Online Photography Certificate
Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography
Application Deadline: December 9
Program Overview
The Sessions College Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography provides students with a foundation in the skills required to practice as a professional photographer. Students will gain experience in commercial photography scenarios and develop proficiency in using Lightroom and Photoshop for digital editing and asset management. Students explore typical photography assignments, including portraiture, event photography, and product photography, learning how to adjust for lighting and location for professional results.
At Sessions College, the entire program is asynchronous, project-based, and instructor-led, which means you can earn a degree or certificate entirely online, working at your own pace and at any time convenient for you.
Application Deadline. Enroll by December 9 to enter January 6, 2025 classes.
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Program Length: 8 months
Credits: 24 credits
Tuition: $300 per credit
Next Class:
January 6, 2025
App Deadline:
December 9
"Photography is all about communicating a rich visual story through strong aesthetics and concepts. We'll help you build a foundation in creative and technical skills, to empower you to create photographs that compete in the market."
Felicia Kieselhorst
Department Head of Digital Photography, Photo Lighting and Lightroom Instructor
Program Curriculum
The Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography is a 24-credit online program completed in two semesters. Part-time schedules are available.
First Semester
DES 151: Digital Photography I - 3 Credits
In this course, you'll build a foundation in fundamental photography techniques. You will gain control over your camera's manual settings, learning how to balance the elements in the Exposure Triangle (ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture/F-Stop. You will discover how to set White Balance appropriately, create depth of field, and capture motion. We will explore composition concepts to help you make your photographs more interesting and effective and equip you for the types of adjustments photographers make to adjust to different lighting conditions. To give you experience in some important genres, you will gain practical experience in shooting different kinds of portrait photographs and sports/motion photographs. Digital Photography I course syllabus
PHO 205: Lightroom - 3 Credits
Have you ever spent more time working on a photo shoot at your desk than you did taking the pictures? If so, consider managing, developing, printing, and presenting your images efficiently with Adobe Lightroom Classic. In this online Lightroom course, working with a photography pro, you'll learn how to import and catalog your images with ease, and use basic and advanced development and retouching tools to create stellar shots, taking advantage of advanced production techniques and workflows. Lightroom course syllabus
PHO 154: Landscape Photography - 3 Credits
Landscape photography can be fascinating and endlessly inspiring, just like the natural world. In this course, you will explore a wide range of concepts and techniques to help you get more out of your nature photography. Each assignment will challenge you to go out and photograph the natural world, exploring compositional concepts and shooting techniques for different kinds of subjects and environments, ranging from macro and mobile to HDR and panoramic shots. To help you organize, edit, and showcase your work, the course will explore editing techniques using Adobe Lightroom. By the end of the course, you'll have created a stunning portfolio of images celebrating your favorite natural location(s). Landscape Photography course syllabus
DES 104: Color Theory - 1.5 Credits
Color is an essential tool for any designer. Though each color has its own specific hue and value, the expression and perception of color changes in different contexts. In this online color theory course, you'll learn how to work with color, discovering how to develop color schemes for your design projects. The course will range from fundamental color concepts and terminology to the practical application of color in typography and using color effectively on-screen. Color Theory course syllabus
PHO 104: History of Photography - 1.5 Credits
When photography was "invented" in 1839, the scientific breakthrough brought forth a new way of seeing. In this online photography history course, we'll trace the development of photography from its pioneering days in the 19th century to the experimental movements of today. We'll discuss major innovations and photographers in each period, and really put into practice what we're learning. Each exercise will require you to take photos that emulate historical styles, genres, or techniques. History of Photography course syllabus
Second Semester
PHO 105: Photo Lighting and Planning - 3 Credits
Planning a photo shoot can be challenging as you struggle to properly prepare while keeping the artistic juices flowing. In this online photography lighting course, you'll focus on the planning and preparation that lead to the successful execution of a photo shoot. You will develop a thorough understanding of different types of lighting, both natural and artificial, and learn how to work within varied shooting conditions. Working with a photography pro, you'll explore ways to effectively stage and style photographs to achieve your desired effect. Photo Lighting and Planning course syllabus
PHO 204: Commercial Photography I - 3 Credits
Event photography is the primary source of business for most professional photographers. Capturing the important moments in a concert, wedding, or sporting event requires planning and a mastery of equipment, lighting, and location. In this course, you'll learn practical skills for managing paid event photography shoots. Working with a professional photographer, you'll learn how to approach projects professionally and deliver the client a high quality product. Commercial Photography I course syllabus
DES 121: Photoshop I - 3 Credits
Adobe Photoshop is the premiere image manipulation tool for print design, Web design, and photography. You can learn to tame this creative powerhouse of a program in this online Photoshop course. Working with a design pro, you’ll learn the best techniques for common Photoshop jobs including selecting and isolating objects, creating image composites, masking and vignetting images, setting typography, and improving images with retouching and effects. Photoshop I course syllabus
PHO 208: Color Correction - 3 Credits
Do you know how to get the best out of your digital images? As every art director knows, even the best photographs (on the best of days) can be plagued by problems such as color casts, unnatural tones, dull highlights, murky shadows, or low contrast. In this online color correction course, you'll learn systematic techniques for every aspect of Photoshop color management using Photoshop. Working with a Photoshop guru, you'll learn how to identify classic color scenarios and use both comprehensive and quick-and-dirty methods for correcting them. Color Correction course syllabus
Program Outcomes
By completing the program, Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography students develop the following 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 execute 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
Produce visually compelling work by employing employing art and design principles including the use 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.
