Doctor of Philosophy in Art Practice, Concentration in Photography

Doctoral programs in studio and visual arts are often geared toward professional artists who are interested in pushing forward with their work while simultaneously completing a dissertation. Ph.D. programs in photography also can be beneficial for graduate students or working photographers who are interested in becoming university-level photography professors or researchers in the medium.

Students who enroll in a Ph.D. program in art practice with a concentration in photography often spend classroom hours studying the theories behind art critiques and practices, as well as research methodologies in the visual arts field. Dissertations can be either a written examination of photography, a new installation or public project, or both. A Ph.D. program in photography often allows the student to work closely with a faculty member who can help shape his or her academic career.

Education Prerequisites

Before applying to a Ph.D. program in photography, students should first earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Master of Fine Arts from an accredited university. Typically, they also must submit a portfolio of previous work, a statement of purpose, a dissertation prospectus and GRE scores.

Program Coursework

Ph.D. programs in the studio arts are often highly individualized and tailored to a particular student's artistic interests. Some courses that might be similar for the majority of Ph.D. students include:

• Advanced art practice
• Contemporary looks at critical issues
• New art history prospective
• Public space and art
• Art practice research
• Graduate studies in art history
• Confronting the object
• Theories of contemporary art

Popular Career Options

A Ph.D. program in photography can prepare artists for several creative, academic and professional career opportunities. Some of these might include:

• Professional studio photographer
• Art critic
• Art historian
• Photography professor
• Art director
• Commercial photographer
• Public art program director