Professional Photography AAA Degree

You will graduate with skills in and experience with:

• Natural and Studio Lighting
• Photoshop and Lightroom
• Image Editing
• Business and Sales Training
• Advanced Camera and Lens Functions

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

Portrait Photographer

Specializes in families, children, pets, weddings, seniors, sports, and event photography. You will learn advanced posing and lighting in the studio and on location. Many graduates have gone on to have very successful studios!

Commercial Photographer

Create images for magazines, catalogs, advertising, and products. You will learn advanced tabletop studio lighting and much more. You can choose to travel or work from a home studio anywhere!

Digital Technician

The computer specialists of the photo industry. Learn how to finish photos to perfection using Photoshop and beyond! Skills include advanced retouch, digital printing, compositing, and creating collages and posters.

You develop print and digital photography portfolios. You have the opportunity to have your portfolio reviewed by industry professionals.

The only program in Iowa recognized by the Professional Photographers of America and the Professional Photographers of Iowa.

Graduates earn three merits towards their Master Photographer designation from the Professional Photographers of America.

The Professional Photography program offers scholarships to help you on your way.

• Tony Finch Scholarship: $1000
• Don Lohnes Scholarship: $500
• Don Collinson Scholarship: $500
• New student scholarship: $500
• ACI Scholarships: Up to $350

Hawkeye Scholarships

Grow your network on field trips and events such as the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention. Make contacts, learn from experts, and make a name for yourself in the professional photo competition.

These are just a few of the companies that hire our Professional Photography graduates:

• Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, IA
• Read Photography, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Stalzer Photography, Marshalltown, IA
• John Deere, Moline, IL
• DC Shoes, Inc., Huntington Beach, CA

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

There is a documented pathway to the Technology Management Program at the University of Northern Iowa. Check out UNI’s transfer guide to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with a program advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer