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Associate Degree in Photography Online AA in Digital Photography

Caitlyn Carey, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2015, wearing a pink sweater sitting at a table with an open laptop, glass of water and keyring of color swatches on the table.

Cost per credit $342

Total courses 20

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get an associate degree in photography?

Take your creative eye and love of visual storytelling to new heights with an Associate of Arts (AA) in Digital Photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). You’ll learn the technical skills needed to be a successful digital photographer while developing your own personal brand, unique visual style, powerful creative voice and focused industry knowledge.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Professional skills and best practices
  • Industry tools and techniques
  • Design theory and image composition
  • Use of light and color in photography
  • Thematic storytelling
  • Post-production editing techniques
Caitlyn Carey, who earned her degree from SNHU in 2015, wearing a pink sweater and typing on her laptop.

Courses & Curriculum Online digital photography classes that prepare you for the industry

Become an industry-savvy artist with an associate degree in photography. Coursework in communication, writing, social sciences, and the business and history of photography will help you learn how to sell yourself as a professional. Meanwhile, your major courses will focus on essential technical skills in photography, such as lighting, aesthetics and design.

And if you want to continue your education after earning your associate degree, you can seamlessly transition to the bachelor's online photography degree program at SNHU.

Degree Courses

Online digital photography degree courses

All associate in photography students will earn 27 credits of digital photography, communication and graphic design theory courses. In these degree courses, you'll examine the artistic and business sides of the photography profession. In addition to learning the most advanced camera, lighting and editing technology, you’ll enjoy an in-depth feedback process to help you up your photography game. 

Courses may include:

Course ID: COM 130
Examine the concept of media literacy. Practice deconstructing media messages to recognize their potential effect. Understand how media literacy is associated with an individual's role as a consumer of and participant in media.
Course ID: FAS 226
Photography as a visual medium is integral to the study of contemporary communication. This course introduces students to the history and practice of producing photographic images. The course is a combination of lecture and the hands-on practice of both the analog and digital methods of photographic image-making. The traditional darkroom is dispensed with, giving over to the computer the role of dark- room, with the student using Adobe Photoshop and other image editors to process traditional film and digital image captures. The student is taught to use various digital cameras techniques to capture, process, and print a portfolio of several original photographic images. Lectures on pictorial composition, subject matter choice, and methods of presentation display will accompany hands-on technical exercises.
Course ID: FAS 235
As the practice of digital photography leverages new technical skills through software programs and digital editing, it is critically important that practicing photographers gain a greater understanding of emerging methods for producing, editing, and distributing photographic works. This course provides an intermediate experience in the process of generating portfolios of digital images for presentation, distribution, or exhibition. Key to this experience is a broad understanding of design concepts that lead to decisions in coloring, resolution, formatting, and so on to produce high quality images that reflect a creative point of view. Students are exposed to advanced techniques using industry standard software to manipulate digital works for print and digital output, including color theory, management, calibration, and standard file formatting.
Course ID: FAS 240
This course serves as an introduction to the business practices of photography, focusing on the legal, marketing, and entrepreneurial aspects of the highly competitive photography industry today. Students gain valuable exposure to best practices recommended for working with clients and agencies, setting up an entrepreneurial business, developing appropriate contracts, licensing works, setting a pricing structure, model and property release forms, and managing overhead costs, among other topics. This course culminates in students determining their next steps in their professional development, including how to drive their personal vision and brand as a practicing photographer.
Course ID: FAS 255
The act of photography inherently depicts how light reacts and reflects its subject matter, while also communicating different emotions, moods, and feelings to the audience. This course serves as a comprehensive introduction to how light is used and manipulated for different purposes and effects. Topics covered include using ambient light versus flash or studio light for different subject matter (portraits, editorial work, fine art, etc.), angle of light and how it influences the look of the subject matter, using a single light source versus multiple light sources, how to blend ambient light with strobe lighting, using long exposures and film speed to manipulate the look of your imagery, along with other purposeful techniques for manipulating the aesthetics of light.
Course ID: FAS 326
This course will examine the history of photography from its invention in 1839 to the present time. The course will endeavor to address the technical artistic and social underpinnings of this most modern of art forms.
Course ID: FAS 375
This course explores various aesthetic theories of photographic practice and the evolution of photography as a respectable fine art medium available to contemporary artists and subject to critical inquiry. Students learn how photographic images shape our understanding of both the past and present as well as the very nature of photography as an art form and how this has changed over time. Besides theory, students also explore through hands on practice the methods and techniques for developing one's own aesthetic characteristics and personal style in photographic work.
Course ID: HIS 100
More than just dates, names, and places, history is the study of the human condition. It seeks to understand human behavior through the thoughtful examination of different types of historical sources. The study of history is a living subject, always changing as new discoveries and interpretations are presented. This course examines the process of investigating and writing about history through analysis of sources and the presentation of this analysis as an argument. Through this exploration of historical investigation, students will develop a holistic perspective on the contemporary relevance of history and their responsibility to participate and engage in such discourse.
Course ID: GRA 220
Using Photoshop and Illustrator software, this course is an introduction to professional computer graphics creation and to the software and hardware typically used in the graphic design, video, photography and interactive Web/multimedia industries. Emphasis will be placed on the professional use of image-capturing devices, such as scanners, digital still cameras and video cameras. Image editing and color management systems will be discussed and demonstrated. The important differences between vector and bitmap graphics will be defined, as will the significant differences in preparing images for print, broadcast and Web distribution. Students will be encouraged to experiment with their own and pre-existing images using sophisticated digital editing techniques such as layering, channel masking, filtering, cloning and montaging. Special attention will be paid to copyright awareness in the age of digital image.

