Associate in Applied Science in Photography

Digital Arts
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Program Information

Learn more about the Photography program.

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Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Visual and Performing Arts

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Photography program is designed for the student who wishes to pursue a career in photography, either commercial or fine arts. Students will study digital and traditional film-based (darkroom) media, content and image selection, and the theory and practice of visual communication.

Details

Details icon Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Photography (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3195
Total Credits Required
61-67
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
There will be costs for supplies and equipment in this program.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of principles of design, aesthetics, and visual communication.
  2. Create original still and time based images.
  3. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and application of camera techniques.
  4. Demonstrate a thorough and adaptable knowledge of software used in digital imaging and contemporary media.
  5. Create digital imaging workflow.
  6. Utilize effective lighting techniques in natural, artificial and mixed lighting in photography (e.g., product, still life and portraiture).
  7. Analyze trends and influences in contemporary and historical photography.
  8. Critically evaluate photographic works.
  9. Develop a professional body of work and appropriate support material to showcase personal vision and technical skills.
  10. Identify professional practices in diverse settings (e.g., communication, time management, pricing, and legal and ethical considerations).
  11. Use visual, verbal, and written communication skills to interact with diverse audiences.
  12. Apply historical, cultural, and social contextual perspectives to evaluate a body of work.
  13. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Painters, Sculptors, Illustrators, and Other Fine Artists

$20,731

Photographers

$47,370

Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

$38,900

Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers

$72,944

Self-Enrichment Education Teachers

$41,772

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART131 Photography I Critical course Gateway course HU 3
AVC100 Introduction to Digital Arts Critical course 1
AVC142 Introduction to Digital Photography Critical course 3
ART112 or
ART113		 Two-Dimensional Design or Color 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART132 or
AVC143		 Photography II or Intermediate Digital Photography Select ART132 for Fine Arts
Select ART143 for Commercial 		3
ART113 or
ART112		 Color or Two-Dimensional Design 3
ARH115 History of Photography HU 3
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
MAT140 or
MAT141 or
MAT142 or
MAT145 or
MAT146		 College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review OR Any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area MA or MA or MA or MA or MA 3–6

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART132 or
AVC143		 Photography II or Intermediate Digital Photography Select ART143 for Fine Arts
Select ART132 for Commercial 		3
ART255 or
ART255AB		 Art Marketing or The Portfolio 1–3
ARH101 or
ARH102		 Art from Prehistory Through Middle Ages or Art from Renaissance to Modernism H, HU or H, HU 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication SB or SB or L or SB 3
Specialization Option Subplan Option 3–6

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SB Social & Behavioral Sciences SB 3
SQ or
SG		 Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General SQ or SG 4
Specialization Option Subplan Option 5–15

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART131 Photography I Critical course Gateway course HU 3
AVC100 Introduction to Digital Arts Critical course 1
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
AVC142 Introduction to Digital Photography Critical course 3
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART113 or
ART112		 Color or Two-Dimensional Design 3
MAT140 or
MAT141 or
MAT142 or
MAT145 or
MAT146		 College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review OR Any approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area MA or MA or MA or MA or MA 3–6

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART112 or
ART113		 Two-Dimensional Design or Color 3
ART132 or
AVC143		 Photography II or Intermediate Digital Photography Select ART132 for Fine Arts
Select ART143 for Commercial 		3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ARH115 History of Photography HU 3
ART132 or
AVC143		 Photography II or Intermediate Digital Photography Select ART143 for Fine Arts
Select ART132 for Commercial 		3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ARH101 or
ARH102		 Art from Prehistory Through Middle Ages or Art from Renaissance to Modernism H, HU or H, HU 3
Specialization Option Subplan Option 3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication SB or SB or L or SB 3
Specialization Option Subplan Option 3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SQ or
SG		 Natural Sciences Quantitative or Natural Sciences General SQ or SG 4
Specialization Option Subplan Option 2–3

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ART255 or
ART255AB		 Art Marketing or The Portfolio 1–3
SB Social & Behavioral Sciences SB 3
Specialization Option Subplan Option 0–3

Term 10

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 10
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Specialization Option Subplan Option 0–9

Pathway Map Option Details

No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway map options listed above.

Ready to get started?

Follow one of the options below to get started on your personal career pathway.

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Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.

Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Photography program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • H = Historical Awareness
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=187380).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Photography