Photography, AAS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Photography AAS program is designed to prepare students for employment as commercial photographers. Students gain basic and advanced knowledge in digital photography, commercial photography, portrait photography, and photojournalism along with advanced editing processes. Students gain a broad understanding of traditional techniques while developing your own personal style. Current industry-standard software and techniques are utilized. Students also learn to communicate with customers and consider social and environmental issues in the context of their work.

For more information about the Photography program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/photography.

Program Details

Location: Ankeny

Students may start any semester

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend a required photography program information session.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Photography AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Students are required to produce a portfolio of photography work that demonstrates their ability to conceptualize and produce a variety of creative and effective photography.

Semester 1

ART 186 - Principles Digital Photography Credits: 3
ART 225 - Photoshop for Photography Credits: 3
ART 190 - History of Photography Credits: 3
SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
AAS degree core Math or Science course Credits: 3
AAS degree core Communications course Credits: 3

Semester 2

ART 289 - Photojournalism Credits: 3
ART 291 - Travel Photography Credits: 3
ART 292 - Studio Photography Credits: 3
BUS 138 - Small Business Marketing Credits: 3
AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities course Credits: 3

Semester 3

ART 189 - Commercial Photography 1 Credits: 3
ART 192 - Portrait Photography 1 Credits: 3
BUS 148 - Small Business Management Credits: 3
Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 1 Course

ART 293 - Wedding Photography Credits: 3
GRD 480 - Video Production I Credits: 3

Semester 4

ART 283 - Commercial Photography II Credits: 3
ART 287 - Portrait Photography II Credits: 3
GRD 301 - Intro to Desktop Publishing Credits: 3
BUS 141 - Small Business Start-Up Credits: 3

Semester 5

ART 194 - Portfolio Photography 1 Credits: 3
ART 294 - Architectural Photography Credits: 3
AAS degree Distributed core course Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Degree - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$151.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Costs	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5
Books (approx)	200	250	250	250	250
Supplies	150	200	200	200	200
Equipment	400	200	150	150	150
Camera, lenses	550-1500
Portfolio				300	300

Approximate total for the program: $14,014-$14,964**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Produce creative images under pressure.
Produce images using traditional techniques.
Produce images using electronic techniques.
Produce images for magazines, advertising, weddings and posters.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Use current Photoshop software to produce finished images.
Be able to take a project from start to finish.
Work with a diverse group of people.
Make necessary changes to bring work up to industry standards.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree?

Be able to work on more than one project at a time.
Require hours at work and home to complete projects.
Produce accurate work with original ideas.
Will need to update tools as technology changes.
Average starting salary $30,490-$42,000 per year (Bureau of Labor http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm).

Nondiscrimination Statement

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6574, dkmckittrick@dmacc.edu. Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).₍₂₀₁₇₎