Photography Technical Certificate

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Technical Certificate
Contact Information: Program Office 615-353-3531, White Bridge Road Campus, C-107D

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
Image Retoucher/ Photo Editor

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.

Course Requirements

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

Total Certificate Requirements: 30 Credits

Internship

PHO 2291 - Photography Internship 1-3 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 2240 , 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
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
Technical Elective 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).

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