Why Study Photography?
Our Photography degree program offers a comprehensive education in both digital and traditional photography, including film photography and the black-and-white darkroom. Students will learn photography techniques, such as studio and natural lighting, and master Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for digital editing. The program also covers fine art photography, including printmaking and bookmaking. Students will develop their visual literacy and multimedia skills to become versatile photographers in a rapidly evolving industry.
RCC Photography courses include studio photography, fashion photography, portraits, landscapes, and more. Our Mac lab and digital darkroom provide state-of-the-art equipment rentals, while our black-and-white darkroom offers a unique hands-on experience for traditionalists. We encourage our students to develop a photography portfolio that demonstrates their skills and prepares them for careers in Photography. Our program provides access to internships, allowing students to gain practical experience in the field. Graduates of our program can pursue various Photography careers, including photojournalist, artist, social media producer, entrepreneur, photo editor, curator, archivist, studio manager, digital photo tech, visual brand marketing, and commercial photographer.
School of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Degree Tracks & Course Sequence
Associate of Science (AS): Photography
Microcredentials
Real World Ready
Listening to workforce needs
Graduates of Rockland Community College are provided with a clear path to meaningful careers that meet the needs of businesses and industry in the communities we serve. Our students are trained in specific skills that are needed by employers, and guided through a career path that leads directly to workforce opportunities. With affordable tuition, students who begin their college careers at RCC are ready to meet the demands of the real world.
Free Career Exploration Assessment [ACCESS CODE: pathways]
Student Success
At Rockland Community College, you are provided with a Student Success Team that will help you with your academic journey, career exploration, transfer planning, support service referrals, and more! Your Team includes your Dean, Program Director, Faculty Advisor, Student Success Advisor, Connection Center Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor, Peer Mentors, and if you’re involved in any of these special programs, your Athletics, Honors, TRiO, and Veterans Advisors. During your first semester, you will take an ‘Introduction to the School’ course that will outline the various College offices and departments that can help you on your path.
Career Outlook
The job outlook for photographers has remained relatively consistent while many other photo industry career paths are seeing increases. Film & Video Editors and Camera Operators are seeing an 18% (much faster than average) increase from 2019-2029, according to bls.gov.
Internships
Students have had internships with RCC’s Strategic Marketing Department along with local Design and Print Studios, Art Galleries, Photo Archives, and local artists and event photographers. Students are also connected with local organizations and departments within RCC for Applied and Service Learning projects where they gain valuable industry experience. Some courses include COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects where students develop experience along with global competencies that are highly valuable in today’s workplace.
Job Roles
Photojournalist, Photo Editor, Visual Brand Marketing, Commercial & Editorial Photographer, Wedding & Event Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Social Media Producer, Social Media Influencer, Photo Studio Manager, Film & Video Editors and Camera Operators, Photography Instructor, Scientific & Forensic Photographer, Creative Director, Photo Agent, Photo Producer, Digital Photo Tech, Lens-Based Artist, Advertising, Cinematographer, Videographer, Multimedia Content Creator, Stylist, Art Director, Darkroom Tech & Master Printer, Photography/Art Critic & Writer, Photo Curator, Gallery Director, and Archivist
Industries
We live in a visual world and all industries need great photography! Photographers work in-house and freelance within all market sectors ranging from entertainment to education to pharmaceutical to health and science. With the rise of social media to reach audiences, the ability to create dynamic visuals and multimedia content is more profitable than ever.
Careers
Photographer
Film and Video Editors
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Employment and wage data by occupation are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which collects information from approximately 51,000 businesses. bls.gov
Alumni Spotlight
Get Started Today
Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. RCC has become the “first choice” for parents and students. Thanks to our affordable tuition, students can save $100,000 on a college education by starting at RCC and transferring to outstanding four-year colleges.