Grow as an artist and image maker with opportunities to explore the full range of photographic techniques from innovative digital technologies to historical photographic practices.
Since its inception, photography has held a special role in visual communication due its unique power to convey ideas, evoke emotion and document reality. Tyler’s interdisciplinary and expansive approach encourages you to find your own voice and vision in this multifaceted and ever-evolving field.
Tyler offers an MFA in photography. Learn more about furthering your education here.
Tyler’s photography degree program was one of the first art schools in the country to offer a BFA and MFA in photography. We’re also the first place to teach color photography.
Image making technology is constantly evolving and as a student at Tyler, you will have access to all the tools to decide what methods are best suited to convey your unique vision.
Tyler attracts a vibrant community of artists who are passionate about the photographic practice, the range of contexts for the photographic image, and the way photographs circulate through society in galleries, newspapers, online platforms, digital billboards and more. At Tyler, you will be invited to explore the question: What does it mean to be a photographer now?
Choosing a renowned art school is a big move. It says you take yourself and your image-making seriously. It demonstrates your commitment to your education and professional possibilities for a dynamic and sustainable career in photography.
At Tyler you will have access to exceptional facilities and unique opportunities that only a large university in a big city can provide.
Philadelphia features a vibrant and dynamic art scene with a rich legacy in photography. Discover your inspiration in its museums, galleries and creative art community. The city also offers many internship and job opportunities;Some of our students stay and build their careers here.
The Tyler School of Art and Architecture features its own admissions team, who can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your educational and career goals.
The photography BFA program at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture emphasizes a comprehensive blend of cutting-edge technologies,historical photographic processes, and theories of the medium.
Photographs were once rare and special, but they have always played a key role in shaping our identity, sense of place, and understanding of history. They tell stories and evoke emotions in ways that words or other forms of media often cannot. In today’s culture, photographic images are part of everyday life and more influential than ever. With images everywhere, today’s artists have new ways to push beyond traditional limits.
Using the program's historical approach, you get the opportunity to refine traditional and alternative techniques:
Your well-rounded and immersive education prepares you to pursue a graduate degree or embark on a photography-centered career — including the freedom to forge a personalized professional path aligned to your interests and skills.
The Tyler School of Art and Architecture and the Fox School of Business Management collaborate to offer this undergraduate certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship for artists and other creatives who want to add business skills too.
This program prepares BFA students, with an approved course of study, to qualify for Pennsylvania Teaching Certification in Art, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students must complete the BFA requirements along with 32 credit hours in education, art education, and specified liberal arts courses. Education-related studies begin in the sophomore year. Students generally take 5 years to fulfill all requirements or the 155 credit degree. All candidates for Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Art, K-12 must earn passing scores in the Praxis I and II National Teacher Examinations, Elementary Education: General Knowledge, and the Art Education Examinations.
In addition to learning core photography skills and gaining technical fluency with a variety of methods and strategies, Tyler’s BFA degree teaches you transferable skills that build your professional confidence in any setting.
Graduates of Tyler’s BFA in photography degree program pursue a wide range of career options. Whatever path you choose, Tyler's emphasis on developing both personal artistic vision and technical skill makes you a flexible, adaptable artist wherever your career takes you.
Tyler’s photography degree program fosters an environment that mirrors life as a professional image-maker. We build community and share opportunities to support your personal development.
Work inside Tyler’s digital labs and studios, including a dedicated lighting studio and print finishing areas. Get access to first-class darkrooms and labs, along with the chance to work with historical photographic processes.
So much innovative work happens inside your own head. That’s why it’s good to get outside of yourself and your studio. Grab your cameras and go abroad to Rome or Tokyo.
Connect with your classmates and lovers of photography through the Tyler Photo Club. This student-run organization creates broader connections with creators on and off campus.
See how your future classmates at Tyler use various photography equipment, methods and digital tools to create meaningful images.
Lindsey Koma Student
Student
Toney William Student
Maddie Williams Student
Yaqeen Alyamani Student
Wenya Luo Student
Arianna Yazjerd Student
Dive deeper into the innovative projects and diverse talents of our students. Discover a wider range of creative work, from cutting-edge designs to thought-provoking concepts, and see how our Tyler creative's are shaping the world around them.
At Tyler, you join a community of classmates, alumni and faculty-mentors who contribute their influence and thought-leadership to your academic and studio art experiences. Let them explain the strength and benefits of earning your photography BFA here.
"I went from a student unconfident about his major to an artist because of Tyler. The photo program at Tyler has been instrumental in my development as an artist, pushing me to explore new mediums within photography and create work I’m truly proud of. From darkroom printing to bookmaking, the Tyler photo program has challenged me into creating work I never imagined I would be able to make. The welcoming community within the photo program has made me more confident and critical of my work, significantly improving my work and myself as an artist."
“The photography program at Tyler School of Art and Architecture holds a special community of artists and educators that nurture artistic skills and inspire creativity. During my time at Temple, this welcoming community encouraged my artistic and professional growth while making me feel at home.”
“We prepare students for success by fostering both creative and professional skills by helping them build strong portfolios, develop their personal voices, and understand how to navigate the evolving field of photographic media.”
Tyler’s faculty members have their own professional practices and deep knowledge and passion in the field. As mentors as well as professors, they are here to support your artistic growth. Meet your professors and learn more about their areas of expertise.
Read the latest news from our inspiring community of working artists / faculty, current students and successful alumni.
Join our online community and follow along with our Instagram posts. See photos and learn more about what’s happening in photography at Tyler.
In addition to Tyler’s specialized admissions team, you’re welcome to contact the photography program leadership.
PhD (He/Him), Assistant Professor of Instruction and Program Head of Photography
