Visual Storytelling Certificate

Visual Storytelling

Program Number: 908013CERT

Your Degree: Certificate

Estimated Time to Complete: 12 Credits | Finish in 1 semester

Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Arts, Design and Humanities

Estimated Program Cost: $2,408.37

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Program Overview
The Visual Storytelling Certificate is for students interested in a career in multimedia communications. The certificate will provide students with foundational skills needed to land paid internships, part-time and full-time jobs in the professional areas of videography, photography, and social media communications.
Program Details
Students earning the Visual Storytelling Certificate can attend full or part time.
Visual Storytelling classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
Madison - Truax
Madison - South
Reedsburg
Portage
Fort Atkinson
Watertown
For more information email Larry Hansen at lhansen@madisoncollege.edu.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Required Courses
10-203-130
Introduction to Photography and Video
An Introduction to the common elements of the photography and videography process. The basic principles of effective composition, lighting, exposure and control of motion and focus are covered. Basics of portraiture and product photography is studied in a studio environment. Specific requirements to video content creation are addressed. Participants provide their own video-enabled DSLR camera. Please contact your program director prior to any camera purchase.
2 credits
10-206-130
Video Production
This introductory course covers camera techniques, live studio recording and team productions for studio and fieldwork. Students will edit their work to produce educational, promotional, and service videos. Recommended that students own a video-enabled camera. Please contact the course instructor prior to any camera purchase.
3 credits
20-801-253
Photo/Video Storytelling
Students learn how to tell clear, engaging stories with photos and video. They practice framing shots, recording sound, and editing clips to shape a story. The course emphasizes ethical choices and real-world use. By the end, students create photo essays and short videos they can share on digital platforms.
3 credits
20-801-262
Social Media Writing
This course explores writing and publishing for new media, especially social platforms. Students compare linear and interactive storytelling, develop skills for interactive publishing and social media communication, develop truth sorting strategies, and use AI and crowdsourcing for research. They create and publish microblogs, video scripting, audio stories, and open-source website to demonstrate their learning.
3 credits
20-801-271
Journalism Practicum 1
Journalism Practicum students gain real world journalism experience by working on The Clarion student newspaper, newsletter, website, radio broadcast, video, and outreach projects. They report, write, edit, photograph, videotape, record, attend editorial meetings, and complete service hours: 36 hours for 1 credit or 72 hours for 2 credits. Journalism Practicum 1 provides real-world journalism skills and experiences for students.
1 credit
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Visual Storytelling career.
It's Free to Apply
Career Outcomes
Apply the concepts and principles of visual storytelling in the development of multimedia projects in journalism and corporate or non-profit communications.
Use high-level video and television broadcast recording equipment in a professional manner while on location for video shoots.
Use professional quality photography equipment in a skilled manner while on location for photography shoots.
Edit and publish video and photo stories using a variety of video and photography post-production software programs.
Design websites that showcase video and photography projects.
Create social media campaigns that share video and photography projects on a variety of platforms.