Photography is both an artistic and a technical vocation. The program at MJC is designed to develop the student’s aesthetic and technical abilities by working with design, composition, lighting, various types of image content, photographic processes, image critique, and presentation techniques.
MJC offers both an Associates of Arts (AA) degree in Photography and a Certificate of Achievement in Photography.
To earn an AA degree in this major, students must complete the required courses in photography and art listed below, as well as additional MJC-GE coursework. Use the following link for an overview and example degree plan for an AA in Photography. It's advised that required courses in photography for either the AA or Certificate of Achievement be selected with the assistance of a photography faculty advisor. If pursuing an AA in Photography, an MJC-GE pathway should be developed with a counselor in the School of Arts, Performance and Humanities success team. To earn the Certificate of Achievement, no additional courses are required beyond the 18 units described below.
ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN PHOTOGRAPHY
REQUIRED COURSES - COMPLETE 18 UNITS
Art 170 - Basic Photography - 3 units
Art 172 - Intermediate Photography - 3 units
Art 173 - Basic Digital Photography - 3 units
Art 175 - Color Photography - 3 units
Art 124 - Color and 2-D Foundation Design - 3 units
Art 168 - History of Photography - 3 units
ELECTIVE COURSES - COMPLETE 3 UNITS
Art 102 - Introduction to Computer Graphics - 3 units OR
CMPGR 202 - Introduction to Computer Graphics - 3 units
Art 163 - History of Modern Art - 3 units
Art 165 - History of Art 2: Renaissance to Contemporary - 3 units
Art 169 - Survey of Asian Art - 3 units
Art 192 - Professional Practices - 3 units
Art 193 - Photographic Lighting - 3 units
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY
REQUIRED COURSES - COMPLETE 18 UNITS
Art 170 - Basic Photography - 3 units
Art 172 - Intermediate Photography - 3 units
Art 173 - Basic Digital Photography - 3 units
Art 175 - Color Photography - 3 units
Art 192 - Professional Practices - 3 units
Art 193 - Photographic Lighting - 3 units
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
Photojournalist · Advertising Photographer · Editorial Photographer · Medical Photographer · Educator · Wedding Photographer · Portrait Photographer · Forensic Photographer · Military Photographer · Fashion Photographer · Wildlife Photographer · Stock Photographer · Archaeological Photographer · Photographic Historian · Freelance Photographer · Commercial Photographer · Food Photographer · Architectural Photographer · Videographer · Landscape Photographer · Director of Photography · Lighting Technician
Photojournalist · Advertising Photographer · Editorial Photographer · Medical Photographer · Educator · Wedding Photographer · Portrait Photographer · Forensic Photographer · Military Photographer · Fashion Photographer · Wildlife Photographer · Stock Photographer · Archaeological Photographer · Photographic Historian · Freelance Photographer · Commercial Photographer · Food Photographer · Architectural Photographer · Videographer · Landscape Photographer · Director of Photography · Lighting Technician
ART 170—BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY 3 UNITS (fall, spring and summer semesters)
Introduction to the technical, aesthetic and theoretical principles of photography. This course introduces manual camera operations, black-and-white film and print processing, and the use of light and composition as a method of communication and self-expression through photographic imagery. Discussions on the work of significant contemporary and historic photographic practitioners will develop visual literacy skills and create an awareness of how photography is used to shape our understanding of the world. Students will analyze and interpret images to discern meaning and intent and use these tools to inform their own self-expression through the creation of photographic images.
Materials fee required. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. (A-F or P/NP) Transfer: (CSU, UC). General Education: MJC-GE: Area 7 (2025-2026 catalog)
For catalogs rights prior to 2025-2026, check catalog for course general education approvals. For further clarification, see a counselor.
ART 173—BASIC DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY 3 UNITS (fall, spring and summer semesters)
Recommended for Success: Before enrolling in this course, students are strongly advised to satisfactorily complete ART 170.
Introduction to the technical, aesthetic and theoretical principles of digital photography. Emphasis on the use of manual camera operations and digital capture and editing strategies, and the use of light and composition as a method of communication and self-expression through photographic imagery. Practical emphasis is on tools for digital imaging, file handling and digital workflow organization. Discussions on the work of significant contemporary and historic photographic practitioners will develop visual literacy skills and create an awareness of how photography is used to shape our understanding of the world. Students will analyze and interpret images to discern meaning and intent and use these tools to inform their own self-expression through the creation of photographic images.
Materials fee required. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. (A-F Only) Transfer: (CSU, UC). General Education: MJC-GE: Area 7
For catalogs rights prior to 2025-2026, check catalog for course general education approvals. For further clarification, see a counselor.
ART 172—INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY 3 UNITS (spring semester only)
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of ART 170
Refinement of basic craft, vision, and aesthetics as they apply to black-and-white photography. Continued emphasis on visual literacy and personalized seeing. Lessons will primarily employ film with some elements of digital media. Materials fee required. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. Transfer: (CSU, UC)
ART 175—COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY 3 UNITS (fall semester only)
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of ART 172
The study of color photography, using film and digital processes, including various output methods and presentation strategies. Artifcial lighting techniques are introduced. Emphasis of course is upon “seeing” and conceptualizing in color. Materials fee required. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. Transfer: (CSU, UC)
ART 192—PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES 3 UNITS (spring semester only)
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of ART 172 or ART 173.
Organization of photographic work from prior classes and projects to meet individual goals including transfer, exhibition and employment. Development of professional materials such as resume, website and business cards as well as finalization of a photographic portfolio. Materials fee required. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. Transfer: (CSU)
ART 193—PHOTOGRAPHIC LIGHTING 3 UNITS (fall semester only)
This course encompasses both in-studio and on-location lighting in photography and teaches students to use essential lighting equipment and techniques in order to accomplish students' creative vision and goals in their photographic imagery. Students will gain an understanding of how to use both artificial and natural light through tools such as studio strobes, portable flash units and reflectors, and will cover principles of key and fill lighting, background setups and exposure control in various lighting scenarios. Field trips might be required. Not repeatable. Transfer: (CSU)
ART 168—HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY 3 UNITS (spring semester only)
Recommended for Success: Before enrolling in this course, students are strongly advised to satisfactorily complete ART 170.
An overview of the history of photography from 1800 to the present. Discussion of processes, the work of major practitioners, as well as lesser known figures, trends, aesthetic movements, and artist groups that have shaped the course of the medium. Emphasis on those working in the fine arts. Not repeatable. Transfer: (CSU, UC) General Education: (MJC-GE: Area 3) (Cal-GETC: Area 3)