College of Arts & Sciences · Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor's in Photography and Digital Art

Program Overview

Turn Your Creative Vision Into Reality

Maryville University's Photography and Digital Art program blends artistic exploration with technical expertise, preparing students to create compelling visual work across photography, digital media, and emerging creative technologies. Students build professional portfolios while working closely with experienced faculty in a collaborative studio environment.

What sets the program apart

    • Develop skills in photography, video production and visual art.
    • Build a professional portfolio through project-based learning.
    • Complete immersive projects connected to commercial and fine art careers.
    • Choose a built-in Communications minor or Studio Art minor that supports your creative interests.

An Overview of Photography and Digital Art 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 Photography and Digital Art 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

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

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Photography and digital art professionals create visual experiences that inform, inspire and connect with audiences across industries. Graduates apply creative and technical skills in photography, digital imaging, multimedia, advertising, marketing, publishing, entertainment and fine arts while building a professional portfolio that showcases their work.

Maryville's Photography and Digital Art program emphasizes hands-on learning through creative projects that mirror professional practice. Students develop photography, digital art and video skills while collaborating on real-world projects that strengthen both artistic vision and technical expertise.

Career Paths

Photographers use artistic and technical expertise to create images for commercial, editorial, fine art, advertising and digital media applications.
Multimedia artists and animators create digital images, illustrations, visual effects and interactive media for entertainment, advertising, education and business.
Graphic designers develop visual concepts that communicate ideas through print, digital media, branding and marketing materials.
Film and video editors assemble recorded footage into polished productions for film, television, streaming, social media and commercial clients.
Art directors oversee the visual style of publications, advertising campaigns, product packaging, websites and other creative projects.
Content creators produce engaging visual media for brands, organizations and online audiences using photography, digital design and video production skills.
$76,000Median Annual Salary

Representative median annual salary based on three common career paths for graduates of Maryville's Photography and Digital Art program: photographers, multimedia artists and animators, and film and video editors and camera operators.

24,100Annual Job Openings

Representative average annual job openings across photographers, film and video editors and camera operators, and special effects artists and animators.

3%Projected Job Growth

Representative projected employment growth across photographers, film and video editors and camera operators, and special effects artists and animators 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 Digital Art 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, digital art, 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, digital artwork and multimedia projects to prepare for internships, employment or graduate study.
Yes. Students can complement the major with a built-in Communications minor focused on social media or a Studio Art minor featuring painting, drawing, clay, metals and mixed media.
Students gain hands-on experience producing videos, building sets for fashion photo shoots, creating commissioned artwork, exhibiting work and developing professional-quality photography and digital art portfolios.
Graduates pursue careers in photography, digital art, graphic design, multimedia production, 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.