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Get Started in Digital Photography and Design

student reviews digital artwork with professorUnleash your creative potential and transform your passion for photography and design into a professional credential with our certificate in digital photography and design at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Our program, which requires 12 to 14 credits, nurtures your personal expression while also equipping you with comprehensive creative and technical skills.

Whether you use the certificate to pursue further artistic training, add to your skill set for a variety of professions, or even start your own business, the skills you’ll learn will open a world of opportunities.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$40,760 Median Salary

Photographers

Employment of photographers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,900 openings for photographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,910 Median Salary

Graphic Designers

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$106,500 Median Salary

Art Directors

Employment of art directors is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 13,800 openings for art directors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$99,060 Median Salary

Special Effects Artists and Animators

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$65,070 Median Salary

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators

Overall employment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 8,200 openings for film and video editors and camera operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Tuition

Tuition and fees for certificate programs are updated and approved each year in June. Review the current schedule to estimate your costs.

Tuition and Fee Schedule

How to Apply

It is encouraged to apply as early as possible. To apply:

  • Complete and submit an Online Non-Degree Application - select "Certificates".
  • Submit official transcripts.

Completed non-degree applications will be accepted until midnight the day prior to the start of classes each semester.

How to Apply

Admission Requirements

The program is open to all undergraduate students at UM-Dearborn as well as non-degree seeking students with or without college degrees.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.

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