Visit the course catalog to view the full AA in Digital Photography curriculum.

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Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!

Upcoming term starts: October 27, 2025 | January 5, 2026

Next term starts:
September 1, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Faculty Profile

Learn from passionate, knowledgeable photographers

Our supportive faculty bring decades of industry experience and real-world insights to the classroom. By facilitating peer-to-peer critiques and providing actionable feedback, our instructors can help you prepare for success in the field.

Featured Faculty

Colleen Vandenberg, adjunct facultyColleen Vandenberg

After earning an MFA, Colleen Vandenberg began her teaching journey, educating students of all ages in photography, visual arts, commercial art and art history. Currently, Vandenberg owns and operates a visual arts business, teaches art to homeschooled and co-op students and sits on the board of Jess Connects. In her free time, she creates fine art and short films — one of which was selected by the Brooklyn Film Festival in 2023.

Position
Adjunct Faculty, Liberal Arts

Joined SNHU
2016

Education

  • MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts & Media from Columbia College Chicago
  • BA in Photography from Brooks Institute

"By learning how to manually control their camera, and harness the power of aperture and shutter speed, students can create images with intention. With a strong foundation of technical skills, the student will become free to push creative boundaries."
Colleen Vandenberg, photography faculty at SNHU

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No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.

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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online associate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 60-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$342
$1,026
$20,520
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$250
$750
$15,000

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$4,104 $8,208 $12,312 $15,390
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $16,416

If 24 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $12,312

If 36 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $8,208

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($342/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $5,130

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an associate degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an AA in Digital Photography?

Whether you're looking to start your own business or take on freelance opportunities, the associate degree in photography online program at SNHU is designed to give you skills needed to break into the exciting industry of photography.

While an associate degree in photography can give you a competitive advantage, the best job candidates have a variety of talents and related skills. Beyond technical photography skills, you’ll develop your creative thinking, collaboration and client communication – professional skills that could serve you well in any career.

Industries

Once you complete the online AA Digital Photography program at SNHU, you can explore work in a number of exciting disciplines, including:

Specialize in photographing people, weddings or other special events. You might work in a studio or on location.

Photograph subjects ranging from buildings and merchandise to models and landscapes. You might work in a studio or on location.

Photograph people, places, and events for print or digital media, such as magazines, newspapers or television.

Select and edit photos or manage other photographers by assigning and coordinating their projects.

4%

Increase nationally in photography positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

18%

Higher median weekly earnings for associate degree holders when compared to those with a high school diploma, according to 2023 data from the BLS.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Ryan Earheart, who earned degrees from SNHU in 2019 and 2021.
Ryan Earheart, who earned degrees from SNHU in 2019 and 2021.

I did a lot of digging around online, and after a bunch of research, I found that many people loved the photography program at SNHU.

Ryan Earheart '19 '21

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. In fact, you might be surprised by just how easy, affordable and practical earning an associate degree in photography online really is. In an increasingly digital world, it’s crucial to stay up to date on technology. Our faculty are current in the field, and they can teach you how to best use the internet plus all of the software and hardware needed to have a successful career in photography.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), we have designed our curriculum around the online experience. This means that every class and every assignment is designed to help you learn how to use all of the tools you need to advance your photography knowledge. We not only provide you with critical foundational courses in general education and business, we teach you how to use current photography software such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

"SNHU is one of the very few universities that offers online photography, and I am very grateful for the access," said Katie Haynes '21. "I loved studying online – the easy access and flexibility was amazing."

