Art Degrees Online

Course Structure

The first year provides a thorough grounding in both technical and critical skills. Students will be introduced to historical, theoretical, cultural and political debates surrounding lens-based media. This study is directly linked to the use of all camera formats as well as the specific qualities of analogue and digital photography. The traditional genres and their convergence are explored in the studio and on location.

In the second year students continue to develop technical and contextual skills at a higher level. Risk taking, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of working are introduced. Specific contact points are developed with industry through placements, visiting lecturers, field trips and exhibition visits.

The third year enables students to establish their own direction and to place themselves within a contemporary context. Critical professional debate about visual culture is encouraged. Ways of distribution within the creative, media and arts industries and entrepreneurship are investigated and applied. By the end of the final year students will be independent and confident practitioners who will hit the ground running.

Photography is a separate major within the art program. Students seeking an in-depth study of photography as a fine art may choose this major.

All majors are encouraged to attend art exhibition openings and/or workshops and field trips sponsored or approved by the art program. All majors are required to have a senior show and portfolio to be approved by the art faculty.

High school seniors may submit a portfolio of their photographs to be considered for the Les Klug Photography Scholarship.

The photography program is designed to teach entry-level skills for careers in the photographic industry. Students interested in photography as visual expression or an adjunct to a vocation will also benefit.

Flexibility of the advanced program allows a student to concentrate upon a specific photographic career area.

Students planning to prepare for a four-year degree in Photography should consult the lower division requirements of the university to which they plan to transfer.
Career Opportunities
Studio Photography, Portrait & Wedding Photography; Photographic Lab Technician; Photojournalism; Industrial and Architectural Photography

Some Career Opportunities may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some Career Opportunities or for preparation for transfer to a university program.
Highlights
Modern Lab and Studio Facilities
Sixteen Color Enlargers
Sixteen Black & White Enlargers
Digital Media Lab
Digital Scanners and Printers
20″ Rapid Access Processor
Color Film Processor
Field Trips to a variety of photographic businesses in Sacramento and the Bay Area.
Field study courses in Yosemite, the Eastern Sierras, and Monterey
Special Seminars

Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree
Note to Transfer Students:
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in this major, it is critical that you meet with a CRC counselor to select and plan the courses for your major. Schools vary widely in terms of the required preparation. The courses that CRC requires for an Associate’s degree in this major may be different from the requirements needed for the Bachelor’s degree.
Field Study Classes at Cosumnes River College
Nature is often the best classroom! Come learn outside in Cosumnes River College’s field study courses. These classes consist of short classroom sessions followed by extended trips to some of the most unique and beautiful environments in California, including Big Sur, Monterey Bay, Mt. Lassen, Point Reyes, Yosemite and more! These short-term classes are offered by several departments, including Biology, Geography, Geology, Photography, and Physical Education. For more information about specific classes, consult the class schedule or contact each department.