23 Credits CERT3000, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
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The Photography Certificate at South Central College is a fast-paced technology program. This certificate provides learners with design and software skills that sequence digital art courses, which emphasize artistic expression while building lighting, visual, and interpretive skills in photography. This certificate covers the camera's fundamental and creative aspects, lighting, digital imaging, critical history of photography, online presentation, and portfolio development. Learners enrolled in this program will benefit from personalized attention, current computer labs, and workstations set in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for learning new design techniques.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 23 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $4,932
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $4,932 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (23 Credits)
Complete the following courses:
ART140 Digital Photography (3 credits)
Introduction to the conceptual, technical and historical aspects of photography as a creative medium using digital technology within the fine arts context. Students study camera operation and techniques, composition and design, digital image capture, related software, and digital output. This class also utilizes the computer as a digital darkroom to enhance photographic images. Projects provide students with an understanding of how photographs function, not only technically, but also visually and conceptually. Students must have a digital camera; (variable F. Stop, and shutter recommended) Textbook and other supplies will also be required. (Prerequisite: None) (MNTC 6: Humanities and Fine Arts)
ART240 Digital Photography 2 (3 credits)
This course will introduce the student to both the practical and theoretical application of controlling the digital photographer's most important tool, light. The course will deal with, through the use of light modifying devices and software, how to control the direction, quantity, quality, ratio and color of light for both outdoor (natural) and indoor (existing) light. Students enrolled in this course will study advanced lighting techniques, contemporary practices and theories in digital photography. Students will work with intermediate and advanced digital imaging software. This course will emphasize the student's development of individual artistic voice applied in a portfolio of digital photographic images. Students enrolling in this course are required to supply their own digital camera, tripod, image editing software, and lighting equipment as specified in the course syllabus. Image editing software will also be available for use in the open computer lab at South Central College's North Mankato campus. (Prerequisite: ART 140 or instructor approval) (MNTC 6: Humanities and Fine Arts)
COMP1140 Web for Business (3 credits)
This course approaches developing web pages from a business point of view. It covers HTML5 and CSS3 markup languages used to create web pages. The course is intended for people wanting to learn how to create and publish web pages. No previous experience with HTML or programming is required. (Prerequisites: None)
GCC1120 Graphic Software 1 (4 credits)
This course will be taught in a hands-on atmosphere, learning the basics of various software packages used within the industry. Students will work with the tools, menus and panels, and integrate the use of the software for print and non-print outputs. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA score of 750 or higher)
GCC1130 Layout and Typography (3 credits)
Students will be introduced to the conceptual planning process used in layout and design. Students will understand that type as well as graphics are important design elements of a layout. It will be demonstrated how type interacts with graphics in a layout. Layout principles, color, proofing and preparing literature for output and printing will also be included in this course. (Prerequisites: Next Gen Accuplacer Reading score of 224 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 36 or higher or MCA Reading score of 750 or higher)
GCC1220 Graphic Software 2 (4 credits)
Graphic Software 2 is a continuation of GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1. The course is taught in a hands-on atmosphere learning more advanced features of the page layout, vector and raster softwares. Students should already have the fundamentals of the tools, menus and panels within each of the software packages. More advanced topics, interactive features and animation software will be explored. (Prerequisite: GCC 1120 Graphic Software 1)
GCC2150 Web/Interactive Media 2 (3 credits)
This course covers the basic preparation, planning and software used for multimedia and web presentation. Students will learn planning procedures for web and interactive media. These procedures will include planning flowcharts, wireframes and storyboards. Students will also learn file formatting and file preparation for web and interactive media. (Prerequisites: GCC 1220 and COMP 1140)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
