Photography (AS Degree S1002)

Arts Division
Degree S1002

This program is designed to prepare the student for employment in the field of photography. A variety of career opportunities are available in photography, art, cinema, communications, industrial arts, graphics, and journalism. Student desiring a bachelor’s degree should consult with an advisor or catalog of the institution they wish to attend regarding transferability of courses.

This degree requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
Choose one from the following:1
Laboratory Studies: Beginning Black and White Photography
Laboratory Studies: Advanced Black and White Photography
Laboratory Studies: Studio Photography
Laboratory Studies: Computer Applications in Photography
Plus the following courses:
PHOT 9Digital Image Editing for Photographers3
PHOT 10Basic Digital and Film Photography3
PHOT 11AIntermediate Photography3
PHOT 11BDigital Capture Workflow3
PHOT 12Photographic Alternatives3
or PHOT 16 Fashion and Editorial Portrait Photography
or PHOT 18 Portraiture and Wedding Photography
PHOT 14Commercial Lighting3
PHOT 15History of Photography3
PHOT 17Photocommunication3
or PHOT 30 Advertising Photography
PHOT 20Color Photography3
PHOT 28Photography Portfolio Development3
PHOT 29Studio Business Practices for Commercial Artists3
PHOT 24Advanced Digital Image Editing for Photographers3
or PHOT 26 Video for Photographers
Total Units37

Recommended Electives

Course Prefix Course Name Units
AHIS 1Introduction to the Visual Arts and Art History3
or ARTB 1 Introduction to the Visual Arts and Art History

Photography Website  

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will be able to:

  • Use critical thinking skills and be able to analyze and assess photographic situations, solve technical problems, and overcome creative challenges as they arise in the production of high quality still and motion imagery for professional, editorial, commercial, or fine art applications.
  • Design and construct still and motion imagery that can communicate ideas or narratives effectively for commercial, editorial, or fine art purposes.
  • Have the knowledge and skills pertinent to the operation of a freelance photography business and sound business practices in the trade.
  • Usefully participate in the collaborative environment of commercial art fields.
  • Analyze, discuss, and critique the various technical, aesthetic, conceptual, historical, and cultural aspects of a photograph.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Looking for guidance? A counselor can help.This Guided Pathways for Success (GPS) is a suggested sequence of coursework needed for program completion. It is not an official educational plan. Schedule an appointment with a counselor or advisor as soon as possible to create an individualized Mountie Academic Plan (MAP) specific to your goals and needs.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
PHOT 9 Digital Image Editing for Photographers 3
PHOT 10 Basic Digital and Film Photography 3
ENGL 1A Freshman Composition 4
AA/S BEHAV Area D-2 Elective Course 3
AA/S KINES Phys Ed (KIN) Activity Course .5
 Units13.5
Winter Term 1
PHOT 11A Intermediate Photography 3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
PHOT 20 Color Photography 3
PHOT 11B Digital Capture Workflow 3
AA/S MATH Meet AA/AS Math Comptcy Req 3
AA/S HUM Area C-2 Humanities Course 3
PHOT 1A OR PHOT 1B OR PHOT 1C 1
 Units12
Summer Term 1
SPCH 1A Public Speaking 4
 Units4
Fall Term 2
PHOT 29 Studio Business Practices for Commercial Artists 3
AA/S SCNCE Area B-1 or B-2 Science Course 3
Certificate: Photography, L1 N0631 1
Completing additional courses PHOT 24 26 for 6
Certificate: Photography Digital Technician N0632 2
Submit petition: inside.mtsac.edu, Student Tab#45 5
PHOT 17 OR PHOT 30 3
PHOT 12 OR PHOT 16 OR PHOT 18 3
 Units6
Winter Term 2
AA/S USHIS Area D-1 Hist/Pol Sc Course 3
AA/S LIFE Area E Lifelong Undrstg Course 3
 Units6
Spring Term 2
PHOT 14 Commercial Lighting 3
PHOT 15 History of Photography 3
PHOT 28 Photography Portfolio Development 3
Photography, AS S1002 2
Certificate: Photography L2 T0349 9
Submit petition: inside.mtsac.edu, Student Tab#45 5
PHOT 24 OR PHOT 26 3
 Units9
 Total Units53.5
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