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Professional Photography Degree

Get quality academics, high-tech photography labs and Rocky Mountain inspiration

Photo of two students capturing images on Independence Pass near Aspen, Colorado.

Your camera has the power to tell a story to the world. Whether it's a story of injustice, acclaim or scenic beauty, all it takes is a professional behind the lens.

Get the artistic and technical skills you need to tell your story at Colorado Mountain College. You'll have access to one of the most-photographed mountain ranges in the world — right outside your door!

Colorado Mountain College offers:

  • A visually inspiring location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains
  • State-of-the-art equipment and studio space
  • Access to internationally renown ski area, events, concerts and competitions
  • Up-to-date instruction from professional photographers
  • A curriculum that prepares students to enter the workforce

Colorado Mountain College is surrounded by photography-loving mountain communities. From local galleries and artists' collectives to monthly art walks and award-winning exhibits, you'll have several outlets to showcase your work.

Aspen, a hub of international photography and pop culture, is nearby. It's also home to world-class skiing, snowboarding and the Winter X Games. If you're interested in winter sport photography, or just playing in the snow, this is the place to be. 

Beautiful scenery, a happening photography scene, not to mention epic skiing and outdoor adventure — there could hardly be a better location. Come get inspired!

Download Program Brochure (pdf)

Download Photo Admissions Confirmation Packet (pdf)

This program is offered at:

Request information. Questions? 866-271-2381

“Untitled,” an image by Andrew Braun, is part of an exhibit at the CMC Aspen Gallery in Aspen, featuring the work of the Kenyan students he taught and his own portraits.

Portraits of Kenya

Andrew Braun, a CMC professional photography program student, spent the fall in Africa teaching photography to a class of 24 students in Nakuru, Kenya, as part of a project with the Roaring Fork Valley nonprofit The Child's Eye and with support from George Stranahan.His show, Portraits of Kenya will be on display at CMC’s Aspen Gallery starting on March 1. Read More on ENews

Pulitzer Professor

Photography professor Steven G. Smith was part of a team of photojournalists that won a Pulitzer Prize for photos of Colorado wildfires.