What can you do with a Photography degree from Savannah College of Art and Design?

First, some facts. Of the Photography graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 24 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 70%, Photography graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design have a slightly higher likelihood (+3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 70%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 16% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Photography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Photography graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design and our analysis:


Relevance score: 96%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2012 from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Photography. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Design/Production Intern
Alice & Trixie
Aug 2014 - Nov 2014
The Design/Production Intern position at Alice & Trixie may involve some visual and creative skills related to photography, but it is not directly focused on photography as a core qualification.

Production Intern
Yigal Azroul, Inc.
Nov 2014 - Feb 2015
The Production Intern role at Yigal Azroul, Inc. may require some visual skills and knowledge related to photography, especially in understanding aesthetics, but it doesn't primarily utilize photography skills on a daily basis.

Visual Merchandiser
UNIQLO
Nov 2014 - Oct 2017
The Visual Merchandiser position at UNIQLO requires a strong understanding of visual composition and aesthetics, directly aligning with the skills learned in a Bachelor's degree in Photography.

Graphic Designer
UNIQLO
Oct 2017 - Jul 2020
The Graphic Designer role at UNIQLO directly utilizes the skills and knowledge from a photography background, particularly in visual communication and design principles.

Lead Marketing Graphic Designer
UNIQLO
Nov 2020 - Dec 2022
As Lead Marketing Graphic Designer at UNIQLO, this position heavily relies on the creative and visual skills developed from a photography degree, making it highly relevant to the field of photography.

ABOUT

My artistic expression is a fusion of creativity and meticulous coordination, embodying a dynamic synergy that transcends conventional boundaries. Rooted in my innate ability to harmonize diverse elements, my journey weaves through the realms of design and organization. Drawing inspiration from local markets and global influences, I embark on a multifaceted exploration that transforms raw materials and concepts into captivating narratives.Collaboration is the cornerstone of my creative philosophy. Working in close collaboration with design teams, I excel in orchestrating simultaneous tasks, seamlessly translating ideas into tangible expressions. This dynamic role extends beyond the studio as I bridge the gap between imagination and reality, ensuring the flawless execution of designs in factories. My artistic narrative thus becomes an intricate tapestry, woven with threads of creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering visually compelling and meticulously organized outcomes.

What jobs can you get with a Photography degree from Savannah College of Art and Design?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Looking at the various jobs held by graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design with degrees in Photography, we can see a mix of roles that range from directly relevant to somewhat related to photography. A fair number of individuals have found success in positions that require them to use their skills in photography directly—like Photographers, Photo Assistants, and even Instructors teaching photography courses. These roles not only demand a solid understanding of photographic techniques but also a creative eye, which these graduates clearly honed during their studies. For instance, jobs like Freelance Photographer and Owner of their own photography businesses are popular paths, demonstrating a clear alignment with their educational background. However, not all roles taken up by these graduates are strongly tied to photography. Many have ventured into jobs that incorporate some aspects of visual art or design, like Gallery Coordinators or Digital Marketing Specialists, which only partially leverage their photography skills. Some have even ended up in positions that are mostly unrelated to photography, such as retail or project management roles, indicating a divergence from their major. In short, while many SCAD grads find fulfilling careers that tap deep into their photography training, a significant number also explore broader paths that don't necessarily scream "photographer." It's a blend of passion and practicality, where the degree opens various doors, not all of which lead directly back to photography.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Photography graduates (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Savannah College of Art and Design):

What kind of career trajectories do Photography graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career paths of graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design who studied Photography, it's clear that many of them have found their way into photography-related roles soon after graduation. For instance, right out of college, a number of them started off as photography assistants, production coordinators, or lab technicians—solid entry-level jobs that allow them to build their experience and networks in the field. Some graduates jumped straight into self-employment as photographers or artists, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit within the creative industry. While a few have taken on roles that might seem less directly related to photography—like positions in sales or marketing—many still manage to keep photography as a focal point in their careers.

Fast forward five to ten years after graduation, and it’s a mixed bag. Many of these alumni seem to have carved out successful careers, continuing to work as photographers, art directors, or educators. Positions like gallery coordinators or digital marketing specialists illustrate the versatility of a photography degree, enabling some graduates to pivot into related creative industries. However, there are also individuals who have taken on roles that stray further from their original artistic training, such as project management positions in unrelated fields. Overall, while a significant number of graduates have thrived in photography or closely related fields, there’s a noticeable trend of some transitioning into roles that don’t align directly with their degree. For many, it’s a testament to adaptability in a competitive job market, but it does make it clear that not every graduate ends up working in their initial passion area.

How hard is a Photography degree from Savannah College of Art and Design?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Photography at a place like Savannah College of Art and Design can be a mix of challenges and fun, but overall, it’s probably a bit on the harder side compared to, say, general studies. You’ll dive into not just taking pictures but also learning a ton about photo editing, art history, and the business side of it. Expect to spend a good bit of time on projects—like perfecting that one photo for your portfolio or mastering lighting techniques—so it can be time-consuming and require a lot of dedication. If you love being creative and are willing to put in the work, though, you'll likely find it super rewarding, even if the workload can feel intense at times.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Photography.

Do Photography graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these Photography grads from SCAD, it's pretty clear that their earnings have been a mixed bag. Some of them have climbed up the ladder into decent roles, like owning their photography businesses or managing projects, which likely brings in some good income, especially if they’re successful in their niches. Others have taken on more entry-level positions or freelance gigs, which can be hit or miss when it comes to steady cash flow. Overall, it seems like while some are doing well financially, others may still be hustling to make ends meet, which is pretty common in the creative fields. So, if you're considering a career in photography, just know it could pay off, but it might take some time and a lot of effort to get to a comfortable spot.

What buzzwords do Photography graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Photography (this is across all Photography graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Savannah College of Art and Design). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Photography?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Photography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Photography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
School of Visual Arts 78 14
Academy of Art University 73 11
Fashion Institute of Technology 72 11
Savannah College of Art and Design 70 24
Columbia College Chicago 62 12
The Art Institutes 42 11