Find your creative eye and develop your confidence to make an impact on the world through your craft. You will become a well-rounded professional within a Christian worldview and receive training in photography and filmmaking. Upon completion of this program, you will have a professional portfolio to kickstart your career.
As you prepare for intercultural ministry we believe that it is important to know the living word of God.
Learn from instructors who are all professionals currently employed in the fields that they teach. They integrate the most recent skills and technology into each course they teach, preparing the student for a meaningful career right upon graduation.
The program culminates with a 14-day practicum where you will be working with real clients in an International/ National context. Past groups have traveled to Vietnam, Tibet, Ecuador, and Golden, BC.
Box 4000
Three Hills, AB T0M 2N0
Canada
Phone: 403.443.5511
TollFree: 1.800.661.2425
admissions@prairie.edu
info@prairie.edu
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All rights reserved
All courses are three credits unless shown otherwise.
In this course, students are introduced to the story of Jesus Christ and his earliest disciples as told by the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Students will grow in their understanding of who Jesus is as well as in their ability to interpret the bible by attending to its literary, historical, and theological character.
A study of the first five books of the Bible, focusing on the historical, literary and theological features of these books as well as establishing a strong grounding in Torah principles as preparation for interpreting the rest of Scripture.
A study of the books of Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings and Ezra-Nehemiah in their cultural, historical, and literary setting. Brief interaction with Ruth, Esther, and 1-2 Chronicles as they relate to the books associated with them. Focuses on interpretive and contextual issues, historical setting, cultural concerns, and their relevance in developing a strong biblical theology in today’s world.
The Christian life is the experience of God drawing us into a relationship that is nothing less than the believer’s participation in the life of God through union with Christ. This is the Good News (i.e. Gospel) that takes root through sola scriptura (Scripture alone), solus Christus (Christ alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), and soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone). The transformative participation in Christ and His purposes gives this present life value, direction and hope. The believer is called to the quest of faithful discipleship in this participation and engagement with Christ.
The course is an exploration of and involvement in that quest. You will be challenged toward intentional participation in the life of God through your faithful discipleship response to His person and work. The content will explore a Christian spiritual theology and practice of participation with Christ. The theological approach to this participation is as a transformational relationship with the triune God in which you have both responsibilities and privileges. The course is designed to stretch beyond a cognitive/intellectual exercise and therefore you will be encouraged to actively engage in whole-hearted participation with God, both inside and outside of the classroom. The desired result is that you will know God more deeply, relate to Him as one intimately known by Him, and desire to make Him known to others.
This course introduces students to the biblical, doctrinal, philosophical and historical “big picture” outlines of the Christian faith. The course aims to equip students with the skills to develop a Christian mind by assisting them in constructing a theological foundation for thinking and dealing with life’s most important issues. This course will also enable students to begin to think theologically and to construct a Christian worldview for the edification of the community of faith and to the glory of the almighty God whom we serve.
This course focuses on a variety of aspects of academic research. The student will critically assess a variety of sources that mostly pertain to the task of apologetics. The primary focus of this course is research and writing, and the secondary focus is apologetics. This means that the student will assess, analyze, summarize, and review source documents that pertain to apologetics. The student will learn how to write academically and how to properly paraphrase source documents in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. Additionally, the student will be familiarized with the library and information literacy. In sum, this course is designed to introduce the student to the task of sound research and proper academic writing.
This course is an introduction to story and how it intersects with our lives. Students will explore the structure of storytelling in film, drama, photography, music and pros. Students will be required to create story from various sources, including their own life experience. Students will experience good story in several genres, and then in the process of experimenting with their own stories, come to an appreciation and passion for storytelling.
This course describes and analyzes the range and nature of Christian expression around the world. This will be done in three ways: 1) by briefly describing the four main streams of Christianity evident today; 2) by examining the variety of expressions of indigenous Christianity in the various geographical regions of the globe, and major challenges Christians face in each region; and 3) by getting a brief introduction of how Christianity spread from its Hebrew roots in Palestine to becoming a global faith which is known today as World Christianity (Christianity whose agenda is no longer determined by churches in the nations of the West). The underlying question for Christians living in the West is, ‘What is our place and role in this recently altered global landscape of Christianity?’ This course will offer some possible answers to that question.
