2023-2024 SMC Catalog Addendum

Analog Photography Certificate of Achievement

This certificate program cultivates the skills learned in a variety of analog courses within the Photography Department. Coursework focuses on artisanal photographic techniques with emphasis on skills necessary for transferring to a 4- year programs of study in the arts, and qualifies students for employment in custom photography labs, running a wet darkroom, and to work for professional fine artists. Students will learn the characteristics of shooting/processing film, make custom prints in traditional color and B&W darkrooms, learn to use large format cameras, and experiment with non-silver alternative processes.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will demonstrate the ability to master basic techniques in analog photography, successfully execute an image previsualized in their mind, subjectively critique their own work along with their peers', and articulate intentions and purpose when making art.

Business Bookkeeping Certificate of Achievement

This certificate is designed to provide students with basic accounting skills and knowledge necessary to obtain entry-level accounting and other accounting support positions in small and medium sized businesses.

This bookkeeping certificate curriculum also prepares students for the exams for Intuit bookkeeping certificate and for bookkeeping professional license offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).  Information on the Intuit bookkeeping certificate exam.

Information on the professional licensing exam.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate basic accounting skills to classify, analyze, record business and payroll transactions, prepare financial reports and closing entries at the end of an accounting cycle.

Communication Studies 2.0 Associate Degree for Transfer

Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer, students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into communication studies or similar major for many campuses in the California State University system. This degree complies with The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440). Students pursuing the Associate in Arts in Communication Studies 2.0 for Transfer will demonstrate, through written and oral academic work, knowledge of communication principles, concepts, and theories and be prepared to pursue further study in communication studies or a similar major at the baccalaureate level at the California State University.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer requirements:

• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of degree-applicable courses,
• Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0,
• Minimum grade of “C” (or “P”) for each course in the major, and
• Completion of IGETC and/or CSU GE-Breadth.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the Communication Studies 2.0 program, students will be able to analyze and demonstrate the relationship between speaker, audience, message, and medium in a variety of communication contexts. Students will also be able to identify, analyze and demonstrate appropriate conflict management styles in both interpersonal and intercultural forums.

Digital Technician Certificate of Achievement

This certificate prepares students for entry-level employment as a Digital Technician in photography. Coursework provides training in photo editing using industry standard software on macOS as well as tethered shooting in both a studio environment and on location. This includes retouching for beauty and commercial photography applications, image compositing, thorough color management, on-set asset management, and an overview of studio lighting. Students will also gain an understanding of industry trends, workplace demands, studio safety protocols, software troubleshooting, and expected professional etiquette.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a color-managed tethered capture workflow using digital asset management software. Students will also demonstrate advanced compositing and retouching techniques using industry standard software. Students completing the program will gain confidence in using the DSLR camera, using strobe and continuous lighting, studio safety, and working in a fast-paced collaborative environment.

Photographer's Assistant Certificate of Achievement

Upon completion of this certificate students will have received hands-on instruction in the use of digital cameras, electronic strobe equipment and lighting techniques as applied to photography in a professional studio setting. Includes a foundation in image editing software, studio safety, on-set etiquette, lighting concepts and effective use of photography grip equipment. Students completing this certificate program will have the skills, knowledge, training and discipline necessary to apply for employment as a photo assistant in the fields of commercial photography, product photography, portrait photography, event and fashion photography, food photography, and entry-level positions in medical and forensic photography.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this certificate, students will demonstrate skill in the control of studio and location lighting techniques utilizing continuous light, strobe and mixed lighting situations as well as demonstrating the necessary skills to work accurately, efficiently and safely in a studio or location environment. In addition, students will demonstrate a proficiency in operating digital cameras and will demonstrate skills in the digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom and Capture One software.