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
Student Work
Student Work
Program Benefits
Advance Your Creative Career
Advance your creative career in a focused 2-semester program.
By Creatives, For Creatives
Collaborate with a community of creative learners and industry professionals.
Enhance Your Portfolio
Enhance your portfolio with creative projects that put you through your paces.
Structure and Flexibility
Weekly deadlines keep you on track, but with no set login times you can build your studies around your schedule.
Education You Can Afford
Affordable programs with low per credit tuition, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
Open Enrollment Program
Open enrollment with a convenient application process.
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.
Exciting Job Opportunities
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 and Income Potential
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 and Employment Trends
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 Affordable Education
Our tuition is:
50% lower than the average annual cost of tuition at 4-year colleges in the United States.
Significantly more affordable than other online design / 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our online application process makes getting started easy, fast, and convenient.
How Do I Enroll?
Open Admissions.
The Undergraduate Certificate program is open admissions: any student who have earned a high school diploma, GED, or state-approved home school equivalent may enter the program. Any students under 18 years of age will need to provide the signed permission of a parent or guardian.
Classes start in January, April, and August, with midterm options in February, June, and September. Our online application is simple and convenient, and there is no application fee.
How Long is the Program?
Two Semesters, 8 months.
The Undergraduate Certificate program is a 2-semester, 24 credit program. Students can graduate in eight months or less and part-time schedules are available.
Is the Tuition Affordable?
Truly Affordable Tuition.
We are committed to making the highest-quality design and digital media education available at the lowest cost. Our truly affordable tuition is:
| Undergraduate Certificate Program Tuition |
|---|
| $300 per credit |
| $3,600 per semester |
| $7,200 total program tuition |
Per-credit tuition is the same full-time and part-time students. Federal financial aid available for eligible students.
A $200 registration fee is required to process your enrollment in the program. Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from the scheduled beginning of program orientation. See Undergraduate Certificate Admissions.
Is Financial Aid Available?
Federal Student Aid. Federal student aid is available to students who qualify. If you are eligible, you may be able to fund your program using Pell Grants and Federal student loans. Check out our Financial Aid Information pages and ask to set up an interview with our Financial Aid Director.
Military Student Aid. Military servicemembers and their families who are eligible for GI Bill Education Benefits or active service member Tuition Assistance (TA) may also be able to utilize these programs to pay for their education.
What are the Deadlines to Enroll?
Here are relevant deadlines to be admitted for next term.
- Next Class:
January 6, 2025
Priority Deadline:
November 4
- Final Deadline:
December 9
- End Registration:
December 22
Will the Program Fit My Schedule?
Weekly deadlines help you stay on track. And with no set login times, you can build your studies around your schedule, wherever you are located. Many of our students complete their programs while working part-time or full-time.
What Software or Supplies Do I Need?
To take this program, you’ll need the following:
- Mac or Windows computer with an Internet connection.
- Access to a digital camera with manual control over ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and White Balance, that allows for shooting in RAW format.
- Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom software.
- Your computer must meet software manufacturer requirements.
- Webcam, headphones or speaker, VPN connection, and microphone connected to the computer for live proctored exams.
There are no textbook or course material costs to participate in this online program. Student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud software is available to enrolled students.
Get Started Today
Take the first step on a rewarding creative journey towards earning an Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography.
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