How Long Do Photoshop Courses Take?

Each Photoshop class varies in specialization, purpose, and length. Before enrolling in any class, you should consider what your needs and preferences are as well as the level of advancement you wish to reach. However, one of the biggest factors is time. If you only have a short period to learn Photoshop, you’ll want a course that reflects that timeframe. However, if you can spend as much time as you want learning Photoshop, you may not sweat the length of the course too much. You may want to pace yourself with a part-time course or get through the material quickly in a full-time course. In addition, you may need a course that fits easily into your daily or weekly schedule. In this article, you’ll learn about the different offerings for Photoshop classes and the general timeframe it takes to complete them. While this may differ depending on the training center or difficulty level, these ranges are to be expected across the board and are a good measure for deciding which class is best.

Length of Classes

Let’s face it: learning a new skill takes time. Whether you’re learning how to use a new software, such as Photoshop, or just learning how to use a new feature on Photoshop, you’ll have to dedicate some time inside, and potentially outside of class, to learn. The course length may dictate the level of depth the curriculum will go into or the level of dedication you must put into the course. Most courses range from introductory to advanced, but many bootcamps and degree programs have more integrated and demanding curricula. The lengthier classes are also more immersive and hands-on, with many requiring students to complete projects, participate in discussions, or work on activities in class. With all this said, Photoshop classes can generally last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Classes that specialize in a certain field or subject that frequently use Photoshop may last weeks or months. A university program will take the most time, whereas some on-demand and introductory classes are pretty short. Ultimately, the course you choose should reflect your goals and how you want to use Photoshop in the future. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, it’s best to weigh all your options and consider if the time and effort you’ll put into learning will be worth it.

Introductory

Introductory courses are an effective way for beginners to get their foot in the door. The same can be said for learning Photoshop. Introductory courses are accessible and cover a large amount of information in a brief amount of time, making it an easy way to learn new Photoshop techniques, tools, and features. The classes are ideal for beginners or those with zero experience since they cover such a broad range of material. These courses typically last a few hours or take place over a couple of days. In this short span of time, students will learn how to navigate the Photoshop interface, use the most essential tools, and develop their portfolios through small projects and activities. Once complete, students can move on to intermediate or advanced courses, if they so choose to further develop their skills. Overall, introductory classes are a quick and enjoyable way to learn more about Photoshop, and, depending on your intended purpose for enrollment, they can provide everything you may need to use Photoshop in your professional or personal life.

Advanced

After completing beginner and lower-level classes, students can enroll in an advanced class that teaches students more complex features and ways to use Photoshop. Higher-level courses focus heavily on career development and practical uses for the subject matter, such as how to use Photoshop for magazine spreads, marketing campaigns, and professional family photography. Some advanced courses may require more time than a typical introductory class, such as up to a week, but many are relatively comparable and will take a few hours to a few days. A major difference between advanced and introductory courses is the prerequisites. Most advanced courses require students to complete beginner courses prior to enrollment or at least have equivalent knowledge of the subject matter. In addition, many prefer to enroll in higher-level courses soon after they complete the lower-level course so they can retain as much information as possible between each class. Advanced courses are the last step in feeling truly confident using Photoshop for personal or professional reasons.

Bootcamps

Those who want the full immersion method often turn to bootcamps instead of single-level courses. This style values career development and the practical uses for Photoshop as opposed to learning theory or simply the basics. Bootcamps cover a broad range of skills and help students apply their skills as necessary. Many Photoshop bootcamps, such as Noble Desktop’s Photoshop Bootcamp, cover beginner and intermediate material, often veering slightly into more advanced concepts as well. Many also enroll in bootcamps specific to their intended career path, such as digital design, graphic design, or marketing. Bootcamps allow students to learn the software in its entirety, learning how to perform tasks easily and with confidence. As a result of their immersive and thorough nature, bootcamps usually take longer to complete than the standard introductory course. They can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the provider, the course material, and whether the bootcamp is in a part-time or full-time format. However, the time spent in a bootcamp is worthwhile as students get hands-on experience through various projects. Not to mention that persistent exposure to Photoshop will help familiarize students and make them feel more equipped to use the software in the future. In addition, bootcamps are ideal for portfolio development and often offer additional benefits and resources like setup assistance, payment plans, mentoring, mock interviews, and a chance to retake the course.

Degree Programs

It’s no secret that enrolling in a university or college will be not only expensive but time-consuming. The shortest degree program lasts generally two years, otherwise known as an Associate’s degree. The next level, Bachelor’s, typically takes four years and a graduate degree, or Master’s, can take upwards of six or more years to complete. These programs are designed to set the students up for success, and while a job is never guaranteed, an official degree from an accredited university will usually give students a leg up in the job search. These programs are not in Photoshop specifically, but instead in fields like graphic design or marketing where Photoshop is often used. These programs are a privilege for most as many can’t afford to take time away from work, not to mention pay the tuition and fees. In addition, the application process can be rather lengthy and tedious on its own and it’s best to seek out various schools in the event one denies your application. There’s also a great deal of pressure when taking these courses as failing a class is a waste of money and time, thus putting students that far behind in reaching their goal. While university isn’t a realistic or necessary path for everyone, it is certainly one of the more traditional learning methods. However, many can master Photoshop from bootcamps or by working through various classes instead.

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes are unique in that they don’t follow the typical course structure. In fact, they are completely asynchronous, which means they don’t require students to attend classes or discuss the material with instructors or peers. They are self-paced options that allow students to learn at their own pace, which can be beneficial for professionals who need an extra refresher or someone who needs to study just a few key Photoshop skills as opposed to a full overview of the software. This could also be a good option for someone learning Photoshop for personal reasons as they can take more time to learn and have lower stakes associated with the completion of the course. In other words, they don’t have a job or project waiting for them after they complete the course. Additionally, on-demand classes typically don’t have a specific timeframe. Whereas some last a few hours or days, others can take place over weeks or months. It mainly depends on the course provider, the subject matter, and the level of advancement. These classes seem ideal -- they offer students a flexible way to learn at their own pace and require very little interaction. However, the lack of direct interaction from an expert can lead to confusion and time lost on the course due to researching questions and troubleshooting techniques. It all depends on your purpose for learning as on-demand classes may work for some but not others.

Part-time Versus Full-time

Aside from considering the course type, you may want to learn how choosing a part-time or full-time course may change the outcome. If you have extra time to learn, a part-time class could be worth your while. However, if you need to learn as many skills as possible in a shorter period, a full-time course is ideal. Additionally, some full-time courses aren’t feasible, particularly for those who work full-time or have busy home lives. Regardless, each option will cover the material in as much depth as possible but at a different pace. It’s important for students to have these options as they may be the last determining factor in whether they enroll or even pass the course.