If you are a creative individual with a passion for storytelling, you might consider earning your photography associate’s degree.
Many graduates with their associate’s degree in photography choose to work in positions where they are able to connect with a wide range of people and set their own schedules. In addition, they are often able to make creative decisions and use their abilities to benefit others.
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Imaginative, empathetic people with an understanding of business and strong communication skills often find themselves thriving in the photography industry.
Online Photography Associate’s Degrees
An online photography associate’s degree program can teach you foundational skills for the field of digital photography.
The curriculum for a degree in photography can include courses on:
- Thematic storytelling
- Design theory
- Fine arts photography
- Graphic design
- Image composition
- Post-production editing
- History of photography
- Media communication
These courses are intended to teach you the fundamentals of photography. You can develop an understanding of the history of the art form as well as how to use digital editing tools and software.
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Completing the required courses for your associate degree in photography may also provide you with enough material to put together a portfolio. A portfolio showcases your work and will be a key factor when you are searching and applying for jobs. Many students who earn their AA in Photography are eager to join the workforce after graduation.
Some positions that are appealing to photography majors include:
- Portrait photographer
- Wedding photographer
- Film and video editor
- Camera operator
- Photojournalist
Most of these professional positions combine technical skills with storytelling ability, resulting in creative career opportunities.
Some of the skills that a photography program can help you develop include:
- Creativity
- Attention to detail
- Photo editing
- Composition
- Communication
While it may be easy to think of photography and related careers as independent positions, you will likely interact with a wide range of professionals over the course of your career. Because so much of photography involves telling a story or connecting with an audience, it is necessary to understand what a client or company is asking for.
If you are artistic with an eye for detail and an ear for a good story, earning your associates degree in photography may help you begin your career in the fine arts photography industry.
Photography Careers and Salaries
We live in a world that relies on strong images for everything, from communication to sales. So, expertise in the creation of visual images is needed in a number of different industries, including advertising, art, and education.
A number of creative careers, such as graphic designer and art director, often require a bachelors degree. Earning an associates, though, can help you develop your skill sets and qualify for entry-level roles. Building your portfolio and acquiring experience may help you qualify for higher positions down the road.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many photography professionals pursue the following roles.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Art Directors | $100,890 |
| Film and Video Editors | $62,680 |
| Fine Artists | $60,820 |
| Graphic Designers | $50,710 |
| Photographers — Broadcasting | $50,130 |
| Television, Video, and Film Camera Operators | $49,230 |
| Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians | $49,050 |
| Photographers — Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers | $47,130 |
| Photographers — Photographic Services | $36,750 |
| Craft Artists | $35,930 |
Many photographers start as freelancers and build their way up to positions within larger companies or organizations, though others prefer to stay self-employed.
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Many freelance photographers are able to earn a decent salary as they build up their client base. Although earning an AA in Photography can help you prepare for a professional career, it does not guarantee a specific position or income. Networking, job searching, and upskilling are all activities that can improve your chances of landing a role you enjoy.
Photography Associates Curriculum & Courses
An associate in photography degree program will cover the technical and creative skills necessary to begin your successful career in the field. You may take classes such as:
- Thematic Storytelling: This course explores the art of storytelling, including why we tell certain stories and how what we leave out can communicate volumes.
- Design Theory: In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of design, studying key concepts like scale, texture, space, and form.
- Image Composition: This course teaches you the basics of creating good compositions and well-balanced shots.
- Post-Production Editing: Covering topics like picture and sound editing, this class provides an introduction to the technological and storytelling pieces of the editing process.
- History of Photography: This course is an exploration of the history of photography, so you’ll look at the role photography plays in culture, media, and art.
- Media Communication: In this course, you’ll explore the ways in which media has impacted society, studying topics such as broadcasting, graphic design, advertising, and media law.
- Lighting: You’ll study the foundational lighting design elements for photography, learning how to use lighting equipment and exploring color theory.