This course intends to provide a basic skill set whereby students can produce the audio component of video projects for not-for-profit and mission-based organizations. Topics covered include pre-production, production, post-production, as well as gear use, software use, and formats for projects so that the students will have a working knowledge sufficient to produce small scale, promo/interview projects. The course will introduce students to the importance of audio within their films in order to better serve their storytelling. It will equip them with the knowledge needed to perform basic post-production tasks from an audio perspective and give them the vocabulary and skills to both record and edit sound for video. Students should have at least two projects as part of their portfolio at the end of this course.
To legally operate a drone in Canada, Transport Canada requires all Drone Pilots carry an operating certificate issued by Transport Canada. Students will complete an instructor assisted course, exam, and flight test to acquire their National Advanced Operations Certificate for drones under 25 kg.
Fundamentals of Photography is a fast paced course introducing the basics of the craft, techniques, and concepts of photography. Motivated students will rapidly change from being picture takers to photography artists.
This four-part course introduces students to the basic elements needed in setting up and operating a successful Digital Media business. Topics will include business planning, budgeting, pricing, client contracts, waivers, and working with partners in larger production teams.
Portfolio is a practical, hands-on course designed to help get the talents of 1st year students exposed to potential clients.
This course intends to introduce students to DaVinci Editor as it pertains to video editors. We will cover the basics of Masks, introduction to compositing, animating text, and basic motion tracking. The course will be adaptive, meaning the instructor will adjust how much time is spent covering the basics. The projects that will be chosen, and their unique needs, will vary, also requiring adaptation.
This course intends to provide a basic skill set whereby students can produce video projects for not-for-profit and mission-based organizations. Topics covered include pre-production, production, post-production, as well as gear use, software use, and formats for projects so that the students will have a working knowledge sufficient to produce small scale, doc-style projects. This course will review the elements of Fundamentals of Filmmaking, but also cover more advanced moving camera techniques, and more advanced post-production techniques. Students should have at least two projects as part of their portfolio at the end of this course.
This course will equip students with the skills and knowledge crucial in producing professional documentaries. Students will learn the essential elements of crafting a nonfiction story focusing on themes, interview skills, and supporting B-roll footage.
This course will give students the tools to confidently execute large wedding productions including understanding your clients, organization, budgeting, pricing, and successfully carrying out these events in a high-paced environment.
Advanced Photography picks up where Fundamentals of Photography left off. It provides an advanced use of software applications, how to work in a studio environment with various types of lighting, and prepares students to master the controls of camera functions and strobe lighting.
This course provides an advanced use of software applications, such as Capture One Pro and Infinity. Students will not only be exposed to the best tools and practices for each task but how they can be used in combination. At the conclusion of the course, students will be versed in advanced retouching, effects, composition and the importance of ongoing learning throughout their career in photography.
Portfolio 2 is a practical, hands-on course designed to help enhance the skills/talents of 2nd year students exposed to potential clients.
The Digital Media Practicum is a capstone experience that allows students to integrate what they have learned throughout the program in a culminating experience.
Students will participate in experiential learning within a context that has a need to utilize digital media. Students will be using the skills they have learned in the Digital Media Program to be effective storytellers in a context in which skills and abilities contribute to the building of God’s Kingdom.
The students will be building their portfolios in the fields of photography and filmmaking and gain understanding and competencies in real-world scenarios and events. By providing avenues for students to build their resumes and portfolios, the Practicum is also a potential bridge between to future employment and/or ministry.
Our graduates
• are sought-out professionals who are employable because they are well-rounded in both photography and filmmaking.
• are entrepreneurs who build businesses to serve the church and society with their creative skills.
• continue at Prairie and obtain a 4-year degree in a variety of majors including Business Administration.
In this digital age, media is an expanding field with many different opportunities to impact people. The training and portfolio gained through Prairie’s Digital Media program can open doors to career and ministry opportunities in North America or around the world!
Academic Admissions Requirement:
For Homeschool students and applicants outside of Alberta please visit our Steps to Apply page.
