Photography
See what our students can do. You can too!
Our 1 p.m. Tuesday Campus Visits have gone virtual! Learn more and RSVP here.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery ( COVID delivery changes) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Photography - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online | On Campus |
| Photography - Diploma | 32 cr. | Rosemount | Online | On Campus |
| + Technical Management - A.A.S Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online | On Campus |
| + Individualized Studies - A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | Rosemount | Online | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Professional Photography Datasheet | ||
Photography is a creative visual industry that requires highly trained professionals. Students learn all major aspects of photography through hands-on application of image capture, lighting, computer software, portraiture and print production. Courses in design skills, video and color management round out your experience.
The Professional Photography A.A.S. Degree and Diploma programs deliver the skills to capture excellent images in many different environments, then transform those images into professional-quality prints. The A.A.S. degree includes business courses, providing the knowledge to manage or own a successful photography business. Students may earn a Technical Management A.A.S. Degree (for those entering the workforce upon graduation), or an Individualized Studies A.S. Degree (for those wishing to transfer to a four-year college or university).
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 | $179.22/cr. | $179.22/cr. |
| Fees | $21.45/cr. | $21.45/cr. |
| Tools/Equipment | $800 | $800 |
| Textbooks | $250 | $250 |
| Supplies | $325 | $325 |
| Grand Total | $13,415.20 | $7,796.44 |
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.
Employment in the general areas of Arts, Design, and Media Occupations is expected to grow at a rate of seven percent from 2012-22, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over the next decade, demand for freelance photographers may grow at a higher rate than the rate for full-time jobs, as discretionary income increases and as demand for contract photography jobs via internet marketing, magazines, social media, and commercial advertising increase.
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.
In 2013, DCTC fielded 17 students at the nationals who ranked in the top 15 in the nation. For more information about the competition, read "DCTC Students Rock at SkillsUSA Nationals" on DCTC News.
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.