We cover the history and business of photography. We teach you how to use the necessary tools of the trade such as scanners, lighting and different types of cameras. You may complete this degree armed with the knowledge and hands-on experience you need to be successful in a career such as commercial photographer, fine arts photographer or photography assistant. And you’ll be ready to continue on to a BA in game art and development, digital photography or graphic design program.

An associate degree in photography can take you places you’ve probably never dreamed of. With coursework grounded in general education and business, and focusing on the technical and theoretical aspects of photography as a practice, you could be prepared to enjoy careers such as:

  • Photo editor. Make creative and business decisions about which photographs to run with news or editorial pieces in newspapers or magazines.
  • Commercial photographer. Photograph buildings, outdoor locations or products for advertisement.
  • News photographer. Also known as a photojournalist, you may travel the country or the world photographing human interest stories, sporting events and more.
  • University photographer. Work exclusively for a college or university, documenting the many events on campus, providing content for the website and creating marketing materials.

You’ll also be able to apply your associate degree coursework to a bachelor’s degree and continue with your education as you build your career.

We think so. The opportunity to study what you love and prepare yourself for the career of your dreams in an affordable and accessible way sounds pretty good to us. This degree provides the general education, business and, most importantly, photography skills needed to set you apart in a competitive job market.

An associate degree in photography can help launch your career in commercial or fine art photography. It can also serve as a launchpad for continued education with a BA in a related field, like graphic design, digital photography or game art and design.

While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement for many photography jobs, an associate degree certainly helps. By taking the time to study your craft and learn to apply business and theoretical principles to your work, you can show any employer that you are serious about the business of photography and that you are well-trained in your field.

You can also apply your work on your associate degree in photography toward a bachelor’s degree, should you decide to continue with your studies. At Southern New Hampshire University, we make it easy. You can apply most or possibly all of the credits in your associate degree to a bachelor’s degree in a related field like digital photography, graphic design and media arts or game art and development. There are many business, humanities and liberal arts degree programs that would be a natural next step from your associate degree as well.

Because some specialties in commercial photography, such as medical or science photography, deal with science, it can be helpful to build on your associate degree in photography with a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

As for work experience, a good eye, sense of creativity and design, knowledge of branding and marketing, and strong communication skills, coupled with any practical work experience you have in the photography field, will help you meet your goals.

While anyone can pick up a camera and take some images, formal training in a degree program offers instruction in business, marketing and communication, as well as the history of and theory behind photography as a profession.

An associate degree in photography will help you connect with and learn from our faculty, who have professional experience in the field. The degree not only prepares you to be successful in the business and professional aspects of a career in commercial photography, it also sends a signal to an employer that you are serious about your craft.

Best of all, you can earn your associate degree in photography at Southern New Hampshire University in as little as 18 months. With all courses online, you set the pace. If you want to continue on beyond the courses taught at the associate degree level, consider continuing on toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as digital photography.

Should you have credits you're able to transfer in, the time you spend on your associate degree could be cut down.

"I transferred some credits from my time in the military," said Ryan Earheart '19 '21. "I started my associate degree in July 2018 and finished it November 2019." Because it went by so quickly for him, Ryan moved right into his bachelor's degree, graduating in 2021.

First, choose the right education. While anyone can take some nice pictures, it takes a real professional to apply skills, artistic and creative training and knowledge of photography as both a craft and a business to enjoy a long and rewarding career.

The Associate of Arts in Digital Photography degree at Southern New Hampshire University is a great place to start. Our program offers a solid foundation in writing, business and social science. You’ll then take major courses that cover topics such as lighting, history of photography and color theory.

With most professions, practical experience is important. Our associate degree in photography offers hands-on experience through the coursework, so you graduate ready to apply your skills to a real work environment.

Any school that includes courses grounded in the humanities and general education and then builds on them with courses specific to photography is tops. Look for a curriculum that includes humanities, business and writing courses, plus coursework in lighting, digital imaging, aesthetics and even media communication and visual literacy.

Katie Haynes '21 was thankful for the opportunity to study online – especially after medical issues kept her home and her previous school couldn't accommodate her remote requests.

"I found Southern New Hampshire University and was super thankful!" she said. "What made it even better was that they actually had the degree program I wanted to originally go to school for."

Southern New Hampshire University's online associate degree in photography allows you hands-on photography experience coupled with courses in the humanities, business and both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. We also offer a variety of bachelor’s degree programs that will help you continue to advance your education after you complete your associate degree. Consider a bachelor’s degree in digital photography, graphic design and media arts or even game art and development.

Our online platform pairs expert advising with the flexibility to complete your degree at your pace. Our affordable tuition ensures that our degree programs can fit your budget. And you can graduate with more than just expertise in photography.

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Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm (viewed May 28, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed May 28, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.