Photography and Design

Combining skills in photography and graphic design prepares students for a broad spectrum of captivating, creative careers. At Ridgewater College, students learn the latest innovative techniques, popular trends and software tricks to communicate through multiple media formats. A new Digital Photography certificate now available.

Students learn skills in:

Adobe Creative Suite software: Photoshop®, Illustrator® and Lightroom®
Portrait and product photography and professional communication

* Tuition/fees and additional costs are approximate and based on 2025-26 school year.

45 credit diploma
60 credit degree
Online courses
Start in fall or spring

Program Delivery

Fully online
No set meeting time; students attend lecture and access class materials according to their schedule
In-person assistance (Hutchinson and Willmar campuses)
Full or part time
Fall and spring start

Program Cost*

Tuition/Fees

AAS – $14,314
Diploma – $10,736

Additional costs

Book costs vary
Special course fee: $26
Laptop required

Recommended Computer Specs [PDF]

Careers & Jobs

Photographer and Designer
Graphic Designer
Photography Entrepreneur
Marketing Specialist
Social Media Content Creator
Digital Content Specialist
Product Artist
Illustrator