Photography Technical Certificate

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Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3531, Program Site

This technical certificate prepares students for employment in the field of Photography. The program provides students with a working knowledge of digital camera and digital darkroom skills as well as preparing them to work in a studio setting.

Graduates in the program should be able to:

Efficiently operate a digital SLR camera;
Function competently in an entry level lab and/or studio position;
Demonstrate working knowledge of digital imaging computer programs; and
Approach photographic problem solving in a creative manner.

Career Opportunities

Photographer
Photographer’s Assistant
Lab Technician

Grading Policy

A grade of “C” or above must be earned in all COM and PHO courses to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements.

Transfer/Advising

This certificate is designed so that a student can apply all of the required courses toward a Nashville State A.A.S. degree in Visual Communications, Photography Concentration. A student who plans to apply the certificate toward an A.A.S. degree should consult his/her advisor about articulation options.

Notice of Right to Retain Student Work

The Visual Communications program reserves the right to retain certain selected examples of student work for teaching purposes, promotional materials, and as a part of its permanent collection.

Course Requirements

PHO 1110 - Basic Photography 3 Credits
PHO 1170 - Business for Photographers 3 Credits
COM 1110 - Intro to Visual Communications 3 Credits
COM 1230 - Digital Imaging I 3 Credits
PHO 1240 - Lighting I 3 Credits
PHO 1490 - Advanced Digital Photography 3 Credits
COM 2010 - Digital Video I 3 Credits
COM 2240 - Digital Imaging II-Photography 3 Credits
PHO or COM Electives 6 Credits

Total Certificate Requirements: 30 Credits

Recommended Electives

Students may take the following approved electives:

any PHO or COM course
ART 1035 - Introduction to Art 3 Credits *
BUSN 2380 - Principles of Marketing 3 Credits
BUSN 2389 - Social Media Marketing 3 Credits
ENTR 1600 - Entrepreneurship 3 Credits
If completing in more than two semesters, COM 2030 , PHO 1350 , PHO 1430 or PHO 1320 are recommended

Recommended Full-Time Schedule

First Year

Fall Semester

PHO 1110 - Basic Photography 3 Credits
PHO 1170 - Business for Photographers 3 Credits
COM 1110 - Intro to Visual Communications 3 Credits
COM 1230 - Digital Imaging I 3 Credits
COM or PHO Technical Elective 3 Credits

Spring Semester

PHO 1240 - Lighting I 3 Credits
PHO 1490 - Advanced Digital Photography 3 Credits
COM 2240 - Digital Imaging II-Photography 3 Credits
COM 2010 - Digital Video I 3 Credits
PHO or COM Technical Electives 3 Credits

Notes:

Part-time students are encouraged to consult with their advisors for a suggested schedule of classes.

Additional course requirements: The Tennessee Board of Regents requires that students either demonstrate the appropriate skill levels in math, reading, and/or writing before enrolling in college-level courses or enroll in appropriate co-requisite experiences with college-level courses to develop competency in those skills while performing college-level work. ACT/SAT scores, classic ACCUPLACER test scores, next-generation ACCUPLACER test scores, or other relevant information determine whether a student needs to enroll in co-requisite courses in math, reading, and/or writing (English).

Cooperative work experience can be an important addition to a student’s formal classroom work. Co-op courses may substitute for technical courses with the prior approval of the instructor. The Career Services Office will provide the correct course numbers.