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Photography Degrees and Careers

The Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design describes what students can expect from their photography degrees and photo work in general:

"Photography is not all about cameras, lights, and tripods. Photography is about people. It documents life, captures history, and evokes emotions by telling stories through a photographer’s lens."

If you have a passion for photography, you can translate this into an exciting and profitable career. A Certificate or Degree in Photography is a logical first step for those wishing to pursue photography as a field of study and a successful career. A photography degree helps you  discover technical, ethical, and professional skills you need to work as a photo professional.

Visual media has become a dominant form of communication in the 21st century. From the old black-and-white photo to photojournalism to Instagram, photography is an important part of (chronicling) our culture.

A photography program may offer a variety of courses, including:
  • black and white photography
  • color analog photos
  • digital photography
  • color and image manipulation
  • photojournalism
  • portraiture
  • commercial
  • latest technology
With a Certificate or Degree in Photography students will be prepared with both personal and professional skills for a career in commercial, editorial, or artistic photography. There are many schools that accept the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. You may be able to attend classes online or in person, or as a hybrid.

Certificate Program

A Certificate in Photography is designed for students to acquire the skills necessary to enter the profession of photography. Instruction is provided in analog photography (black and white, color) and digital photography. Students are also instructed in mastery of the latest equipment.

Associate Degree in Photography

An Associate Degree in Photography will encourage students to gain both technical and conceptual skills to approach photography both academically and artistically. An Associate Degree program will offer students a wide variety of hands-on opportunities including:
  • analog and digital photography
  • digital and analog 35mm-, medium-, and large-format cameras
  • printing in traditional/analog
  • printing in digital forms
  • mural prints
  • light-boxes and other alternative processes
  • skills in studio lighting
  • Photoshop

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Photography

GI Bill®-approved Schools with an Associate Degree in Photography

Ready to start your Associate Degree in Photography? Check out these great programs available at our partner schools:

Hancock College- Offers an Associate Degree in Photography and a Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Photography. Allan Hancock College has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Allan Hancock College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance

Moorpark College- Offers an Associate of Science Degree in Photography and a Certificate of Achievement in Photography. Moorpark College is a GI Bill® approved school and offers credit for military experience. Moorpark College is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

A Bachelor’s Degree in Photography will encourage a student’s holistic growth, both as a student and as a photographer. Students can analyze and make their own photographic works of art. A great photography program will help students:

Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

GI Bill®-approved Schools with a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography

Concordia University Wisconsin- Offers Photography as a minor for its Bachelor of Art degrees. Concordia U-WI has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Concordia U-WI is a MyCAA approved school and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Concordia U-WI participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Framingham State University- Offers Photography as a minor for its undergraduate degrees. Framingham State University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. Framingham State University is a MyCAA approved school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Otis College of Art and Design- Offers a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a Concentration in Photography. Otis College has GI Bill approved programs and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Otis College participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

University of Nevada Las Vegas- Offers a Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration Photography and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with a Concentration in Photography. UNLV has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams. UNLV is approved for Tuition Assistance and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.