Christian Life & Testimony:
Prairie College requires that students demonstrate a Christian life and testimony in order to effectively participate in our Christ-centered community. Applicants show evidence of meeting this requirement in the following application items:
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of English Proficiency. See International Admissions Procedures for more information.
Program Specific Requirements
In addition to our regular Admissions requirements, Digital Media applicants need to have a basic skillset and talent in the areas of photography & filmmaking. In order to assess this, we ask applicants to submit a digital portfolio. The digital portfolio should include 5-10 items that display the applicant’s skills in the areas we teach (photography, filmmaking).
*Please note: All hardware and software requirements are subject to change up until July 1 prior to the start of classes due to the importance of remaining current with industry standards *
First Year Students:
• Laptop*: New or up to 2 year old MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with a M1 or M2 (preferred) chipset with at least 16GB of RAM and must have at least one usb-c port.
• Camera**: DSLR or mirrorless body with at least HD 1080p video capabilities. We strongly recommend full-frame bodies over crop-frame sensor cameras.
• Lens: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS or EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS II and 50mm 1.8 (or faster) lens is highly recommended.
• Intervalometer (if you do not have one built into your camera)
• Memory card reader (necessary only if there are no compatible ports on your laptop for the connection cord your camera uses)
• Student subscription of Capture One Pro
• Full License of Affinity Photo and Affinity Publisher
• One 4 TB (minimum) external HDD Drive for backup
• Tripod: one that can take both still and video heads
• Inexpensive 36″ collapsible Reflector
• One 4TB External SSD Drive
Second Year Students (in addition to first year requirements):
• Flash with built-in radio receiver
• Radio transmitter for flash
• Light stand: 8′ minimum
• 45″ Umbrella or 24″ soft box for flash photography
*Your Laptop must be one of the types listed – no exceptions made.
**The camera must have the ability to use an adaptor to accept Canon DSLR lenses as the college has a number of Canon compatible accessories that Digital Media students can take out on loan.
For our Tuition & Fee rates as well as Room and Board please see Fees & Financial Aid
Program Specific Costs:
Digital Media students are charged a $850 program fee. ($425 charged in Fall semester and $425 charged in the Winter semester).
All 1st year students will have a Material fee of $550 charged in the Fall semester to cover the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor.
All 2nd year students have a Practicum Fee of $6000 plus tuition fees – $3,000 charged in the Fall semester, $3,000 charged in the Winter semester, and tuition charged in the Spring semester.
Fall 2025 (September start) and Online Education (start anytime) applications are open.
Prairie welcomes applications from individuals all around the world! To begin the International Student Application please click the link below.
If you are applying for the Master of Christian Ministry Leadership or the Master of Global Christian Educational Leadership please click the link below.
Tell us a bit about yourself and an admissions representative will be in touch shortly!
We have launched our Campaign for Greater Impact to provide students with the very best learning opportunities and campus facilities for the decades ahead.
In Phase One of this Campaign, we plan to invest in much-needed campus renewal, including: upgraded Infrastructure, a new Student Residence, Cafeteria, Worship Auditorium, and expanded Aviation Training Centre. A modern campus requires an investment that is bold, and even expensive, but each Campaign Project is strategic, and designed to enhance Prairie’s campus and student life experience.
This expansion of PATC’s facility is a key project of Prairie’s Campaign for Greater Impact. It will increase the College’s capacity to train a new generation of Christian aviators to serve God in missions, and also address the growing need for trained pilots in the commercial aviation sector.
Invest in the next generation of missional professionals. Each year Prairie College distributes over $500,000 in scholarships and bursaries to students. We are grateful for each gift that reduces the burden of students’ tuition and allows students to fulfill their God-given professions.
Encourage inmates in five institutions across Alberta to discover or reconnect with Jesus Christ. This fund assists the students studying the Certificate in Bible program with scholarships, resources for classes, and instruction.
Prairie College is educating students to pursue a Biblical foundation for life and career. Your contribution to this fund assists in minimizing the College’s general operating expenses.
To allocate your gift, please select one of the donation buttons below.