Photography
Photography
Associate in Fine Arts Degree in Visual Arts (A.F.A.)
Certificate of Proficiency

The Photography program provides for development of skills and creativity in both film-based and digital photography. Topics covered include camera operation, exposure, processing, retouching, manipulation/montage, printing and other forms of media output as well as the use of artificial and natural lighting.

The program incorporates a balance of traditional and digital photographic techniques allowing students to understand technology’s role in photography. It encourages aesthetic growth while creating a balance between personal expression and commercial application. Emphasis on experiences in the darkroom, digital laboratory, on location, and in the studio develops both the creative ability and the technical skills essential to photography careers and transfer to four-year institutions.

Some courses are offered both day and evening. If the required courses are taken starting in the summer, the certificate can be completed in one year of full-time study. The Associate in Fine Arts degree is a two-year program. Before completion of either program, students are required to develop a portfolio to serve in the pursuit of further education or employment.

DEGREE PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Demonstrate proficiency with photographic capture devices;
  • Process, manipulate, and print images in photographic labs;
  • Practice archival image work flow;
  • Identify and explain the significant events in art history as well as contemporary practices;
  • Integrate different techniques and approaches to photography and digital imaging;
  • Analyze and evaluate images in the context of group critiques;
  • Create a portfolio for education transfer.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Demonstrate proficiency with photographic capture devices;
  • Practice archival image work flow;
  • Integrate different techniques and approaches to photography and digital imaging;
  • Analyze and evaluate images in the context of group critiques;
  • Create a portfolio for employment, or artistic venues.

Students from the degree program have transferred to major art schools such as the School of Visual Arts and Mason Gross School of the Arts / Rutgers. Students wishing to transfer should consult the program coordinator or their academic advisor concerning transfer agreements with four-year institutions.

SEE ALSO:
Commercial Photography certificate program
Visual Arts degree program

DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
PHOTOGRAPHY.AFA
CIP 500101

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
DMA 110 Digital Imaging (1/4) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
PHO 101 Black & White Film Photography I (2/3) 3
PHO 103 Digital Photography I (2/3) 3
  —    — Social Science general education elective




3
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 102 Basic Drawing (1/4)  

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

  OR 3
ART 105 Two-Dimensional Design (1/4)  
CMN 111 Speech: Human Communication (3/0)  
  OR 3
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0)  
MAT  — Mathematics elective
  • MAT 120 or 125 recommended. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
3
PHO 110 History of Photography (3/0) 3
PHO 203 Photography II (1/4)



3
THIRD SEMESTER
ART 122 History of Art II (3/0) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

DMA 250 Digital Portfolio Seminar (1/4) 3
ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
PHO 202 Studio Photography (1/4) 3
  —    — Science OR Technology general education elective
  • DMA 144 recommended.



3
FOURTH SEMESTER
ADV 210 Typography II: Publication Design (1/4) 3

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

ART 121 History of Art I (3/0)  
  OR 3
ART 125 Topics in Contemporary Art (3/0)  
CMN 146 Social Media Technologies (2/2) 3
PHO 251 Documentary Photography (1/4) 3
  —    — General Education elective
  • Select course from the following general education categories: Humanities, Historical Perspective, Diversity and Global Perspective.
3
  60  
CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
PHOTOGRAPHY.CERT
CIP 500101
Credit-bearing certificate programs can serve as gateways to earning an associate degree. Students are encouraged to consult the program coordinator, an academic advisor or Success Coach to explore such opportunities.
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
DMA 110 Digital Imaging I (1/4) 3
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
PHO 103 Digital Photography I (2/3) 3
ADV 210 Typography II: Publication Design (1/4) 3
CMN 146 Social Media Technologies (2/2) 3
PHO 202 Studio Photography (1/4) 3
PHO 203 Photography II (1/4) 3
DMA 250 Digital Portfolio Seminar (1/4) 3
PHO 110 History of Photography (3/0) 3
PHO 251 Documentary Photography (1/4) 3
  30