Associate Degree in Photography Online

Online Degrees
Associate Degrees
AA in Digital Photography

Earn an AA in Photography Online

$320/credit (60 credits)
Transfer up to 45 credits
100% online instruction

Work with professional photographers
Learn essential business skills
No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required

Associate in Digital Photography Online Program Overview

Take your love of photography to the next level with an Associate of Arts (AA) in Digital Photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University. Along with courses in writing, communication and social sciences, you’ll cover the business and history of photography.

You’ll learn design theory, how to use light and color, and how to create and process digital images. Post-production editing and other technical skills are paired with a strong foundation in the humanities throughout. And, all courses are online – so you're free to learn from anywhere with internet and at any time that fits your schedule.

This program is for anyone seeking to launch or advance an exciting career in professional photography. You’ll complete this program ready to develop your own creative voice and your brand identity. You’ll also be ready to seamlessly transition to the bachelor's online digital photography degree program should you choose.

In SNHU’s online associate degree in digital photography program, you’ll learn how to:

Develop professional skills aligned with best practices of the industry
Employ industry-appropriate tools and techniques
Apply the elements and principles of art and design
Communicate ideas and themes to specific audiences

Career Outlook

While an associate degree in photography can give you a competitive advantage, the best job candidates have multiple talents and related skills. Accountability and professionalism will serve you well in any career. Creative intelligence and collaboration are two strong skills you’ll develop by studying commercial arts. And written and verbal communication never go out of style.

Graduates of an associate degree in digital photography can become commercial photographers in fields such as photojournalism and industrial or product photography. Freelance photography is also a growing field. In fact, there are many ways to use your associate degree in photography that could lead to a rewarding career. You can apply the credits earned in the associate in photography toward a BA in Digital Photography as well.

"A photography degree says that you have made an investment in your career," said RJ Johns, a photography instructor for Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). "While many still view photography as a glorified hobby, to have a degree shows a commitment to your craft and career."

The median hourly wage for a photographer was $17.44 in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.¹ That allows for a lot of potential to earn a solid wage as you build your career. You can also apply your associate degree in photography to a BA in Digital Photography or online graphic design degree.

Or, you could also apply your photographic expertise as a craft or fine artist working in a commercial studio, where the median salary was $48,760 per year in 2019.¹

Once you complete the online Associate of Arts in Digital Photography program, you'll be ready to work in a number of exciting career fields, including:

Portrait photography. Specialize in photographing people, groups or even animals. You may apply your photography skills to documenting weddings or other special events, and may work in a studio space or on location. Strong communication skills in addition to technical expertise is helpful here.
Commercial and industrial photography. Take pictures of a variety of subjects ranging from buildings and merchandise to models and landscapes. You may work in a studio or on location.
Aerial photography. Use specialized photography equipment to take high-quality images from airplanes or helicopters.
Scientific photography. Use your photography skills to document scientific or medical data. You may use microscopes to capture images too small to see with the naked eye. Your strong humanities background will be especially helpful here.
News photography. Photograph people, places, and events. Your photos might be used for a variety of print or digital media, such as magazines, newspapers or even television. Also known as photojournalism, strong digital photography skills will be especially helpful here.
Fine arts photography. Sell your photographs as works of art. This role combines photographic skill, a creative eye and a sound background in marketing and business.
University photography. Work as a staff photographer for a college or university. You may produce, edit and present photographs for all manner of university-related events. Your photographs may be used in official university publications, websites, emails and more.
Production assistant. A dynamic entry-level role, you'll assist lead photographers in conducting photo sessions at a studio or on site. A high level of technical ability is needed here, in particular with lighting and equipment. Strong communication skills may also serve you well as there is often a customer service aspect to this role.
Digital photo technician. Apply your technical skills to scan and manipulate images. Your aesthetic skills would be helpful in this role, as you may work on retouching, sizing and adjusting the color and contrast to create the best images for your clients. Good customer service and communication skills are helpful here as well.
Photo editor. A role with a strong management component, you may select and edit photos yourself, though the focus of this role involves managing other photographers by assigning and coordinating their projects. Business and communication skills would be helpful here, because you may negotiate fees and obtain rights and permissions to use images.
Lighting technician. Set up lighting for stages, location sets or studio spaces. A strong knowledge of aesthetics, media, business and design may help you excel in this role. You may work in commercial settings, in television or film production or as a freelance artist.

