Online Photography Degree Versus Certification

For those who are interested in obtaining specialized training and education towards a career in photography, there are numerous online schools that offer photography degrees and certification. Depending on the type of work you are interested in, you may feel more inclined to complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program, as opposed to a shorter certification program, or vice versa.

Online Associate’s Degree In Photography

Most online associate of arts degrees (AA) in photography teach the basic technical skills required for future photographers to excel in their careers. Students will also learn basic designs and concepts to help them put together a substantial portfolio that displays their own particular style, developed over the course of their studies.

• An online AA degree in photography requires less coursework than a bachelor of fine arts degree in photographer. These programs are designed to be completed over the span of two years.
• Provides graduates with a higher background education than those who only complete programs that offer online certification or awards of completion.
• Degrees at the AA level are typically the minimum requirement for those seeking entry-level positions in photojournalism, industrial photography and scientific photography.

Online Bachelor Of Fine Arts In Photography

For those interested in more competitive positions, or photographers who possess an AA degree and wish to further their education, a bachelor of fine arts degree (BFA) in photography is available through several online programs. While these programs cover the same basic instruction in technical skills and design as an AA program, they also offer courses that allow students to specialize in specific area of photography like sports photography, wedding and event photography, fine art photography and commercial photography.

• An online BFA degree in photography typically requires four years of course work.
• Additional training for a specialized field of photography can lead to more career opportunities than an AA degree or online certification.
• In a competitive job market, a BFA degree is more appealing than an AA degree. Keep in mind, a photographer’s skill and talent displayed through his/her work is also a major factor that employers will take into an account. However, in situations where two photographers competing for the same position are equally skilled, the photographer with a higher educational background holds a competitive edge over the photographer with less training.

Online Certification Or Completion Awards In Photography

Not all future photographers are interested in acquiring a degree in photography. For example, a freelance portrait photographer looking to open his own family photo studio may only need a few online photography courses to enhance his photography skills. Many schools and art institutions that offer online degrees in photography also offer alternative programs for those who do not require as much training. Students who wish to take these shorter programs are given either a certification or an award for completion to show they have some type of formal training.

• Online certification or completion award programs are much shorter than an AA or BFA degree program. Certification or a completion award can be distributed in as little as three successfully completed courses.
• Some of these abridged programs divide the course curriculum of an AA or BFA degree into several programs. This allows students to select the area of study they are interested in. For example, an experienced photographer who does not need to learn basic principles or techniques may be interested in a short program focused on sports photography.

Bottom Line

The type of position you are aiming for and your career goals can help you decide what type of online degree or certification you require for a job as a photographer. Some experienced photographers may argue against the necessity of some type of formal degree for a career in photography. While there is validity to their argument, especially for an industry where skill and talent can be more important that training and education, an online photography degree can further enhance and develop a photographer’s abilities.