I'm currently studying photography, photojournalism to be precise, at one of the top programs.  The first year was great and worth every penny, every tear and every bit of effort.  But since the second year began, I've been extremely unhappy with the program.  I've gone back and forth with friends, teachers, advisors and myself about the decision to stay and finish, ("oh you're so close.") or to move on. 

I feel it's a waste of time (for lack of better phrasing) to finish out the year taking classes that don't get me any closer to my goals or help me to be better prepared.  I didn't begin the program for a 'piece of paper' and don't view the field (outdoor-adventure-travel-stock-magazine-journalism) as one that needs a degree.  Afterall, an "employer" looks at my query, my submitted story and images and/or my portfolio.  My reputation, talent, experience and consistency are what get me noticed and get me paid.  This is not a field where I'm a piece of paper (aka a resume) first and foremost.  

So my question to you pro's out there...from your experience, knowledge, friend and clientele base etc....will having an associates degree in photojournalism serve me better than to not?  (With no regard to what the program offers mind you..for as I've mentioned, the curriculum is now all but irrelevant to my goals.)  

I'm trying desperately to be rash and practical about all this but I'm too ambitious to waste the rest of the year in classes, not able to work much, just to say I finished.  I hope some of you can offer some relevant advice/experience on the matter.  Thanks! 

I don't have a degree in photography, mine is in family life education.  I cannot advise you on the value of your courses to your profession because I know nothing about them, but I can say that your education and time in school is something that you cannot replace.  I went to a private college and spent a boatload of money getting my education, and I wouldn't trade what I learned during that time for anything.  The ability to deal with people is something I learned a lot about, and in this business, that is irreplacable.  You learn a lot during that time, and you grow up a ton.

I can say that none of my clients care what my degree is in, as long as the images look good, they could give a rip.  Sometimes your peers in the profession may care, but more often than not they do not.

If your skills as a photographer are there, you can refine them on your own.  Maybe you could consider a business type degree to help you in that part of your profession.  I have a wife who majored in business, that helps me a lot.   

Ultimately you have to do what's best for you.  Hope that helps a little.

Hey New!

I totally agree with splauche!!!!!  I'm not sure how old you are, but the opportunity of going to college and yes, receiving that little piece of paper is very valuable.  Unless you are close to 80 years old or God forbid, you have some terminal disease, take the time to learn and enjoy your life. I guess my mantra has always been not to give up and don't quit.  I'm not trying to get too deep, but you are there for a reason. Take this oppurtunity to find out what that reason is.  If it is not learning about the actual craft of photography, then maybe it is the great lesson of learning to deal with ALL kinds of people.  People you will deal with on a daily basis in this business.  I know I sound like I'm your mother and I'm preaching to you, but I just can't emphasize enough the life lessons you will learn in college and continue to build upon during your life.  Remember, you have the rest of your life to be a "grown up".  Take this time, right now, for you.

Stephie

Oh, and my degree is in communications.  I work for a photographer and I freelance, no one has ever asked what my degree is in.

I understand your dilemma--sometimes it feels like a waste of time/money to continue with something you feel like you've squeezed everything out of, but instead of spending your energy wondering if you should/shouldn't finish, I'd recommend seeing your college education as a holistic entity. Perhaps finishing the photography program itself isn't the best place for you, but continuing/finishing your education is very important.

If I had the opportunity to do it over again, I'd concentrate my classroom education to marketing/business as these things are invaluable for photographers (and pretty much every other field out there)...Perhaps in the future I'll have the opportunity to go back to it. In my opinion, there is nothing that will serve you better for the long-term..

 

splauche:

I don't have a degree in photography, mine is in family life education. 

 

Too funny, I studied the same thing-  got my B.A. in it!  Mine is called Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Human Development (what a mouthful!).  I studied marriage and family therapy (might go get my masters in that in case I'm not cut out to be a photog), child development and child psychology, plus a whole lot of sociology.

As for the original poster, to be very cliche here, "life is too short to spend time doing something you do not want to do".

Bing

I also agree with pp who said that a business degree might serve you better.  My hubby has his BS in Accounting and his PhD in PRM and he is really helping me a lot right now, since I am so new to the business side of everything.

Carson and I have spent nearly $100,000 on our formal education combined and we're not done.  It probably goes without saying that we think it's worth the investment.  It's not the technical skills gained in a degree program that have lasting value, it's the ability to learn and to synthesize what you've learned that makes it worthwhile.  Education is one of the few investments that is an almost sure bet for a good ROI.

There are other considerations though - such things as quality of life, social benefit, and even benefit to your children in motivation to also complete an education.  Then there's the reality that people who have degrees (many of the people who will be hiring you) place a high value on those degrees and tend to "look down upon" those who don't have one.

An applied science degree in photography at the associate's level isn't going to land you a job as a photojournalist all by itself.  In fact, my jobs in journalism are now requiring a bachelor's degree.  That associate's will fast-track you through a lot of the mistakes beginners make and will also provide you with a myriad of knowledge that many of your pro peers never understand.  You could as easily learn all of that "on the job" in about twice the time as the degree program.

Now, given the opportunity, if it's not part of your program;  develop some non-photography skills that will pay you back very well and which are best learned in the tech college.  First, writing.  Technical writing courses prepare you to not only write of your experience as a photographer but to also prepare well composed proposals.  Then, business math and accounting.  Both are essential skills.

An area neglected by most but that we've found well worth the time - sciences!   A photographer that can communicate with the engineers and scientists, take the photos they want taken, and write about it too is a rare breed.

Bottom line - photography is an art and you're either an artist or not.   Business though is not an art - it's a science that is learned.  It's generally best not to learn business by trial and error, that's expensive.

I think it would be surprising what degrees most of the posters on this site have or don't have... my educational money was spent for a BSED in Biology with a Minor in Computer Tech and a whole lotta credits in music classes as well... what a combo... I know... and I am using.. NONE of it formally...but I can tell you I wouldnt give back the computer knowledge, I wouldn't give back the music, because I love it, the Biology knowledge is fantastic and while not easily applicable, the education classes that went with it help me every day... so yes, I would stay stick with it....

My 2 cents: Education is only as important as the educators, the actual paper degree means nothing without the backing of quality teachings. If your teachers are not quality then you'll actually suffer in the long run. It takes a few minutes to learn something, and it could take a lifetime to break that mistaught lesson.  If you're taught well, then school is well worth it and definitely worth the investment, if you're not then you've just wasted your money, time and effort.  Getting a degree can help put the foot in the door, but if you don't know what you're doing, all you'll get is a boot out the door and a bad rep.