Get Started With The CMC Photography Program

For this photography school you must demonstrate college-level skills proficiency in reading, writing, basic computer skills and mathematics as a part of acceptance into this program. Your proficiency may affect the sequence of courses in which you can enroll and may also extend the time required to complete this program.

This program has certain physical and academic standards which you will be required to meet before you are admitted to the program. Students accepted into the college's vocational programs must be physically, mentally, and emotionally self-supportive with reasonable accommodations. If there is a concern about meeting the physical and academic standard, students need to contact the Special Populations Coordinator who will determine the student's ability to participate in this program.

We recommend that students applying to the Professional Photography Program take the SAT, ASSET, or ACT test prior to attending the "Jump Start" session for pre-enrollment. The photography program requires students who place in two or more skills classes or placing into one skills course with a score below established benchmarks follow a six semester course of study. This can be a disappointing development to a student expecting to enter the program immediately.

The program in four, five or six semesters.
The four semester outline should be followed by all students seeking the AAS in Professional Photography who place into College Level Reading, College English and Introduction to Algebra.

If your test scores place you into two or more skills classes, you will take the alternate Six Semester Plan.

Some students choose to complete the program in five semesters, working primarily on their portfolio in the fifth semester. These students have frequently displayed the strongest portfolio's since they have already completed all of the photographic skills classes. Portfolio is offered both fall and Spring Semesters.

Many Professional Photography classes are offered only in the semester listed, so you must them in the required semester to complete your degree in two years (four semesters). You must complete all Professional Photography courses with a C- or better to continue to the next course in the sequence.

Professional expenses.
As a professional photographer, you will need to invest in quality equipment and supplies. Professional Photography classes require several items, including your own camera, lenses and accessories. The Professional Photography Dept. keeps an list of the supplies and equipment you will need, including costs for leasing some items from the school.