Colleen Vandenberg with the text 'Colleen Vandenberg' No matter which career you choose, “earning your online degree at SNHU will afford you the opportunity to lay the foundation of being an expert in your craft, and have a deeper understanding of professional photography," said Colleen Vandenberg, photography faculty at SNHU.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Digital Photography Degree

Why SNHU For Your Associate Degree in Photography

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits for a bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institution.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

“Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

Opportunities

An associate in photography not only positions you for success in your career, it positions you to further your education. This degree prepares you for a number of business degrees, social science degrees and technology degrees. Each of SNHU’s more than 200 online college degree programs offers faculty who are actively working in their field. They are ready to give you advice and guidance that will help you achieve your professional goals every step of the way.

96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.² Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Admission Requirements

Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

How to Apply

Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:

Completing a free undergraduate application
Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost

Test scores are not required as part of your application.

Courses & Curriculum

The Associate of Arts in Digital Photography degree at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is designed to give you the leading edge for a career in commercial photography.

Taught by industry-leading faculty, you’ll enjoy foundational coursework grounded in business and the liberal arts. Then, you’ll focus on courses covering all aspects of digital photography. Lighting, aesthetics, design and communications come together to offer a well-rounded degree.

"Photographers today often are hired on a contract basis and it is essential that they are educated in the successful creation, marketing and running of a photography business," said Sloan Kelly, associate dean of fine and applied arts at SNHU.

In addition to learning the most advanced camera, lighting and editing technology, you’ll enjoy a robust feedback process to enrich your learning experience. Coursework examines the artistic and business sides of the profession.

"Learning how to build and maintain a freelance business and the importance of a brand – and marketing that brand – is essential for students to learn," Kelly said.

Credits earned for the associate degree in photography can be easily applied toward a bachelor’s degree in digital photography, graphic design and media arts or a variety of other liberal arts majors.

Curriculum Requirements & Resources

General education courses: All associate in photography students are required to take 21 credits of general education courses, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, providing the edge employers are looking for. This foundation will position you to be competitive in your career and in a future bachelor’s degree program online, or on campus, should you decide to continue on with your education.
Major courses: All associate in photography students will earn 27 credits of digital photography, communication and graphic design theory courses. Major courses may include Media Communication and Visual Literacy, Business of Photography, Lighting, History of Photography or Design and Color Theory.
Free electives: Every student has 12 free electives to use toward their associate degree in photography. You may use these courses to customize your study based on your interests and career goals.
Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Hardware and software support: As noted below, you will need a DSLR camera, tripod and lighting kit to complete this program and be successful as a commercial or fine art photographer. Coursework includes instruction on popular photographic software, such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. You'll also learn about hardware and other technical equipment such as scanners, still cameras and lighting kits. You'll cover methods and techniques for creating and editing graphics. And, of course, you will have opportunities for the hands-on practice of your new skills.

In addition to the technical and theoretical photography skills you will learn in this exciting program, your coursework will prepare you for the business aspects of working as a commercial photographer.

Communication, business, critical thinking and internet savvy are all skills that will serve you well for a future career or to move on to a bachelor’s degree. Many of your courses for the associate degree in photography can be applied to a bachelor’s degree, so continuing on with your education will be seamless.

View Full Curriculum in the Catalog

AA in Digital Photography

Courses May Include

ENG 122 English Composition I

English 122 is a college-level writing course that introduces students to the various forms of academic discourse. This course focuses primarily on the basic elements of college composition and writing as a process in both narrative and analytical forms. Students will investigate the importance and promise of effective written communication in various personal and professional contexts and identify effective strategies through critical analysis of written works as well as their own writing. Finally, this course prepares students for more advanced research analysis by connecting students to important avenues of research.

