The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Commercial Photography program includes the study of both the digital and film aspects of photography. The program is structured to help students develop an understanding of exposure principles, camera operations and functions, digital photographic materials, film-based strategies, studio lighting, and the basics of running a freelance photography business. This certificate is designed to provide knowledge and experience important to those hoping to work as freelance photographers, wedding photographers, commercial photographers, photography editors, photography assistants, or photo lab technicians. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Photography is also available.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of design, aesthetics, and visual communication.
- Create original still and time based images.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and application of camera techniques.
- Demonstrate a thorough and adaptable knowledge of software used in digital imaging and contemporary media.
- Create digital imaging workflow.
- Utilize effective lighting techniques in natural, artificial and mixed lighting in photography (e.g., product, still life, and portrait/portraiture).
- Analyze trends and influences in contemporary and historical photography.
- Critically evaluate photographic works.
- Develop a professional body of work and appropriate support material to showcase personal vision and technical skills.
- Identify professional practices in diverse settings for operating and marketing a photography business (e.g., communication, time management, pricing, and legal and ethical considerations).
Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information.
Photographers
$36,830 Show expanded career information for Photographers
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
$34,940 Show expanded career information for Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Self-Enrichment Teachers
$39,340 Show expanded career information for Self-Enrichment Teachers
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include AAA/CPD150, AAA/CPD150AC, CPD104, and AAA115/CPD115. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART131 | Photography I | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 | |
| ART112 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | |||
| ART100 | Introduction to Digital Arts | Critical course | 1 | ||
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
| RE | Restricted Electives | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | 3 | |||
| ART132 | Photography II | Critical course | 3 | ||
| SBS200 | Small Business Operations | 2 | |||
| RE | Restricted Electives | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART138 | Commercial Photography I | 3 | |||
| ART140 or ART237 | Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography | 3 | |||
| ART143 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 | |||
| SBS204 | Small Business Marketing And Advertising | 2 |
Restricted Electives:
In consultation with Departmental Advisor, choose two courses from the following list to best fulfill goals:
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARH115 | History of Photography | HU | 3 | ||
| ART116 | Life Drawing I | 3 | |||
| ART137 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 | |||
| ART139 | Commercial Photography II | 3 | |||
| ART181 | Graphic Design I | 3 | |||
| ART234 | Color Photography I | 3 | |||
| ART255 | Art Marketing | 3 | |||
| FMP108 | Video Production | 0 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART131 | Photography I | Critical course Gateway course | HU | 3 | |
| ART112 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | |||
| ART100 | Introduction to Digital Arts | Critical course | 1 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART142 | Introduction to Digital Photography | Critical course | 3 | ||
| ART132 | Photography II | Critical course | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 | First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC | 3 | ||
| ART143 | Intermediate Digital Photography | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBS200 | Small Business Operations | 2 | |||
| RE | Restricted Electives | 3 | |||
| ART138 | Commercial Photography I | 3 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE | Restricted Electives | 3 | |||
| ART140 or ART237 | Portrait Photography or Fashion Photography | 3 | |||
| SBS204 | Small Business Marketing And Advertising | 2 |
Restricted Electives:
In consultation with Departmental Advisor, choose two courses from the following list to best fulfill goals:
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARH115 | History of Photography | HU | 3 | ||
| ART116 | Life Drawing I | 3 | |||
| ART137 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 | |||
| ART139 | Commercial Photography II | 3 | |||
| ART181 | Graphic Design I | 3 | |||
| ART234 | Color Photography I | 3 | |||
| ART255 | Art Marketing | 3 | |||
| FMP108 | Video Production | 0 |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- FYC = First Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
Students must earn a grade of "C" or better for all courses required within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s curriculum website for the Certificate of Completion in Commercial Photography (http://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm?id=146316).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.