Pursue An Online Photography Degree
Bachelor’s, Associate, and Certificate Programs
Application Deadline: December 9
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About Our Programs
Capture the Moment Like a Pro
Are you looking to turn your talent into a career as a professional photographer?
At Sessions College, you can take advantage of a wide array of programs, from our intensive Undergraduate Certificate to our award-winning BFA. Mentored by a faculty of creative professionals, you will gain industry-relevant skills and credentials—and enhance your portfolio.
Application Deadline. Enroll by December 9 to enter January 6, 2025 classes.
Program Length: Certificate to Bachelor's
Tuition: $300 per credit
Next Start:
January 6, 2025
App Deadline:
December 9
“The Sessions Photography Program builds a foundation in creative and technical skills to empower you to create photographs that compete in the market. Our online curriculum allows flexibility while preparing you for a field where the ability to self-start and to work with minimal oversight is king.”
Felicia Kieselhorst
Department Head of Digital Photography, Sessions College
Program Curriculum
Choose from an exciting range of degree level programs. Credit transfer and part-time schedules available.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography provides a foundation in the skills required to practice as a professional photographer. Students gain experience in commercial photography scenarios and develop proficiency in Photoshop and Lightroom. Students explore typical photography assignments, including portraiture, event photography, and product photography, learning how to adjust for lighting and location to achieve professional results.
- Intensive 24-credit program completed in 2 semesters.
- Gain in-demand photography and software skills.
- Earn a stackable credential to advance your career.
- Financial aid for students who qualify.
The Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Digital Photography is a rigorous two-year degree program for students seeking to enter careers as independent freelance photographers. Designed for high school graduates and adult learners, the program will offer a strong foundation in the visual language of photography and a working knowledge of the equipment, software, and production techniques that are essential in the photographic industry.
- Rigorous 72-credit program completed in 2 years or less.
- Provides a thorough foundation with a focus on building a portfolio.
- Includes Digital Photography Capstone and Portfolio Review.
- Financial aid, credit transfer, and creative scholarships for students who qualify.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Digital Photography program prepares new and current professionals in photography for their careers as professional creatives. The program is designed to produce graduates with the skills and attributes for tomorrow’s challenges: resourceful, adaptive critical thinkers who are prepared to excel in a professional environment, and whose work is based on effective research, problem-solving, and technical know-how.
- Comprehensive 120-credit program, completed in 3.3 years or less.
- Builds from foundational knowledge to individualized projects.
- Real world applications include work experience.
- Financial aid, credit transfer, and creative scholarships for students who qualify.
Program Outcomes
Students in each program can expect to develop core competencies.
Photography
Demonstrate effective and efficient use of a digital camera to create photographs applying well considered framing, exposure, composition, perspective, distance, and lighting.
Lighting
Stage and setup photoshoots by adapting for a variety of typical settings, lighting situations, and project goals.
Technology and Image Enhancement
Apply and demonstrate retouching and color correction techniques to improve or enhance photographic images to a professional level utilizing software including Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and other industry technologies.
Art/Design Principles
Demonstrate the ability to produce visually compelling work by applying knowledge of color, pattern, details, and composition.
Projects
Produce and present a variety of professional photographic work in a wide range of settings including portraiture, event photography, real estate, food photography, and more.
Portfolio
Apply creative problem solving and constructive feedback to conceive, produce, and present an impactful body of work that showcases your skills to employers and potential clients.
Digital Photography Associate Degree Program Outcomes
About Sessions College
Sessions College has been inspiring creative professionals for 25 years.
 Accredited since 2001, we have a unique and proven approach to online education.
Accredited by Distance Education Accrediting Commission since 2001
Recognized as top design school by GDUSA
Winner of four USDLA awards for distance education
Career Outlook for Photographers
Photographers produce creative work for a myriad of clients including capturing images (digital and video) for commercial, industrial, news, and scientific uses, and projects for print, web, and a variety of media including television, film, and live streaming. Photographers need to demonstrate technical expertise, artistic ability, business skills, computer skills, customer-service skills, detail oriented, and interpersonal skills.
Job Titles
Graduates could be employed as an Aerial, Commercial, Industrial, Drone, Fine Arts, News, Portrait, and Scientific Photographer, or Video Editor, Content Producer, Art Manager, and Videographer.
Median Annual Wage
According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual wage* for photographers was $40,760.
In May 2023, the median hourly wages for photographers in these top industries they work within:
| Media and communication equipment workers | $25.89 |
| Total, all occupations | $23.11 |
| Photographers | $19.60 |
*per May 2023 reporting
In May 2023, the median annual wages for camera operators, television, video, and film in these top industries they work within:
| Motion picture and video industries | $75,800 |
| Government | $58,120 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $56,010 |
In May 2023, the median annual wages for film and video editors in these top industries they work within:
| Motion picture and video industries | $75,560 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | $59,980 |
Job Projections
Employment opportunities for photographers are projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There are about 13,900 openings projected for photographers each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment opportunities for film and video editors and camera operator jobs are projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032.
There are about 8,200 openings projected for film and video editors and camera operators each year, on average, over the decade.
Based on Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed Job Outlook data.
Truly Accessible and Affordable Education
Our simple, convenient online admissions process sets you up for success in your program.
Our truly affordable tuition is:
$7,200 per academic year (24 credits) – $3,600 per semester*.
Significantly more affordable than other online design or digital media colleges.
So affordable that 100% of tuition costs may be covered for eligible students.* Find out today if you qualify.
* Federal student aid and military education benefits available for eligible students.
What our Students Loved about Learning Photography online:
Studying online has allowed me to be able to have a flexible schedule for my photography clients, and schedule shoots whenever I need to. It has taught me so much in such a short amount of time, and I’ve been able to apply that to my work!.
Working online is truly a blessing as I can work in my free time and have time to assist and support my veteran and my family. Sessions College makes this possible; it is a well structured program and the professionalism of the instructors and staff is outstanding.
The flexibility of being home, in my studio doing my classwork online is fantastic! I find that I work harder when I’m at home because I lose track of time and end up spending so much more time studying; and I can do it on my own schedule.
Featured Student Work
Student work on this page by: Brooke Alt, Alexa Vasquez, Stephen Adair
Advance your career with our 100% online design and digital media programs today!
Sessions College
Main Office
404 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201
Tempe, AZ 85281
Contact Us
800-258-4115 (US)
480-212-1704
admissions@sessions.edu