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8 Best Photoshop Classes from Schools, Universities and Colleges
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The best Photoshop classes from schools and universities provides you with the opportunity to learn from experts at licensed schools and in some cases to even receive college credit for Photoshop classes. This list has been updated for 2023.
The list of Photoshop courses available online was researched and organized by Photoshop experts who have authored dozens of books on the topic. Our selection criteria was limited to include only live Photoshop courses online led by an instructor.
This list of best Photoshop classes is focused primarily on introductory courses for those who are looking to gain foundational skills, whether as beginners who want to start learning Photoshop or experienced users who never received formal training. Details regarding each individual course are included, along with links to the courses themselves..
Another criteria for inclusion in this list is that the course needs to be teaching the latest version of the Photoshop application. Participants in these classes can use the fully functioning trial version of the app, or buy the app by subscribing at the Adobe website.
The 8 best Photoshop classes from schools, universities, and colleges:
Photoshop Bootcamp intensive Photoshop course
Introduction to Photoshop Training Class
Photoshop I Foundation Skills at Montgomery College
Photoshop I at UC Berkeley Extension
Photoshop I at UCLA Extension
Adobe Photoshop CC Basics Course at the University of Arkansas
Introduction to Photoshop Tutorial from UNC-Chapel Hill
Photoshop Introductory Tutorial from UC Berkeley
8 Best Photoshop Courses from Schools and Universities
Photoshop Bootcamp
This four-day Photoshop class for beginners provides a comprehensive approach to learning as it progresses from teaching introductory into more advanced topics. This class helps you learn Photoshop in a week. The Photoshop bootcamp covers materials found in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses and is delivered as a one-week intensive workshop. Bootcamp participants learn to use Photoshop tools for retouching and color correction, as well as how to use adjustment layers. This Photoshop class starts with introductory topics then moves into more advanced topics by the end of the week. New dates for live sessions have been added for 2023.
Benefits of the Photoshop Bootcamp:
Gain experience editing and retouching images
Learn to manipulate layers
Understand Photoshop’s workspace
Remove backgrounds to create layered compositions
Detailed curriculum included
Live instructor led class
Format: Live class meets at scheduled times either online or in person
Student review: “I went from an absolute beginner to fully understanding how to use Photoshop efficiently in this week. Great class.” -Caitlin O.
Introductory Photoshop Training Class
This Photoshop class is for those who want to learn the basics of Photoshop and the correct way to use the app. This two-day introductory class teaches foundational skills and provides fundamentals of using Photoshop. Learn to use Photoshop’s tools for retouching and color correction, as well as receive an introduction to professional imaging workflows so you understand which steps to take and in which sequence when editing images. Even experienced Photoshop users who have never had any formal training will benefit from learning both essential skills as well as tips, tricks, and keyboard shortcuts to work more efficiently.
Benefits of the Photoshop Training Class — Introduction:
Learn color correction in Photoshop
Use content-aware tools to remove distracting elements
Users of all proficiencies can solidify their basic skillset
Learn retouching and painting
Find out how to use layers
Live instructor-led class
Format: Live class meets at scheduled times either online or in person
Student review: “It was very helpful to have a small group where we could get personalized instruction. She made me feel comfortable to ask questions. There was not one thing she couldn’t answer during the course of two days!! I would find it beneficial to attend another training in the future with her.” -Hilary S
Photoshop I Foundation Skills at University of Texas at El Paso
Learn to modify images, define image properties, work with selections, and more in this introductory Photoshop course. While establishing a basic skill set, this course also includes lessons on core skills for using Photoshop, as well as a look at how Photoshop works.
Benefits of Photoshop I Foundation Skills at UTEP:
Live instructor-led class
Affordable way to diversify your skillset
Learn how to apply color and blur
Examine and work with layers and type
Identify image flaws and repair using various tools
Create composite images
Format: Online
Photoshop I at UC Berkeley Extension
Geared toward graphic and visual designers, this course focuses on using Adobe Photoshop to create composites, learn fundamental concepts, and perfect conceptual skills through a series of real-world production assignments. Participants who complete the course will leave with quality pieces for personal websites and portfolios.
Benefits of Photoshop I at UC Berkeley Extension:
Live instructor-led class
Learn the fundamentals of color, image resolution, and appropriate file format
Prepare Photoshop files to be used in Adobe Illustrator and InDesign for print and digital
Understand advanced techniques in compositing, layer masking, color modes, and filters
Prepare images for the web
Learn to make gif files for multiple purposes
Format: Online
Photoshop I at UCLA Extension
By developing a working knowledge of Photoshop’s features in this course, participants will learn and practice the creation, manipulation, and combination of digital images, as well as importing and exporting assets. This program can also be tailored to individual design needs.
