Develop Advanced Digital Photography Skills at NYFA
NYFA’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Degree in Photography program provides a creative, energizing setting for photographers to develop, challenge, and master their skills and talents. By combining lectures and critiques with intense learning, students acquire an in-depth understanding and appreciation of still photography, its history, and photographic theories, learning to integrate knowledge and creativity with hands-on experience. Throughout their time at NYFA, students engage with a diverse international student body and a core faculty of working professionals. Through challenging, practical coursework, instructors help students keep pace with technological and industry changes, pushing them to excel in all the areas needed to advance in an ever-evolving art form.
Faculty Highlights
Curriculum
In NYFA’s MFA program, students choose a fine art, fashion, documentary, journalistic or commercial approach and are evaluated by the professional standards established for those genres. As NYFA embraces all lens-based media, the MFA program offers a unique curriculum that includes digital and film-based photography, stills and moving images, as well as:
- Introductory and advanced coursework in classes such as Lighting, Imaging, Printing, as well as a selection of courses in Business, Marketing, Theory, History, and Art Practice. Classes stress critical theory, history, and technical aptitude and center on contemporary issues
- Instruction by expert photography faculty and staff who actively work in commercial or fine art photography
- Access to a wide selection of professional-grade cameras and lighting kits
- Guest lectures and critiques by Photographers, Artists, and Curators, are ever-present opportunities for additional learning and inspiration
To learn more, refer to NYFA’s Course Catalog or request more information.
The MFA in Photography is an accelerated four-semester graduate program. Candidates for the MFA in Photography at NYFA must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, write an analytical research paper, and produce a comprehensive thesis project to graduate.
Throughout the MFA, students expand their skills in lighting, imaging, printing, the business of photography, marketing, and theory. Many classes include projects such as branding approaches, marketing plans, self-promotion techniques, as well as projects that allow students to hone their artistic voice. For a full list of projects MFA students complete, see our photography projects page.
The hands-on MFA in Photography curriculum is supported by History and Theory Courses designed to align with many topics within the discipline. Prospective MFA students can learn more about these requirements on NYFA’s History and Theory Courses page.
The MFA is offered at NYFA’s photography school in Los Angeles. At NYFA Los Angeles, students have consistent access to industry-standard equipment, shooting locations, and facilities.
NYFA Los Angeles
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
3300 W Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91505
Please note: Equipment, curriculum, and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location. Students should consult the most recently published campus catalog for the most up-to-date curriculum.