College of Arts & Sciences · Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor's in Photography and Video

Program Overview

Turn Your Creative Vision Into Reality

Maryville University's Photography and Video BFA prepares students for creative careers in photography, videography and contemporary visual media. Students develop their artistic voice while building market-ready technical skills, gaining professional experience and creating a diverse, competitive portfolio.

What sets the program apart

    • Develop professional skills in photography, videography and visual media production.
    • Build a diverse, competitive portfolio through hands-on creative work.
    • Gain experience with digital media, professional technology and equipment.
    • Develop both artistic expression and market-ready creative skills.

An Overview of Photography and Video at Maryville

 
These aren't classes where you just sit and listen. You're actually creating every day. You're in the studio working with real equipment and figuring things out as you go. It feels way more hands on than anything I've ever done. It doesn't feel like typical schoolwork. It feels real. The excursions are a big part of it, especially early on. You get to go out and shoot at so many different places. We're not just stuck in a classroom. We're going out and shooting in real environments. You're learning while you're actually doing it, not just talking about it. This year, me and Taylor were selected to go to Vegas. It was such an awesome opportunity. It showed how far you could take this if you really commit to it. You come up with an idea and you actually bring it to life. Seeing your work turn out how you pictured it is the best feeling. You can really see yourself improving with every project. One of the biggest things is the connections you make through this program. You meet people who are already in the industry and that opens up a lot of doors. It's not just practice. You're getting real opportunities to work. A lot of us are already even doing paid work while we're still in school. You're building your portfolio and your network at the same time. Everyone here pushes each other to get better. It's competitive, but in a good way. It makes you want to keep improving. You're surrounded by people who actually care about what they're creating. That environment makes you want to work harder. It's more than just a program. This is where you figure out who you are as a creator. This is where it starts.
Why Maryville

Why Choose to the Photography and Video Program at Maryville?

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
  • Fall 2027 Start Date: August 23
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Photography and video professionals create visual work for organizations, brands, media, entertainment and the arts. Maryville's BFA prepares students with skills in photography, videography, visual media production and digital postproduction while developing the creative thinking and professional portfolio needed to pursue a range of visual careers.

Students balance concept development and artistic expression with market-ready technical skills. The program also supports students interested in fine art practice, professional exhibition and future graduate study.

Career Paths

Photographers use artistic vision and technical expertise to create images for commercial, editorial, advertising, fine art and digital media applications.
Videographers plan, capture and produce video content for organizations, brands, events, digital platforms and other visual media projects.
Film and video editors shape recorded footage into polished visual stories for digital media, entertainment, advertising, social media and commercial productions.
Digital imaging and postproduction specialists refine photography and visual media through editing, image correction, retouching and other digital postproduction techniques.
Visual content creators combine photography, video and digital media skills to develop engaging content for brands, organizations, publications and online audiences.
Fine artists develop original bodies of work for exhibitions, galleries and other professional art settings, often using photography, video and installation as creative media.
$70,570Median Annual Pay

Representative median annual salary for film and video editors and camera operators.

6,400Annual Job Openings

Representative average annual job openings across photographers, film and video editors and camera operators.

3%Projected Job Growth

Representative projected employment growth across photographers, film and video editors and camera operators for 2024–2034.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career statistics represent composite values derived from multiple occupations that align with Maryville's Photography and Digital Art program, including photographers, film and video editors and camera operators, and special effects artists and animators. Actual outcomes vary based on occupation, employer, location, experience, education and specialization.

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Photography and Video program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

You'll study photography, video production and visual storytelling while developing creative and technical skills through hands-on studio experiences and portfolio-building projects.
Yes. Throughout the program you'll create a professional portfolio that showcases your photography and video projects to prepare for internships, employment or graduate study.
Yes. The Photography and Video BFA allows students to complement their photography and video studies with Communications or Studio Art.
Students gain hands-on experience producing videos, building sets for fashion photo shoots, creating commissioned artwork, exhibiting work and developing professional-quality photography and video portfolios.
Graduates pursue careers in photography, film and video editing, content creation, marketing, advertising and other creative industries.
Maryville students complete project-based coursework, collaborate with faculty and professional partners, and graduate with practical experience and a portfolio that demonstrates their creative abilities.