Computer graphic arts – digital photography
Transform your passion into a profession. Stark State College’s digital photography program helps you turn your passion for photography into a fulfilling career. You’ll not only master technical skills but also develop a unique artistic voice that sets you apart in the industry.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
5-semester degree
2-semester certificate
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.
Program overview
Capture the world through your lens
At Stark State College, our digital photography program offers an immersive experience that blends artistic vision with cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re aiming for an associate degree or a certificate, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic field of digital photography.
Program details
Associate degree in digital photography
- Duration: Typically completed in two years.
- Coursework: Includes subjects such as digital imaging, lighting, image management, graphic arts, illustration and advanced digital photography.
- Career opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers as professional photographers, photo editors, digital imaging specialists and more.
Certificate in digital photography
- Duration: Can be completed in less than one year.
- Coursework: Focuses on essential skills like digital photography basics, lighting techniques and image editing.
- Flexibility: Ideal for those looking to enhance their skills or shift careers quickly
- Stackable classes: Start with a digital photography certificate, taking classes that directly apply to the associate degree.
Careers and outcomes
Your degree can open the door to many different career paths, some directly tied to photography and others that build on visual, creative and technical skills. These include creative and artistic roles such as graphic designer, freelance artist, art director, or portrait, wedding/event, fine art, commercial, freelance or documentary photographer. There also are more technical careers, such as photo editor, digital imaging specialist, studio technician or manager, or entrepreneur as a business or studio owner.
FAQs
Photography job growth is modest, with about 12,700 openings annually, and average earnings around $53,000 per year for full-time photographers, with higher pay possible based on experience, specialty, location and freelance work.
Classes focus on subjects such as digital imaging, lighting, image management, graphic arts, illustrations, creating page layouts and advanced digital photography. You will learn and use Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Bridge, Camera Raw, Lightroom Classic, Illustrator and InDesign. Toward the end of the program, you’ll take a capstone class to create your photography portfolio.
Yes. It’s possible by creating a structured schedule, prioritizing tasks, seeking support when needed and taking fewer classes per semester.
Some courses in the digital photography program are TAG approved and will transfer.
You will gain hands-on experience with photography concepts and equipment during class and possibly local photography studios, when time allows.
Yes. You have to supply your own DSLR or mirrorless camera. The program doesn’t allow the use of film cameras or cameras on phones or any other mobile device.
We offer tutoring to assist with graphic arts and photography concepts, as well as program software. Career services offers a variety of resources, including mock interviews, job lists and internship opportunities, as well as resume assistance.
Meet the faculty
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Rene Eneix, MA, CRI
Department Chair, Digital Media and Administrative Technologies
330-494-6170 ext. 4876
Take the next step
Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.