Essential Information
Students interested in photography career training in Colorado may pursue programs in traditional film or digital photography. There are few schools within the state that offer these types of programs, but certificate, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree programs are available. Photography students are generally expected to provide their own camera equipment, though schools make available the use of other resources, such as studio space, lighting equipment, and editing rooms. The majority of programs facilitate the development of a photography portfolio during program completion.
Below are overviews of 9 schools offering photography certificates and degrees.
Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College is located in Glenwood Springs. The school's 61-credit associate degree program in professional photography includes courses in image capture, digital processing, color theory, and portraiture. Students are required to compile a portfolio before graduating. Undergraduates who want to continue their education can transfer credit from these courses to any 4-year institution in Colorado.
Colorado State University - Fort Collins
This school in Fort Collins has a bachelor's degree program in photo image making that teaches students about foundational art topics like art history, drawing and figure drawing. Students also take courses in black and white photography, large format photography and lighting. An art exhibition is required.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Students at this university in Denver may earn a bachelor's degree in art with a photography concentration. The program merges foundation courses in 2-D design, drawing and art history with concentration requirements such as black and white photography, theory, photography history, and portfolio development. Students admitted to the art department must take general art courses and undergo a portfolio review to be formally accepted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program. A thesis exhibition is also required.
Pickens Technical College
Pickens Technical College in Aurora offers 3 certificate programs, and students may opt to complete all or some of them. The 14-credit photographer's assistant certificate program involves professional photography training, photography labs and a course in digital workflow management. The second semester focuses on lighting principles, portraits, and digital photography. Students who complete this second semester earn a professional photography certificate. Students can take an additional independent study course to earn the final advanced certificate.
Pikes Peak Community College
Pikes Peak Community College is found in Colorado Springs. In the Associate of Applied Science in Professional Photography program, students can learn how to shoot a variety of subjects, including portraits and landscapes. A course in Adobe Photoshop is also required. Students may need to complete internships as well.
Red Rocks Community College
At Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, students can choose 30-credit-hour certificate programs or 2-year associate degree programs with a concentration in digital photography, traditional film or a mix of the two. Each program covers basics such as portrait, landscape and figure photography, lighting and the history of photography. Digital photographers focus on digital darkroom, photo editing software, and photojournalism. Traditional film students learn about darkroom processes and architectural photography. The film and digital program combine both disciplines.
University of Colorado Denver
This university in Denver offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography program. After passing darkroom and digital photography courses, students must complete a portfolio review to continue in the major. Advanced photography courses include topics in fine print, color, lighting, and criticism. Undergraduates in this program have to complete a senior thesis before graduation.
University of Northern Colorado
Undergraduates at the University of Northern Colorado, based in Greeley, can earn a bachelor's degree in visual design with a photographic imaging concentration. To apply, students must submit an essay and portfolio of work for consideration. Once accepted, participants in the program take courses in photo manipulation, black and white photography, photographic illustration and alternative expression. An internship is also needed. Students can fill out their major with courses in drawing, painting, sculpture and other visual arts.
Western State Colorado University
Gunnison's Western State Colorado University has a bachelor's degree program in art with an emphasis on photography. Foundation courses in the program include drawing, 2-D design and art history. Students later take introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in photography and graphic design. The program culminates in a student portfolio and senior exhibition.
School Comparison: At a Glance
| School Name | School Type & Setting | Photography Programs Offered | Average Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Mountain College | 4-year; public; remote town | Associate of Applied Science in Professional Photography | $2,220 (in-district), $4,620 (in-state), $11,172 (out-of-state)* |
| Colorado State University - Fort Collins | 4-year; public; midsize city | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photo Image Making | $11,707 (in-state), $29,608 (out-of-state)* |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 4-year; public; large city | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Concentration in Photography | $7,666 (in-state), $20,847 (out-of-state)* |
| Pickens Technical College | 2-year; public; large city | Photographer's Assistant Certificate, Professional Photography Certificate, Professional Photography II Certificate | $4,510 (in-state), $7,990 (out-of-state)* |
| Pikes Peak Community College | 2-year; public; large suburb | Associate of Applied Science in Photography | $3,840 (in-state), $14,928 (out-of-state)* |
| Red Rocks Community College | 2-year; public; midsize city | Associate of Applied Science in Professional Photography, Certificate in Professional Photography | $4,158 (in-state), $15,246 (out-of-state)* |
| University of Colorado - Denver | 4-year; public; large city | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography | $9,283 (in-state), $25,771 (out-of-state)* |
| University of Northern Colorado | 4-year; public; small city | Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design with a Concentration in Photography | $9,918 (in-state), $21,786 (out-of-state)* |
| Western State Colorado University | 4-year; public; remote town | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Photography Emphasis | $10,114 (in-state), $21,586 (out-of-state)* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
