Best institutions to study Photojournalism
A program that focuses on the use of still and motion photography in journalism and prepares individuals to function as news photographers and photographic editors.
14 U.S. institutions graduated 66 Photojournalism students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0404, a specialization of Journalism (CIP 09.04), and leads most directly to the Photographers occupation (BLS SOC 27-4021).
About Photojournalism programs
A program that focuses on the use of still and motion photography in journalism and prepares individuals to function as news photographers and photographic editors. Includes instruction in photography, journalism, studio procedures and techniques, camera and equipment operation and technique, news editing, print and film editing, news scene composition, subject surveillance, media law and policy, news team field operations, and professional standards and ethics.
See also: 50.0605 - Photography.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Photojournalism program, a specialization within Journalism, focuses on the art of visual storytelling through still and motion photography. This program is designed for individuals who aspire to become news photographers and photographic editors, equipping them with the necessary skills to capture compelling images that convey news and information effectively.
Students in the Photojournalism program will gain expertise in photography techniques, camera operation, news editing, and media law. Coursework emphasizes practical skills such as composition, lighting, and the ethical standards required in journalism.
Credentials awarded
What Photojournalism graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree49 graduates / yr · 10 institutions74%
- Master's degree12 graduates / yr · 2 institutions18%
- Associate's degree3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year2 graduates / yr · 2 institutions3.0%
Graduates over time
Photojournalism completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 185 |
| 2013 | 227 |
| 2014 | 178 |
| 2015 | 183 |
| 2016 | 167 |
| 2017 | 147 |
| 2018 | 125 |
| 2019 | 141 |
| 2020 | 112 |
| 2021 | 141 |
| 2022 | 111 |
| 2023 | 138 |
| 2024 | 90 |
| 2025 | 66 |
Top 14 institutions for Photojournalism, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 14 | 84% | $28,851 | $40,757 |
| 2 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicBachelor's | 14 | 65% | — | $38,246 |
| 3 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor's | 10 | 37% | — | $28,139 |
| 4 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 7 | 84% | $29,789 | $52,015 |
| 5 | Columbia College Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 52% | $28,087 | $31,369 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicBachelor's | 5 | 56% | — | $35,050 |
| 7 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicBachelor's | 2 | 59% | — | $25,033 |
| 8 | Spokane Falls Community College Spokane, WAPublicAssociate's | 2 | 32% | — | — |
| 9 | Oakwood University Huntsville, ALPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 45% | $23,870 | — |
| 10 | Vincennes University Vincennes, INPublicAssociate's | 1 | 39% | — | — |
| 11 | Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 22% | — | — |
| 12 | Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MNPublicBachelor's | 1 | 57% | — | — |
| 13 | Widener University Chester, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 68% | $29,049 | $22,058 |
| 14 | Francis Tuttle Technology Center Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 52% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Journalism field (CIP 09.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 12 states
Where Photojournalism graduates come from. Each state links to all Journalism programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1 | 14 | Syracuse University14 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 14 | Ohio University - Main Campus14 / yr |
| Oklahoma | 2 | 11 | University of Central Oklahoma10 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 7 | George Washington University7 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 6 | Columbia College Chicago6 / yr |
| Kentucky | 1 | 5 | Western Kentucky University5 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 3 | Central Michigan University2 / yr |
| Washington | 1 | 2 | Spokane Falls Community College2 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 1 | Oakwood University1 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 1 | Vincennes University1 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 1 | Minnesota State University Moorhead1 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 1 | Widener University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4021, Photographers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Photojournalism program can pursue careers as photographers, news analysts, reporters, and film and video editors. The job outlook indicates little or no change in this field, with an annual opening of approximately 12,700 positions and a median wage of $42,520. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0404
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Photographersprimary SOC 27-4021 | $44,660 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~12,700 | High school diploma or equivalent |
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists SOC 27-3023 | $62,200 | -3.9% Decline | ~4,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Film and Video Editors SOC 27-4032 | $75,420 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~3,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Photojournalism programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Tools and technology used
Other Journalism specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Journalism (CIP 09.04).
- JournalismCIP 09.04019,258 graduates / yr356 institutions
- JournalismCIP 09.04991,031 graduates / yr40 institutions
- Broadcast JournalismCIP 09.0402712 graduates / yr49 institutions
- Science/CIP 09.0407
Health/ Environmental Journalism limited data7 graduates / yr1 institutions - Cultural JournalismCIP 09.0406limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Business and Economic Journalism09.0405
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Photojournalism?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing, among others.
What types of careers can I pursue with a degree in Photojournalism?+
You can work as a photographer, news analyst, reporter, or film and video editor.
What is the job outlook for photojournalists?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 12,700 annual openings and a median wage of $42,520.
What is the CIP code for Photojournalism?+
Photojournalism is CIP 09.0404 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Journalism (CIP 09.04). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the use of still and motion photography in journalism and prepares individuals to function as news photographers and photographic editors. Includes instruction in photography, journalism, studio procedures and techniques, camera and equipment operation and technique, news editing, print and film editing, news scene composition, subject surveillance, media law and policy, news team field operations, and professional standards and ethics.
How many institutions offer Photojournalism programs?+
14 U.S. institutions reported Photojournalism graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 12 states, awarding 66 credentials in the year. That is 0.6% of all Journalism graduates.
How much do Photojournalism graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Photographers occupation, which Photojournalism most directly leads to, pays a median of $44,660 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Journalism field report median earnings of $35,050 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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