Delivery: A mix of daytime and evening courses.
Start: Fall or Spring: Full- or Part-Time.


About the Program

The Photographic Careers AAS degree program’s focus is to teach you the technical and creative skills that you can apply in whatever direction you want to take your photography career. Topics include professional equipment, lighting, posing, product, advertising, editing, workflow, portfolio development, business, and marketing practices for photographers.

This program is part of the Visual Communications Careers (VCC) area and is designed to provide you with the skills you need to enter a career once you have completed the degree. Although the A.A.S. degree is not designed for transfer to a four-year school, your general education and liberal arts courses typically do the transfer. Some of your career-oriented courses may also transfer to specific majors at certain schools through the petition process.

  • Create and capture compelling images of people, events, fashion, products, and landscapes that thrill clients
  • Build a professional photography business including brand identity, marketing plan, online presence, social media integration, and client management
  • Bring your creative vision to life using professional techniques, high-tech equipment, and a full range of editing tools
  • Career Focus: Prepared for immediate employment, advanced certifications, and further education

Interested in a Photographic Career? Schedule a program tour!



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Cost & Financial Aid

As a two-year public community and technical college, Century College receives funding from the State of Minnesota, keeping tuition rates significantly lower than private colleges and universities. With affordable tuition rates and financial aid and scholarship opportunities, our students avoid student loan debt.

Financial Aid

Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and our programs qualify for financial aid including grants, loans, and college work-study. Eligibility for financial aid is determined annually based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Century College’s Federal School Code is 010546.

Scholarship Opportunities

Each year, the Century College Foundation awards more than $300,000 in scholarships to Century College students involved in several areas of study. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.

Tuition Cost per Credit Comparison: Century College $219.95, University of MN - TC $555.13, Private Colleges & Universities $1,416.

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Students are analyzing the lighting balance for photographing a portrait.

Potential Job Titles

A student is manually focusing the camera on the vignette of glassware.
  • Wedding Photographer*
  • Portrait Photographer
  • Commercial Photographer
  • Freelance Photographer
  • Photo Restorer/Retoucher

*49% of workers in this area have an associate degree or less, and 51% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Information gathered pertains to the seven-county metro area - careerwise.minnstate.edu


Salary Data

Photographer**
Average Wage: $27.96/hour
Top Earners: $39.81/hour

*Wages listed are for a variety of experience and education levels.
Information gathered pertains to the seven-county metro area - careerwise.minnstate.edu


Related Programs

3D Modeling and Animation

Web Design

Visual Communications Careers (VCC)

Art

Graphic Design & Production

Narrative Video Production

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