety of mediums. This vast knowledge can fuel you with ideas that you can apply to your photography.
As an art student, you will also learn the value of criticism. Most people often avoid criticism, but arts majors learn to appreciate it.
Not every picture you create is going to be perfect. But every piece can be a learning point to improve your future work. Learning how to respond to criticism is vital to the longevity of your photography career.
Finally, as a visual arts student, you will learn that perfecting any art form requires discipline and focus. This understanding will prepare you for your creative journey as a photographer.
Photographers are artists and majoring in visual arts will prepare you for the journey that an artist will need to endure. Students of the visual arts will develop the technical, mental, and social skills that they can use to improve as a photographer.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Artist, Advertising Artist/Designer, Exhibition Designer, Motion Picture Artist / Set Designer, Media Illustrator.
Entry Level: $36.1K, Mid-Career: $54.1K
12. Interior Design
Interior design majors learn how to use art and design concepts to create attractive interiors.
The key elements that contribute to a well-designed interior are also critical factors in photography.
For example, designers create beautiful interiors using color theory, space, lighting, and architecture. Applying these principles is essential in creating successful images.
As a student, you will also learn traditional and digital drawing. This will help you develop a thorough understanding of two-dimensional space. Such skill is useful in overcoming the challenges of depth perception in photography.
The courses will also introduce you to concepts of light and color. Interior design involves careful placement of the elements of a room. Having a thorough knowledge of light and how it interacts with objects can benefit you as a photographer.
As an interior design student, you will learn how to think outside of the box and be creative. You will also develop the interpersonal skills required to communicate with clients effectively.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Interior Designer, Exhibition Designer, Corporate Designer, Sustainable Designer.
Entry Level: $35K, Mid-Career: $53.2K
13. Graphic Design
Graphic design will teach students how to turn ideas into designs that captivate and educate consumers.
Students will learn to develop user-friendly and attractive layouts for advertisements, products, magazines, and much more.
To create beautiful compositions, students will learn to use the principles of design. These include color, shape, value, and more. As a photographer, you can use these concepts to enhance your photographs.
You will also learn how to craft a design that evokes a particular reaction from their audience. You can apply this skill to photography as well. Understanding how your audience will interpret your images is crucial to effective communication.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Graphic Designer, Marketing Specialist, Product Designer, Creative Director, Production Artist.
Entry Level: $35.7K, Mid-Career: $59.8K
14. Web Design
Web design combines design, art, business, and technology into one major.
Students learn how to interweave art and design principles into their work. The goal of any web designer is to build websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but problem-solving.
Web designers also learn business skills to make their designs more effective. Students will learn digital marketing, such as social media and search engine optimization, to maximize the value of their sites.
One of the most crucial skills a web designer will learn is client management. Students must learn how to meet deadlines and produce results that align with the client’s demands.
Just as in any design major, the skills learned in web design can be directly applied to photography. The art and business skills required as a web designer will be useful in your photography career.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
UX/UI Designer and Researcher, SEO Specialist, Web Developer, Application Developer.
Entry Level: $40.1K, Mid-Career: $58.0K
15. Digital Arts
If you’re interested in photography, drawing, and technology, digital arts can be a good option for you.
Digital Arts majors will learn to apply artistic principles using the latest digital software to produce art. Students will learn how to use 3D visualization, motion graphics, digital animation, and photo editing.
Many of the skills you’ll learn as a digital artist can be integrated into your photography. For example, the principles of color theory, depth perception, and value explored in digital arts are also used in photography.
As a digital artist, you learn how to make 2D images appear 3d. This knowledge can help you overcome the challenges of depth perception in photography.
Also, as a digital arts major, you will learn how to use photo-editing software for your work. This skill can be directly transferred to your post-processing work as a photographer.
The skills accumulated from creating digital art can help you with photography. You can use the tools utilized in digital arts to enhance the visual impact of your images.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Animator, Motion Picture Technical Director, Visual Effects Editor, Comic Book Artist, Animated Filmmaker.
Entry Level: $33.3K, Mid-Career: $52.4K
16. Business
Business students examine the theoretical and practical side of running a business. Courses will cover topics such as finance, accounting, marketing, communications, and more.
As a photographer, a background in business will give you an excellent foundation to handle the business side of photography.
As a business student, you will learn how to generate profit by creating a product or service that provides value to others.
For example, as a business student, you will learn how to generate profit by providing value to others. This knowledge will help you to maximize your opportunities in the photography industry.
As a student, you will also develop communications and interpersonal skills. You will learn how to build relationships and connect with people. These skills are vital to running any successful photography business.
Further, business courses will teach you how to collect and use data to better understand your target audiences.
Understanding your audience is beneficial to you as an artist and entrepreneur. It helps you decide the appropriate content and tone to use for your projects. This insight will ensure that you’ll create a product that will have a lasting impression with your audiences.
Having a business degree can help you stand out from the market, especially in a competitive industry such as photography.
Career Opportunities Outside of Photography:
Management Consultant, Actuary, Financial Planner, Financial Analyst.
Entry Level: $43.0K, Mid-Career: $72.1K
17. Create Your Own Major
If the school you are attending doesn’t offer any majors that entice you, consider crafting a major that overlaps with photography.
Instead of majoring in something you’re not passionate about, tailor your coursework to match your interests.
Keep in mind that creating your own major can be difficult. Certain universities won’t offer this option. And if they do, it requires careful planning and approval from an academic advisor.
Creating your own major does offer some key advantages that you should consider.
First, it allows you to choose your coursework and ensure your education is aligned with your goals and photography passion. Second, it shows creativity and ingenuity to future employers. Third, it allows you to combine two unlikely concepts that can put you ahead of the curve.
Creating your own major may require extra work. But, it can also be a fantastic opportunity, especially if you are confident in your goals after college.
Skip College
While specific majors can benefit your photography, the truth is that nothing will get you there like practicing. Skipping college and focusing on your art will help you avoid distractions.
Spending your time and money mastering photography is one of the best ways to improve in it.
Practice makes perfect. The more time you spend practicing, the more likely you are to reach your goals.
Conclusion
As an aspiring photographer, you can go to college or skip it altogether. What matters most is that you continue to pursue your passions regardless of where you end up. By researching your options ahead of time, you can be better prepared to pursue whatever you feel is your calling, with your camera in hand.
