What Schools Offer Photography Classes & Degrees in Atlanta, GA?

Photography programs near Atlanta can be found at the certificate and degree levels offering many options for those wanting to study in the field. Certificate programs focus more on the digital aspects of photography and production while degree programs focus more on the technical aspects of the field.

What You Need to Know

Photography classes in and around Atlanta, GA, are offered through short technical college certificate programs or longer 2-year associate's degree and 4-year bachelor's degree programs at colleges and universities. Hands-on and lab learning are common components of these programs, which typically balance technical and creative skills. Students may also need to complete a portfolio or final project to earn a degree.

Photography Certificate Programs near Atlanta, GA

Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Technical College can be found northeast of Atlanta, GA. The digital imaging specialist certificate program offers courses covering multimedia design, camera techniques and related computer use. You may also develop skills in taking pictures, web development, related technology use, CD/DVD production and photograph design.

• Program Name: Digital Imaging Specialist Certificate
• Program Length: 17 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $2,972 per year for GA residents; $5,108 per year for non-residents
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 9,124 students (all undergraduates)

Southern Crescent Technical College

Located south of Atlanta, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College's digital photographer certificate program includes courses in digital imaging, commercial photography, portraiture and visual theory. These courses cover topics in posing techniques, black and white photography, safety techniques, lighting techniques, equipment use, Photoshop use and exposure. Some courses can provide hands-on training in laboratory environments.

• Program Name: Digital Photographer Technical Certificate of Credit
• Program Length: 12 credit hours
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $2,842 per year for residents; $4,982 per year for non-residents
• School Type: 2-year, public; almost 4,900 students (all undergraduates)

Photography Associate's Degree Program near Atlanta, GA

Gwinnett Technical College

In addition to subjects covered through the school's certificate program in digital imaging, this program will include instruction in the development of a portfolio and advanced photography concepts. While enrolled in this program, you may also need to complete multiple workshops and an internship or practicum in order to gain hands-on skills development. If you're looking for a shorter program that doesn't result in a degree, this school also offers a 55-credit hour diploma program with similar courses, including the development of a portfolio and completion of an internship.

• Program Name: Associate of Applied Science in Photography
• Program Length: 2 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $2,972 per year for residents; $5,108 per year for non-residents
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 9,124 students (all undergraduates)

Photography Bachelor's Degree Programs near Atlanta, GA

Georgia State University

Located in downtown Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University's studio bachelor's degree program features courses covering 2-D and 3-D design, art history, drawing and contemporary issues. The photography concentration covers topics in studio and digital photography, alternative processes, photography history and color photography. Before you can graduate, you're required to complete studio-based courses providing hands-on training. You'll also complete a portfolio in cooperation with a faculty advisor.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio
• Specialized Areas: Photography
• Program Length: 4 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $9,112 per year for residents; $23,971 per year for non-residents
• Requirements: Portfolio review (only for transfer students, freshmen are exempt)
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 27,300 undergraduate and 7,100 graduate students

Kennesaw State University

The bachelor's degree program in art offers courses in drawing, related computer application use, electronic illustration, printmaking, book arts, ceramics, professional practices and jewelry. The photography concentration may also provide training in life drawing, film and digital photography, advanced photographic techniques and photography history. Before you can graduate, your program may require you to complete a senior project and submit work to a senior exhibition.

• Program Name: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art
• Specialized Areas: Photography
• Program Length: 4 years, full-time
• Tuition and Fees (2018-2019): $6,347 per year for residents; $17,329 for non-residents
• Requirements: Work portfolio
• School Type: 4-year, public; about 32,274 undergraduate and 3,146 graduate students

Those interested in fundamental-focused study of photography can choose to enroll in certificate programs from two technical colleges, or can choose a broader associate's or bachelor's degree in related fields with a photography concentration.