Academic Catalogs

Photography Digital Technician, Certificate of Achievement

Banner Code: 1_CN_PHDT

Control Number: 19809

Financial Aid Eligible


This program offers training in areas such as digital photography, digital workflow, large format digital capture and studio photography techniques. It is intended to prepare students for digital tech and photo assisting jobs in the professional photography community as well as photo retoucher, producer, production assistant, content creator, entrepreneur, photo researcher, photo editor and visual communicator

Program Outcome

Students will be able to demonstrate competence in the digital skills of photography and display skills in professional practices.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Course Title Units
Required Courses
PHOT A180Introduction to Professional Photography4
PHOT A188Commercial Photography5
PHOT A225Professional Digital Workflow and Color Management3
PHOT A280Professional Digital Techniques3
Select any “A200” level PHOT course, three units minimum 3
Total Units18
Course Title Units
Restricted Electives: A200-Level Photography Courses
PHOT A200Documentary Photography3
PHOT A220Fashion Photography3
PHOT A223Action Sports Photography3
PHOT A230Photography Since 19453
PHOT A241Business Practices for Photographers3
PHOT A260Art Portfolio Development 11
PHOT A261Art Portfolio Development 21
PHOT A262Commercial Portfolio Development 11
PHOT A263Commercial Portfolio Development 21
PHOT A264Exhibition Preparation 11
PHOT A265Exhibition Preparation 21
PHOT A266Marketing and Self Promotion 11
PHOT A267Marketing and Self Promotion 21
PHOT A282Professional Portraiture3
PHOT A283Art Photography4
PHOT A285Wedding and Event Photography3
PHOT A287Alternative Methods3
PHOT A288Editorial and Advertising People Photography3
PHOT A289Architectural Photography3
PHOT A290Advertising Illustration Photography3

Photography Digital Technician Suggested Electives:

PHOT A241 Business Practices for Photographers

Note: PHOT A123 Introduction to Digital Photography (3 units) is a prerequisite to PHOT A180 Introduction to Professional Photography and PHOT A125 Imaging for Photographers I (3 units) is a prerequisite to PHOT A225 Professional Digital Workflow and Color Management.

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
PHOT A123 Introduction to Digital Photography 1 3
 Units3
Semester 2
PHOT A125 Imaging for Photographers I 2 3
PHOT A180 Introduction to Professional Photography 4
 Units7
Year 2
Semester 1
PHOT A188 Commercial Photography 5
PHOT A280 Professional Digital Techniques 3
PHOT A225 Professional Digital Workflow and Color Management 3
ANY 200-LEVEL PHOT COURSE- 3 UNIT MINIMUM 3
 Units14
 Total Units24