Lighting Schools

Overview

Lighting is an integral part of any design project, as it can create different effects and moods. Fields such as movie making, architecture, interior design, photography, and art require proper lighting for higher effect. Apart from the design fields, certain industries, manufacturers, and healthcare also require lighting designers. If you decide on becoming a light designer, then you should attend lighting schools. Lighting schools train you on the importance of lighting and its theories. It also educates you on the physics of light, lighting technologies and applications, light and health, human factors in lighting and lighting designs.

Almost all lighting degree programs are either pursed as master's degree or as certifications. Certain schools also provide bachelor's degrees and workshops in lighting design. The main curriculum of lighting design in certifications, bachelor and master degrees includes lamp overview, design process, installation techniques, light, sight, and color, lighting technology and photometry. Other courses include optical control, equipment selection, commercial research and trend, radiometry, computer based design tools, and luminary. The duration of the master's and the bachelor's degree program can range anywhere between three years to four years, depending on the college you wish to study. A certification and workshop's duration can be from two days to six months. Certain colleges also offer online coursework in lighting design.

Benefits

Studying in lighting schools gives you the knowledge and skill to evolve innovative, practical, and economically viable lighting solutions for any industry. These things contribute to the lighting design job profile, hence always making it in high demand. The earnings of the lighting technicians depend on the company and the experience you hold. If you are an amateur lighting technician, then you can expect a salary of around $200 per day, and with some experience you can expect a higher salary.

Costs

The cost of a lighting degree program depends upon the lighting school you choose to study at. The average cost for a bachelor's degree is about $36,000 per year, and for the master's degree it can range from $14,000 to $31,000 annually. This includes only the tuition fee. For a two to three day seminar and workshop in a lighting program, you may have to shell out $350 to $500 on average.

Schools

There are many universities and schools in the United States that offer a degree in lighting design. Boston University is one of the universities that provide a bachelor degree in lighting design. The University of Maryland and Lighting Research Center are some of the universities which provide a master's degree in lighting design.

Testing & Preparation

If you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in lighting design, then you must have a completed high school certificate, and also have qualifying scores in tests such as the American College Test (ACT) and the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). If you are an international student, you should then take up the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For pursuing a master's degree, you should posses a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students with BFA degrees are given preference for a master's degree. Apart from these, you should have patience, stamina, and an interest in performing arts when pursuing this degree.

Financial Aid

The Federal Student Aid provides scholarships to worthy students. Apart from the scholarships, you may also take advantage of student loans from several banks. If you are an international student looking to study in the U.S, or an American student looking for a study abroad program, then you can also apply for the International Student Loan. Certain companies also sponsor the students under a stipulated contract for working for them. The Lutron Scholarship is offered to talented students studying at the Lighting Research Center. Students of the University of Maryland can apply for work study programs where they can work on the campus and study.