Key takeaways
- An online photography degree helps students with technical, creative, and other required skills for photography jobs.
- Professional photographers get paid up to $100,000 yearly in the US, depending on the organization and skills.
- One of the differences between an online and traditional college is the delivery style – the former is conducted online while the latter is on campus.
- The benefits of an online degree in digital photography are flexibility, affordability, and mobility.
- Some photography courses are video for photographers, photographic studio management, portfolio development, and illustrative photography.
- High-paying photography jobs are lighting technicians, film developers, models, and photo retouchers.
- Five renowned online colleges in the US for photography are Savannah College of Art and Design, Southern New Hampshire University, Arizona State University, Rhode Island School of Design, and Lindenwood University.
- Rhode Island School of Design is among the most expensive online colleges for photography in the US, whereas Arizona State University is among the most affordable.
- Areas of specialization for photography students include graphic design, fashion, photojournalism, and wedding photography.
- Photography majors grow personally and professionally through photography classes through critical feedback from students and professors.
More people are beginning to pursue photography because of digitalization and the demand for photographers everywhere. Do you know that professional photographers can earn up to $100,000? That is surprising, right? If you want to explore a photography career, enroll in an online photography degree in the US!
Furthermore, professional photographers edit and click photos for clients, news agencies, magazines, etc. to capture important moments. They also utilize technical and creative skills for favorable outcomes. Do you want to learn or enhance your photography skills? If yes, online photography degrees can help students gain relevant knowledge and skills for a successful career.
Moreover, photography jobs will increase by 9% by 2031. If your interest has been piqued, read this blog for degree advice and to become aware of the advantages of online photography degrees, the types of photography courses offered in colleges, high-paying job opportunities for photographers, and colleges in the US with online photography degrees. So, let’s start exploring!
What are the differences between online and traditional colleges?
For your information, here are some basic factors differentiating between online and traditional colleges:
Classes
In traditional universities, students must take classes on campus on fixed days and times every week. They can physically meet their professors, take notes and exams in classes, and work on group assignments and projects with classmates in person.
On the other hand, students in online classes attend classes from wherever they want on specific days and times. Although, asynchronous sessions can be taken at the convenience of students. They can watch recorded lectures online and finish assignments whenever possible. However, students must possess time management and discipline for favorable outcomes.
Tests
Exams or tests can be conducted online in traditional colleges too. That is because, since COVID-19, professors have become more adaptable to technology and online platforms. However, conducting online exams may vary for professors in traditional colleges. For instance, sociology majors submit take-home essay exams.
Also, professors use proctoring software for online programs. They assist professors with time management and other important requirements for surveillance.
Degrees and accreditation
The degree value is similar for traditional and online colleges if they possess accreditation from renowned third-party organizations. Accreditation proves that a college has high education standards. Also, diplomas do not mention if students have finished college traditionally or online; hence, it does not make much of a difference to your degree if you opt for either.
For instance, the Penn State World Campus, the online branch, does not mention the delivery technique on their diplomas. The diploma is akin to the one students receive for Pennsylvania State University, the on-campus branch. Moreover, their sociology program is among the most reputable.
What are the benefits of pursuing an online photography degree in the US?
Colleges with online photography degrees help students with knowledge and skills concerning various ways to utilize cameras, technical skills, etc. to portray stories with different emotions and concepts. The purpose of photography is to evoke feelings within their clients and the masses, which students learn in college, like color, lighting, tone, etc.
There are several areas of specialization for photography majors, such as:
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Wedding photography
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Fashion
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Forensics
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Nature photography
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Photojournalism
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News media
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Film
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Portraiture
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Graphic design
There are several reasons for the rising demand for online education. Be it a rookie or a professional wanting to enhance skills – anyone can pursue online photography degrees from anywhere in the world.
The following factors delve into the advantages of joining online colleges:
Flexibility and ease
An online degree in photography is ideal if you work or travel a lot. Several students have busy lives, hence they cannot attend on-campus weekly classes at the appointed times.
Students can manage online classes alongside traveling, work, and other commitments. Additionally, asynchronous sessions do not have fixed days and times, hence online students take classes whenever.
Affordability
If you cannot afford the tuition fees of colleges even after financial assistance, opt for online programs! Generally, online degrees have lower tuition costs, making it easier for underprivileged students to acquire skills and knowledge.
Moreover, students can save money on accommodation, food, travel, textbooks, and other day-to-day expenses. With high inflation rates, joining an online photography college is far more favorable than the traditional choice.
Knowledge and skills
US colleges for online photography programs help students polish their digital knowledge. Since classes are online, students become aware of tools, software, and other techniques to find lucrative jobs. And with digital transformation, it has become even more important for individuals to possess digital skills.
Furthermore, online photography students become familiar with online learning tools like content management systems, discussion boards, collaboration programs, and project management tools, helping them stay updated with the latest digital trends.
Also, most companies nowadays use software like Skype, Teams, Dropbox, Zoom, Microsoft, etc. to communicate, store, and organize data.
Which courses are offered in online photography schools?
Below is a list of generic courses offered in most colleges:
Illustrative photography
This course enlightens students about the technicalities of lighting, advertisement, production, and commercial photography. Professors also explore reproduction principles and illustrative techniques.
