The photography program at USA encourages growth of independent artists through experimentation, exploration, and innovation in relation to the photographic process. Students are exposed to a wide range of photographic processes such as black and white, color, historical and alternative processes, bookmaking, and digital photography.

Photographic techniques taught include studio lighting, a variety of film and digital camera formats, professional presentation of artwork, editing programs, scanning, darkroom and inkjet printing. While learning the technical aspects of photography, students are taught to conceptualize the imagery they are creating and are given the freedom to explore the various processes to aid their imagery.