ENG 123 English Composition II

English 123 focuses students on the importance of research to advancing knowledge for various purposes. This course will build on the foundations of composition and introduce students to the research process and the analysis and evaluation of various sources. Students will investigate the writing process for research as well as appropriate research methods and skills. Additionally, this course offers multiple opportunities to engage in the important tasks of revision and editing and will ask students to incorporate feedback to improve their writing.

FAS 202 Introduction to Humanities II

This course offers vocabulary, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts in their cultural contexts in history, religion, literature, music and ideas. It focuses on the cultural periods of the Baroque, the Enlightenment, Romanticism and Early Modernism while also exploring related issues in non-European cultures. May be taken independently of FAS-201.

HIS 100 Perspectives in History

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.

MAT 125 Quantitative Reasoning & Problem Solving

This course focuses on the development of sound quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills, as applied to everyday situations. While this course will have computational elements, the focus is to be placed on conceptual understanding and creative problem solving through relevant applications. Problem solving strategies, inductive/deductive reasoning, analysis of quantitative information and arguments, and communication are the enduring threads.

SCS 100 Perspectives in the Social Sciences

How do social scientists examine issues impacting human behavior? This course will focus on the questions social scientists ask in their research of individuals, families, and larger society, as well as how social scientific inquiry has developed over time. This exploration of social science will focus on the ways in which researchers consider behavioral phenomenon and use research to study various concepts. Students will examine the relevance of social science to current issues, develop evidence-based questions about human behavior, and explore basic social scientific research approaches.

SNHU 107 Success Strategies for Online Learning

This course focuses on student success strategies for students who are new to higher education or online learning. Skill areas include critical thinking, self-advocacy and support services, and the empowerment of students to utilize their strengths in order to improve the likelihood of academic success.

COM 130 Media Communication and Visual Literacy

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.

FAS 226 Digital Photography

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.

FAS 235 Photographic Practice in the Digital Age

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.

FAS 240 The Business of Photography

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.

FAS 255 Lighting for Photography

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.

FAS 326 History of Photography

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.

FAS 375 Photographic Aesthetic Concepts

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.

GRA 101 Basic Design and Color Theory

This course examines the basic elements and principles of design, including balance, emphasis, proportion and rhythm. Students are introduced to visual designing systems that guide the student through the application of computer graphics tools. The basic visual design elements of line, space, texture and color are creatively explored as students complete a series of projects that relate to advertising layout and design and visual merchandising.

GRA 220 Introduction to Digital Imaging

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.

Total Credits: 60

Program Outcomes

Digital Photography Technical Requirements

Students enrolled in the digital photography programs are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software, and photography equipment required in the courses. System requirements often change, so it is important that students maintain awareness of the various minimum hardware requirements for the required software listed below.

Required Photography Equipment:

DSLR (video 1080p) camera that allows for manual and automatic operation, supports 1080p video and can use interchangeable lenses
Tripod
Lighting Kit

Required Software:

The full Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is required in at least the following courses: GRA-101, GRA-220, COM-128
The Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan will support most other program courses

Students may also wish to purchase (not required):

A digital hand-held light meter that can measure both ambient and strobe lighting
A portable electronic flash unit

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Online Undergraduate Programs	Per Course	Per Credit Hour	Annual Cost for 30 credits
Degree/Certificates	$960	$320	$9,600
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)	$675	$225	$6,750

Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get an associate degree in photography online?

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 will 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.

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 digital photography, game art and development or graphic design program.

What can you do with an associate degree in photography?

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 will 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.
Aerial photographer. Take to the skies in airplanes or helicopters to photograph events, landscape, buildings and more from a unique angle.
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.

Is an associate degree in photography worth it?

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 launch pad for continued education with a BA in a related field, like graphic design, digital photography or game art and design.

What experience do you need to be a photographer?

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.

How long do you have to go to school to be a photographer?

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.

As 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 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 (SNHU) 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.

How do I start my photography career?

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 (SNHU) 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.

What is the best online photography school?

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.

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 are affordable. And you can graduate with more than just expertise in photography.

University Accreditation

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.

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References

Sources & Citations (1, 2)

¹ Bureau 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 13, 2020)
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm (viewed May 13, 2020)

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

² According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.