Applied Photography

Program Overview

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Applied Photography at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

This certificate helps the student focus on recognizing the variety of fields available to the novice photographer, and focusing on excellence in one or more area of specialization. Emphasis will be placed on garnering expertise in the fundamental technical skills of image capture, composition, digital image editing, and output options. An awareness of business skills is encouraged. Completion of this certificate will prepare the student for entry-level employment in professional commercial photography.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $32,000 to $162,000 with an average salary of $78,000.

Growth

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

Careers

• Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: -12.5%
  • Average Salary: $46,000
  • Salary Range: $34,000 - $47,000
• 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
• Audio and Video Technicians
  • Education Level: Postsecondary nondegree award
  • Job Growth: +4.7%
  • Average Salary: $72,000
  • Salary Range: $46,000 - $95,000
• Lighting Technicians and Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +16.2%
  • Average Salary: $71,000
  • Salary Range: $32,000 - $125,000
• Photographers
  • Education Level: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Job Growth: +4.1%
  • Average Salary: $75,000
  • Salary Range: $40,000 - $104,000

Program Map

Applied Photography

Certificate of Achievement

16.0 - 18.0 Units

• Major Course
• General Education Course
• Elective Course
• Milestone
• Offers Microcredential

Fall 2024

• 1st Term
  • 9.0 UNITS
    • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)
    • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)
    • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)

Spring 2025

• 2nd Term
  • 7.0 - 9.0 UNITS
    • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)
    • MAJ Major Course (1.0 - 3.0 Units)
    • MAJ Major Course (3.0 Units)

Applied Photography - Certificate of Achievement

16.0 - 18.0 units

To ensure that you have sufficient units to graduate (at least 60 semester units/90 quarter units for an associate degree and 120 semester units/180 quarter units for a bachelor's degree), make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Program Outline

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Applied Photography at Cerritos College Certificate of Achievement

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

• This certificate program helps students explore various photography fields and specialize in one or more areas.
• It focuses on developing expertise in fundamental technical skills like image capturing, composition, digital image editing, and output options.
• Students are also introduced to business skills relevant to the photography industry.
• The certificate prepares graduates for entry-level positions in professional commercial photography.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with technical and creative skills in photography.
• Develop an understanding of various photography fields.
• Provide students with a solid foundation in digital image editing.
• Introduce business skills relevant to the photography industry.
• Prepare graduates for entry-level positions in professional photography.

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Outline

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Program Content and Structure:

• The certificate requires completion of 16 to 18 units.
• It follows the structure of a two-semester program, starting in Fall and ending in Spring.
• Each semester consists of 3 to 4 courses, with a total of 7-9 units per semester.
• Students can choose courses from various categories: Major Courses, General Education Courses, and Elective Courses.

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Course Schedule and Individual Modules:

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Fall Semester (9 Units)

• Three Major Courses (9 units total):
• Choose one Major Course (3 units)
• Choose one Major Course (3 units)
• Choose one Major Course (3 units)

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Spring Semester (7-9 Units)

• Two to Three Major Courses (6-9 units total):
• Choose one Major Course (3 units)
• Choose one Major Course (1-3 units)
• (Optional) Choose one additional Major Course (3 units)
• Each Major Course focuses on specific aspects of photography, including technical skills, composition, editing, lighting, etc.
• The specific course schedule and available modules may vary depending on the semester and faculty availability.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes various teaching methods like lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, group projects, and critiques.
• Faculty:
The faculty consists of experienced photographers and instructors with industry expertise and academic qualifications.
• Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes a project-based learning approach where students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects.

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Careers

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Career Paths and Opportunities

• Graduates can pursue various careers in commercial photography, including:
• Product photographer
• Portrait photographer
• Event photographer
• Wedding photographer
• Architectural photographer
• Graduates can also find opportunities as:
• Photo editors
• Photography assistants
• Job Growth:
Career opportunities in photography are expected to experience growth nationwide, with a projected +17.1% increase from 2019 to 2029.

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Other

• The program helps students create a photography portfolio showcasing their skills and talents.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment to practice their craft.
• The program provides guidance on professional development and career opportunities in the photography industry.