Photography

Program Overview

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Photography at Cerritos College

Associate of Arts

The mission of the photography program is to educate students in photography by providing a balanced education in both the creative and technical aspects of the photographic medium, the history of photography and the critical analysis of photographs. The mission is accomplished through course offerings that enable students to develop their technical skills, creativity and understanding of the social and historical role and relevance of the photographic medium.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $40,000 to $165,000 with an average salary of $102,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Postsecondary Teachers, All Other
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +5.9%
  • Average Salary: $105,000
  • Salary Range: $50,000 - $165,000
• Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.2%
  • Average Salary: $127,000
  • Salary Range: $79,000 - $162,000
• Photographers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +4.1%
  • Average Salary: $75,000
  • Salary Range: $40,000 - $104,000

Program Map

Photography - Full-time

• Associate of Arts
  • 61.0 Units
• Major Course
  • PHOT 100: Introductory Photography (3.0 Units)
  • PHOT 160: History of Photography (3.0 Units)
  • PHOT 102: Intermediate Photography (3.0 Units)
  • PHOT 110: Introduction to Digital Photography (3.0 Units)
  • PHOT 234: Portfolio Development (3.0 Units)
  • PHOT 130 or ART 192 or ART 196 or ART 120 (3.0 Units)
• General Education Course
  • English Composition (4.0 Units)
  • U.S. History or Government (3.0 Units)
  • Proficiency: Mathematics (4.0 Units)
  • Proficiency: Health & Wellness (1.0 Units)
  • Natural Sciences (3.0 Units)
  • Communication and Analytical Thinking (3.0 Units)
• Elective Course
  • Elective (3.0 Units)
  • Elective (3.0 Units)
  • Elective (3.0 Units)
  • Elective (3.0 Units)
• Milestone
  • Department Information
  • Link to this department
• Offers Microcredential
  • Photography - Associate of Arts (61.0 units)

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Mission:

The Photography program at Cerritos College aims to educate students in the creative and technical aspects of photography, its history, and critical analysis. The program follows a structured, semester-based system, with students typically taking 16 units per term. The program map outlines a possible pathway through the program, starting in Fall 2023 and concluding in Spring 2025.

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Course Schedule:

The program map provides a detailed schedule of courses for each term, categorized as Major Courses, General Education Courses, Electives, and Milestones. Major courses cover core photography-specific topics, while General Education courses provide foundational knowledge in areas like English, History, and Mathematics. Electives allow students to tailor their learning to specific interests and career goals.

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Modules:

The Photography program comprises various modules, each focusing on specific aspects of photography. Some key modules include:

• Introductory Photography (PHOT 100): This module introduces fundamental concepts and techniques of photography, including camera operation, composition, exposure, and lighting.
• Intermediate Photography (PHOT 102): This module builds upon foundational knowledge, focusing on advanced techniques, creative expression, and experimentation.
• Introduction to Digital Photography (PHOT 110): This module delves into the specific skills and techniques relevant to digital photography, including image capture, editing, and workflow.
However, it is likely that the program utilizes a combination of assessments, including:
• Assignments: Students regularly complete photography assignments, demonstrating their understanding of concepts and technical skills.
• Projects: Individual and collaborative projects allow students to engage in deeper exploration of specific themes and techniques.
• Examinations: Written or practical examinations may be used to assess knowledge and understanding of key concepts.
• Teaching Methods: The program likely utilizes a blend of teaching methods, including lectures, demonstrations, hands-on practice, critiques, and discussions.
• Faculty: The program is likely staffed by experienced and qualified photography instructors with expertise in various areas of the field.
• Unique Approaches: The program may offer unique learning opportunities, such as guest lectures by renowned photographers, field trips to museums or galleries, and access to specialized equipment and facilities.

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Careers:

The Photography program at Cerritos College prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the field of photography. This includes traditional photography roles such as:

• Portrait Photographer: Specializes in capturing portraits of individuals, families, or groups.
• Commercial Photographer: Creates photographs for advertising, marketing, or product documentation.
• Event Photographer: Captures images of events like weddings, conferences, or sporting events.
• Photojournalist: Documents news and current events through photographs.
• Fine Art Photographer: Creates artistic photographs for personal expression or exhibition.
Additionally, the program also equips graduates for emerging career opportunities in areas like:
• Social Media Photography: Creates and manages visual content for social media platforms.
• Drone Photography: Utilizes drones to capture unique aerial perspectives and imagery.
• 360° Photography: Creates immersive experiences through panoramic or virtual reality photography.
• Stock Photography: Licenses photographs for commercial or editorial use.

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Other:

The context mentions salary ranges and growth projections for various photography-related careers. It also emphasizes the importance of balancing creative and technical aspects within the program's curriculum.