Why Major in Photography?
Photography majors study and apply visual elements of art and develop an artistic direction through photography. Faculty focus on teaching students proper techniques and methods of creating and printing photographs digitally, non-traditionally and through a darkroom. Students spend many hours working in the studio gaining hands-on experiences and preparing projects for presentation.
Minor in Art
A minor in art teaches students the fundamentals of drawing, design and medieval or renaissance to present day art. After taking the required courses, students can customize their minor from a list of approved electives. For a list of required courses, visit the academic catalog. This minor requires the completion of 24 credit hours.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Bri's story »
Career Opportunities
93%
placement rate
93% of art majors find employment or continue their education within six months of graduation. Jobs and professions related to this major include:
- Photographer
- Photo lab technician
- Studio coordinator
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Faculty encourage students to enter art competitions and solo shows. Students gain real-world experience by working for clients, selling masterpieces and receiving feedback from clients.
Students are encouraged to submit their best work for presentation at the annual Celebration of Quality, an interdisciplinary symposium spotlighting exceptional student work throughout campus.
Internships
Although internships are not required, they are highly encouraged for additional hands-on experience to ensure students are career-ready at graduation.
Ashley Ward
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Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program can be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.

Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
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More than $19 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
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Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
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Graduation Rate: 89th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.