Art Photography, Associate in Arts Degree

The Photography program is committed to a broad definition of photography as a lens-based medium open to various expressive means. Students who complete the AA in Photography will apply technical and aesthetic principles of photography in working with black-and-white laboratory techniques, using digital cameras and software, evaluating and analyzing photographs, using compositional skills, developing a portfolio, and collaborating. Photography majors will be prepared for an entry-level position in photography, transfer to a four-year Fine Arts program, and/or a career related to fine art photography.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Control and manipulate light, depth of field, and motion.
  • Create prints from film or digital sources and control print contrast, tonal range, and color.
  • Articulate the meaning of photographs and explain how meaning is visually communicated.
  • Create a cohesive body of exhibition quality work that collectively explores an idea or concept and be able to explain the significance of subject, form, presentation, and meaning.
  • Analyze and interpret human thought, achievement, and expression relevant to such branches of knowledge as philosophy, literature, and/or the fine and performing arts, and to communicate the results.

Associate in Arts Degree Major Requirements

Required Core
ARTP 10Introduction to Photography3
ARTP 11APhotography I: Black and White3
ARTP 12ADigital Photography I3
ARTP 55Alternative Processes3
or ARTP 15 Portraiture Photography
Select six units from the following, not selected from the required core6
Photography II
Photography III
Digital Photography II
History of Photography
Portraiture Photography
Alternative Processes
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS18
Additional Requirements42
Complete Competency Requirement, general education pattern (MPC General Education or Cal-GETC), and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 degree-applicable units.
Total Units60

Please refer to the program requirements section of the Catalog for information about associate degree requirements and certificate requirements including Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

Suggested 2-Year Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing 3
LIBR 50 Introduction to Library and Research Skills 1
ARTP 10 Introduction to Photography 3
ARTP 11A Photography I: Black and White 3
MATH 10
Mathematics for General Education
or Introduction to Statistics
4
Elective (COUN 10 Recommended) 1
 Units15
Spring
ARTP 12A Digital Photography I 3
ARTP 15
Portraiture Photography
or Alternative Processes
3
MPC GE 1B (ENGL C1001 Recommended) 3
MPC GE Area 7 3
Electives 3
 Units15
Year 2
Fall
ARTP 11B
Photography II
or Digital Photography II
or History of Photography
3
MPC GE Area 5 & Lab 4
Electives (COMM C1000 Recommended) 3
Electives 5
 Units15
Spring
ARTP 11B
Photography II
or Photography III
or Digital Photography II
or History of Photography
or Portraiture Photography
or Alternative Processes
3
MPC GE Area 4 3
MPC GE Area 6 3
Electives 3
Electives 3
 Units15
 Total Units60