Digital Photography Associate's Degree
An associate degree in digital photography teaches you the skills to work as a professional photographer within a corporation or as a freelancer. Read on to learn more about what to expect from the degree program, equipment you will need and what employment outlook is for this field.
Can I Earn an Associate's Degree in Digital Photography?
Several technical schools, community colleges and universities offer 2-year associate degree programs in photography with digital photography coursework or even specifically in digital photography. These programs may result in a terminal degree or one that you can transfer into a bachelor's degree program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Imaging software, portraiture, event photography, studio lighting, portfolio strategies</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Learning</b></td><td>Course offerings available on-site and online</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td>Digital camera and equipment, imaging software</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td>4% decline for photographers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td>$41,280 per year</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectToLearn">What Can I Expect to Learn?</h3><p>Associate degree programs in digital photography usually combine general education courses with training in art and photographic techniques. Some classes may be administered in traditional classroom settings, while others require you to work in labs, dark rooms or at various outdoor locations. Class topics you might find in the curriculum include:
</p><ul><li>Portrait photography
</li><li>Adobe Photoshop
</li><li>Fashion photography
</li><li>Wedding pictures
</li><li>Lighting techniques
</li><li>Sports events photography
</li><li>Studio operations
</li><li>Portfolio strategies
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnItOnline">Can I Earn It Online?</h3><p>Fully online associate degree programs in digital photography are relatively rare due to the fieldwork and Photoshop experience required. Some schools offer hybrid options that combine on-site and online courses. If you enroll in a hybrid or online program, you'll usually be required to submit your work over the Internet or create an online portfolio. You'll also need a variety of software and hardware programs installed on your personal computer to properly participate remotely.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWouldINeedForTheJob">What Would I Need for the Job?</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most professional photographers now use digital cameras (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). Digital equipment allows you to transfer pictures to a computer, where they can be organized, edited and stored electronically. You might also use the Internet to submit work to employers and clients or create Web-based photography portfolios. Your equipment could include lenses, tripods, filters or lighting instruments. As a digital photographer, you could specialize in portraiture, photojournalism, commercial photography or fine arts photography.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobMarketLike">What Is the Job Market Like?</h3><p>The BLS reported the median annual salary for photographers was $41,280 as of May 2020. According to the BLS photographers in all industries are expected to see a job decline of 4% during the 2019-2029 time period. Due to strong competition, the BLS recommended that photographers acquire additional skills related to editing pictures and capturing digital video to increase their marketability.</p>