Digital photography
The digital photography course helps photography students manage photographic output and utilize various software for editing, etc. to acquire advanced knowledge.
Photographic studio management
Students become familiar with the commercial aspect of photography, like advertising, details concerning the lighting equipment, illustrative techniques, etc.
Portraiture
In this course, professors impart knowledge regarding portraits, with special emphasis on the presentation, area, and background. Generally, portraiture is offered alongside a lab course.
Portfolio development
A portfolio plays a crucial role in finding gigs. The portfolio development course helps students become familiar with photographic organization, presentation, and resumes.
Video for photographers
Students learn video production, editing, color grading, and audio recording in depth through this course.
What are the high-paying job options for professional photographers?
If you think professional photographers barely earn, you are mistaken. Among the highest earners are film developers and models. However, some professionals working privately earn more than $100,000.
The list below shows the yearly salaries of specific photography professionals:
| Profession | National average salary per year |
| Photojournalist | $39,564 |
| Photo editor | $49,965 |
| Wedding photographer | $43,335 |
| Video editor | $52,316 |
| Stylist | $45,317 |
| Graphic designer | $50,656 |
| Photography professor | $61,014 |
| Lighting technician | $56,351 |
| Makeup artist | $46,341 |
| Art director | $77,358 |
| Photo retoucher | $53,207 |
| Model | $93,419 |
| Film developer | $94,983 |
| Videographer | $49,922 |
Which colleges in the US offer online photography degrees?
Students have several options for online photography degrees in the US. The good part about online education is that you do not have to travel to university; hence, students can opt for an online degree in any city in the United States without moving to another location.
The following list discusses five online photography colleges in the US:
Savannah College of Art and Design
At the Savannah College of Art and Design, photography majors learn to depict stories through photographs and videos. Professors discuss digital technologies, visual literacy, and various styles like composition and color.
Moreover, students are prepared for their professional lives through concepts like content creation, freelancing techniques, fine art skills, etc. They learn through galleries, exhibitions, internships, software, and equipment provided by them. Courses include Digital Communication, Visual Culture in Context: Making Modernities, and Design I: Elements and Organization.
Southern New Hampshire University
Students at Southern New Hampshire University learn how to use digital cameras, edit post-production content, and techniques for utilizing light equipment. The Bachelor of Arts in digital photography helps students with practical and theoretical photography skills. Professors discuss and explore technical photography skills alongside historical info concerning photography.
Furthermore, courses like Media Communication and Visual Literacy, Digital Photography, and Innovations in Digital Imaging polish student photography skills. Additionally, they learn about managing and promoting their brand as a freelance photographer through constant feedback from expert photographers.
Arizona State University
The online photography degree at Arizona State University helps students transform their ideas into reality through photography. Professors and students provide constructive criticism to their peers in classes, helping them grow personally and professionally.
Moreover, photography majors at Arizona State University develop visual literacy, critical thinking, and creativity skills. The photography courses offered are History of Photography, Advanced Digital Photography, and Digital Photography I. Such courses explore theoretical and practical knowledge concerning photography.
Rhode Island School of Design
The bachelor’s degree in photography at the Rhode Island School of Design combines aspects of art and science for a holistic understanding of photography. Photography students learn to portray stories and situations to evoke feelings within people through their media content. They become familiar with various techniques to help the public witness matters from different angles.
The program helps students develop skills like lighting, digital photography, editing, etc. Also, the learning outcomes include creating a portfolio, experimenting with studio lighting, using various software, like Adobe Photoshop, and in-depth information concerning color modification, lens focus, and other editing techniques.
Below are three examples of photography courses offered at the Rhode Island School of Design:
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The Digital Darkroom
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Adobe Photoshop I
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Drawing Fundamentals I
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design with a focus on photography assists with professional and personal growth. They become prepared for photography jobs by attaining info about designs, videos, and photographs. Their renowned faculty members teach photography courses like Adobe Certification in Photoshop, 3D Design, and Introduction to Art and Design.
Furthermore, photography majors acquire problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork skills through engaging discussions in classes. Before graduation, you will be familiar with project development, craftsmanship, and various photography techniques to find lucrative photography jobs. Also, Lindenwood University’s College of Arts and Humanities is their biggest and thriving college. Hence, check out their sociology undergraduate program to learn about sociology!
Tuition fees of online digital photography colleges in the US
You should research data and trends, tuition fees, and financial assistance provided by colleges. The table below shows average costs before and after aid. However, it is important to remember that financial assistance depends on every student’s needs.
| College | Average cost before aid | Average cost after aid |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | $60,425 | $41,571 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $37,280 | $31,967 |
| Arizona State University | $12,817 | $31,127 |
| Rhode Island School of Design | $78,939 | $23,458 |
| Lindenwood University | $33,900 | $12,778 |
Explore options for online photography degrees in the US!
To conclude, an online photography degree benefits students in several ways. They help photography students with knowledge concerning editing, software, and other technical skills. Moreover, photography programs online are affordable, flexible, and informative. Research to learn more about digital photography undergraduate programs in detail.
Therefore, opt for an online photography degree in the US to enhance your photography skills! Savannah College of Art and Design, Arizona State University, and other photography colleges in Arizona, US, are beneficial for photography skills. Hence, check their websites for more info!