Benefits of Photoshop I at UCLA Extension:
Live instructor-led class
Credit toward journalism or design communication arts certificate
Use best practices to increase efficiency
Learn essential skills and techniques to create compelling digital imagery
Use Photoshop in 2D print, interactive, and web applications
Study design industry standards
Format: Online
Adobe Photoshop CC Basics Course at the University of Maryland
Although Photoshop is used by a variety of professionals, this course predominantly focuses on photography components. In addition to an orientation to Adobe Bridge, participants learn to navigate the workspace, organize files, and edit images.
Benefits of the Adobe Photoshop CC Basics Course at the University of Maryland:
Live instructor-led class
Organize assets and customize your workspace
Apply design principles, elements, and graphic composition
Implement color management when modifying and repairing images
Refine images using advanced tools
Format images for other programs and save images for both web and print
Format: TBD; next offering has not been scheduled
Introduction to Photoshop Tutorial from UNC-Chapel Hill
This tutorial introduces basic Photoshop features and concepts for beginners. By completing this self-paced module, anyone can learn to open files, scan images, use navigation tools, learn imaging concepts, and prepare images using the program.
Benefits of Introduction to Photoshop Tutorial from UNC-Chapel Hill:
Self-paced tutorial
Learn about imaging concepts and color modes
Use contrast, sharpness, and color correction to edit images
Manipulate selection tools and work with layers
Export images for displaying and printing
Open files and scan images into Photoshop
Format: Online
Photoshop Introductory Tutorial from UC Berkeley
Whether working with images from a digital camera, scans, or stock photo libraries, this tutorial walks learners from various industries through the capabilities of the Photoshop workspace. This beginner-level study focuses on the photography aspects of the program as it is used in journalism.
Benefits of the Photoshop Introductory Tutorial from UC Berkeley:
Self-paced tutorial
Learn to crop and resize images
Adjust tonal properties such as lightening a dark image
Improve clarity and sharpen images
Open and save in a variety of file formats
Learn to color correct images
Format: Online
Is it possible to learn Photoshop online
Yes, you can learn Photoshop online with live classes or self-paced training. Live classes provide the opportunity to ask questions and get help as you work through projects and learn new concepts. Self-paced learning requires dedicated time and can involve research if you don’t understand concepts.
How long does it take to learn Photoshop
Most professionals require 12 to24 hours of training to learn Photoshop skills to the level that are required for work. Professional designers require more time, while those who use Photoshop casually require less time.
Can you learn Photoshop in a week
Yes, you can learn Photoshop in a week with an intensive Photoshop Bootcamp, which we ranked as the best intensive Photoshop class. This course includes 24 hours of class time spread over most of a work week. It includes introductory through intermediate skills, and provides the foundation needed for working efficiently in Photoshop.
How much does it cost to learn Photoshop
Learning Photoshop ranges from free with online tutorials and a great deal of patience to $595 for a small-group Photoshop class that has you learn hands-on with a live instructor.
Are Photoshop classes worth the cost
The best Photoshop classes that we have listed here that require tuition do have some advantages. They are live classes, so you can ask questions of the instructor, and they are small-group which allows you to get personalized attention. The paid courses that we’ve listed as best also include the ability to retake the course for free.
How can you learn Photoshop faster
The best way to learn Photoshop faster is to take an intensive course. If you are a beginner, taking the two-day introductory to Photoshop class will teach you basic Photoshop skills quickly. You can talk with the instructor as you learn live, and ask questions to make sure you fully understand each concept as you quickly learn Photoshop.
How to get Photoshop certified
You can get Photoshop certified online though the online Photoshop certification which confirms your skills across a wide range of digital imaging skills. This independent certification was created by the professionals that developed the official Adobe training materials and have authored more than 10 Photoshop training books.
Photoshop classes from schools and universities selection criteria
The team that selected the best Photoshop classes are instructors, authors and experts in Photoshop. The criteria used in determining the courses includes evaluating the curriculum of each course, making certain it meets the objectives of students looking to learn Photoshop. Also considered are educational outcomes of past students through identifying courses that are highly rated by past students. The expertise of the instructors also factors into determining which courses are considered. Those teaching the best classes at a university or school are expected to have exceptional skills with Photoshop along with outstanding teaching skills. Accessibility of classes to the widest possible audience through online learning is also a factor. All of the best Photoshop classes from schools and universities are available as online courses, led by live instructors. Some variations of these classes may also be available for in-person learning in a classroom.