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| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery ( COVID delivery changes) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Photography - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | 100% Online |
| Photography - Diploma | 32 cr. | 100% Online |
| + Individualized Studies - A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | 100% Online |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Professional Photography Datasheet | ||
Photography is a growing visual industry that requires highly trained professionals. Students will learn about major aspects of photography through hands-on application of image capture in the DCTC studios and on-location with a focus on workflow, lighting, portraiture, and products. Post-production in the Adobe Creative Suite is included along with foundational courses in video capture, color management and print production. Important entrepreneurial courses are included in our A.A.S. degree as well.
The Professional Photography A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs prepare students to capture images in many different environments and then transform those images into client ready files or prints. The A.A.S. degree includes business courses preparing graduates for the current job market or photography business ownership. Students wishing to transfer to a four-year college or university may choose to earn an Individualized Studies A.S. Degree.
For more information, contact the Photography faculty listed below.
Students are required to own a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera. Speak with an instructor if you own a DSLR to confirm it meets the requirements, or for guidance in purchasing a camera.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
| Professional Photography A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Photography Diploma • 32 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $185.49/cr. | $185.49/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | $800 | $800 |
| Textbooks | $250 | $250 |
| Supplies | $325 | $325 |
| Grand Total | $13,791.40 | $7,997.08 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings at College Central Network Services. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Graduates become photographers and digital imaging specialists, with the foundation needed to advance with the industry. Opportunities in new technologies and niche areas continue to grow as clients expect a more sophisticated variety of services.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, although demand for some areas of photography may decrease by 4 percent in the next 10 years, other niche markets, such as drone photography, capturing of images and information for agricultural land, real estate, and new construction projects, and employment of self-employed photographers is projected to grow between 2019-2029. Demand for portrait photographers will remain as people continue to want new portraits. In addition, corporations will continue to require the services of commercial photographers to develop compelling advertisements to sell products may contribute to increased demand for these workers.
Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and/or universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. DCTC has articulation agreements in place with a number of public and private colleges and universities.
MN Transfer.org is your official guide to a seamless transfer experience in Minnesota Higher Education. Use this resource to find agreements that DCTC has entered with other Minnesota State institutions.
Do you want to see how your courses transfer to programs at participating colleges and universities? Add the coursework you've taken and use Transferology to find out how it might transfer to any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account and create a plan now!
Whether you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or an international student or transferring from high school or a four-year university, DCTC will help you through the process. Visit our Transfer Students page for more information.
The Photography program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student success in design competitions and student field trips, the accomplishments of our photographic technology instructors, and the careers of program alumni.
As a student in DCTC's Photography program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the photography industry through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Photography students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the photography field. The following clubs are a must if you're at all interested in boosting your competitive moxie as a professional photographer:
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization for students at community and technical colleges across the U.S. The organization focuses on students in academic programs that lead to careers in the trade, industrial, technical and health care fields. Nearly 100 SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels relate to leadership skills or programs of study at DCTC.
DCTC Photons Photography Club
The DCTC Photons is a student run organization that is open to all students and faculty who are interested in photography and the visual communications field. The club offers hands on opportunities to learn more about the visual communications field, through networking, workshops, volunteering and photo walks. You must be a current or registered student at Dakota County Technical College to be a member. All DCTC students and faculty are encouraged to become DCTC Photons.