- Introduction to Videography: In this course designed to give you basic video skills, you’ll cover topics related to shooting and editing.
- Darkroom Photography: In this course, you’ll learn typical darkroom procedures, including how to develop film and use the manual controls on your camera.
- People Photography: This course covers the basics of photographing people, explaining things like posing, shooting on location, and lighting.
In addition to these theoretical and practical photography courses, you can also work toward creating a full portfolio to use when you apply to jobs in the future.
Admissions Requirements
Many school of photography degree programs have similar admissions requirements, although there can be differences between institutions.
It’s common for schools to ask you to submit the following items:
- SAT or ACT scores (only if required)
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
It is also common for a small fee to be required at the time of application. If you are worried about the cost of applying, you can try to narrow down your list of prospective schools to include only those that offer an interesting curriculum and align with your career goals.
AA in Photography Programs Accreditation
It is strategic to check whether your prospective photography schools are regionally accredited. Schools that are accredited have passed a standard quality check. This means that the different components of their educational programs—such as their courses, staff, and facilities—have been evaluated to ensure that they are of sufficient quality.
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Employers assign value to a degree, but they will often check to ensure that candidates have received their degree from an accredited institution. Attending an accredited school can also be a precondition for certain forms of financial aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When exploring prospective schools, it can also be helpful to research financial aid and scholarship programs. Financial aid can come in a variety of forms and is often determined by need. Factors like your total family income and the cost of your school can impact the amount of aid you are eligible to receive.
In order to find out how much federal aid you are qualified to receive, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are looking for additional ways to help pay for your educational costs, you can try applying for scholarships. There are usually a wide variety of scholarship opportunities at any given school.
You can often find scholarships that directly pertain to your personal, educational, or financial situation as well. For instance, some have application criteria for academic achievement or demographics.
What Degree Do You Need to Be a Photographer?
While it is not always necessary to have a degree in order to become a photographer, there are many benefits to obtaining one. You can choose to earn your associates, bachelors, or masters degree in photography. If you find yourself interested in conducting research, you may even apply to doctoral photography programs in the future.
Earning a degree in photography can help you learn necessary technical skills as well as develop your creative skills. Plus, going through a college photography program can be a strategic way to make connections and build your portfolio.
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Photographer?
Being a photographer often requires more than a love of taking pictures. There are many skills attributed to success in the field of photography, including:
- Communication. Being able to understand and interact well with clients is key.
- Creativity. Anyone can take a picture, but your creative abilities are what set you apart and make your photos unique.
- Hardware and software expertise. It’s necessary to know how to handle your equipment and use editing software.
Taking the time to learn and develop these skills can help you build a solid foundation for your successful career in photography.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Photography?
An AA degree in photography can help you network, build your portfolio, learn editing software, and develop technical abilities for this competitive industry.
Many photography associate degree graduates choose to find professional work as freelance photographers, lighting technicians, or camera operators. Since photography requires a good eye for detail and an understanding of what makes a compelling story, some photography majors choose to enter the field of photojournalism.
Others use their associates as a stepping stone toward a bachelors degree. Photography professionals with more experience or further education may pursue careers as art directors or educators.
How Much Do Digital Photographers Make?
Many professional digital photographers work for online and print publications, while others work as wedding or portrait photographers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salary of photographers as $38,950, with most making between $24,540 and $77,760.
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A photographer’s salary will depend on a number of factors, such as their experience, area of expertise, and geographic location. Many photographers are also self-employed, while others may work for a studio or company. Experienced creative professionals may go on to pursue leadership roles. Art directors, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, make a median annual salary of $100,890.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates in Photography Degree Online?
If you follow a traditional, 16-week semester and attend school full-time, it will generally take 2 years to complete an associate degree. If you choose to follow an 8-week semester and stay continuously enrolled year-round, you may finish in less time.
Many photography degree online programs also offer accelerated timelines or alternative schedule options. These will vary between schools and can be found by researching the available timelines at your prospective schools.
Is an Associate’s in Photography Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associate’s in photography degree is worth it for many professionals. Not only do photographers get to employ their creative abilities regularly, but many career paths connected to the field are experiencing job growth at a faster rate than the national average.
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For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17% job growth for photographers over the next ten years. Freelance photography work also offers schedule flexibility and the opportunity to meet and connect with a diverse range of people. Studying photography and developing your skills could lead to imaginative and meaningful work in this creative field.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Photography Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
The Academy of Art University offers an online program for an Associate of Arts in Photography. It is designed to elevate students’ passion for photography into marketable skills by helping them learn the fundamentals of digital capture, lighting, post-production, and visual language. The curriculum covers topics such as the history of photography, workflow and process, and social media content development.
Academy of Art University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Associate of Arts in Digital Photography at Columbus State Community College is designed to develop qualified digital photographers to fill growing demand in the field. Over the course of this online, 2 year program, students have the opportunity to learn a combination of photography skills and aesthetic principles that can serve them in a variety of roles.
Columbus State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Students looking to transform their creativity into professional proficiency may find an excellent fit in the Associate in Photography program at Dakota College of Bottineau. Classes can be completed at either the Bottineau campus or online. The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility needed to take the next step in their education regardless of their personal scheduling limitations.
Dakota College at Bottineau is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Dakota County Technical College offers an Associate of Arts in Photography. This 2 year, program in photography online focuses on the hands-on application of concepts such as workflow, lighting, and portraiture. The curriculum includes instruction in the fundamentals of professional photography and courses in business and marketing to help prepare students for success.
Dakota County Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Foothill College offers an online program for an Associate of Arts in Photography. It is intended for students hoping to learn core aesthetic concepts and technical skills as they prepare for entry-level photography roles or further coursework toward a higher degree. Key courses in this 90 credit major include Photoshop, History of Photography, Professional Practices, Lightroom, and Photojournalism.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Lake Area Technical College offers an Associate in Photography and Media program in photography online that is designed to be an ideal next step for anyone ready to enter the photography profession. The curriculum blends the fundamentals of photography and the basics of navigating the business world. On average, the program can be completed in 6 semesters and requires 69 credits for graduation.
Lake Area Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Miami Dade College offers an Associate in Science in Photographic Technology program that covers the ins and outs of creating compelling photographs that meet clients’ needs. Classes can be attended in person at the North or Kendall campuses or online. The program can typically completed in a little over 2 years.
Miami Dade College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Randolph Community College offers an Associate in Photographic Technology with a specialization in Commercial Photography.
The program offers a unique focus on photography and advertising in the commercial sector. The curriculum is designed to teach students necessary skills in artistic composition, imaging technology, and business practices. The commercial photographer program requires the completion of 71 credit hours, and students can attend most classes online.
Randolph Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Santa Barbara City College offers an Associate in Arts with an emphasis in Applied Photography. It aims to teach students the basics of traditional and digital camera operations, photo development technologies, and the fundamentals of photography as a business. The 30 major-specific credits cover topics such as color management, lighting, photojournalism, fine art copy, and advertising illustration.
Santa Barbara City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Associate in Photography program designed for students wishing to pursue a career in photography.
Students in the program have the opportunity to learn essential business and aesthetic concepts from skilled professional photographers. Up to 45 qualifying credits of the program’s 60 required credits can be transferred in from outside institutions. No standardized test scores are required for admission.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Getting Your Photography Associate’s Degree Online
Earning your associate’s degree in photography can strengthen your expertise and skill sets in this competitive field. Holding a college degree enables you to enter the workforce with a solid foundation of professional training.
In an associate photography program, you can develop essential photography skills while building on your artistic knowledge. With a growing number of credible, accredited schools offering online degrees, you can even receive photography online training.
The sooner you start exploring accredited institutions, the sooner you can start applying to the photography associate programs that best align with your interests.
