Best Online Associate in Photography Programs

We’ve ranked the top online associate in photography programs. Compare schools by cost and convenience. Earn your associate degree online.

Published July 17, 2020

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A career in photography allows you to embrace your creativity while designing projects and capturing life’s most important moments. An online associate degree in photography provides an overview of the essential professional skills, industry-specific tools and techniques, and basic principles of art and design you need to launch a successful career.

This guide explores a few top online programs you can consider. It also outlines common courses, admission requirements, and career paths, helping you find the program that best matches your goals.

Students who earn an associate in photography develop the foundational skills needed to launch a career. You may pursue a variety of jobs, either working for yourself or for advertising agencies, magazines, and/or media companies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) photographers earn a median salary of $36,280 per year. While some photographers may work full time for businesses, others find short-term employment through freelancing opportunities.

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In this Article

Best Accredited Online Associate in Photography Programs

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

96%

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,900

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

164,091

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$15,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,000

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

97%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$18,900

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

164,091

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Columbus State Community College

Columbus, OH2 yearCampus + Online

$5,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,304

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

95%

Acceptance Rate

52%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

25,129

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,304

Columbus State Community College

Columbus, OH2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,038

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,304

Acceptance Rate

95%

Online Enrollment

52%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

64%

Students Enrolled

25,129

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND2 yearCampus + Online

$5,663

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,344

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

1,080

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,663

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,344

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,663

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,344

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

76%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

59%

Students Enrolled

1,080

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Online Associate in Photography Program Overview

Students who earn an online associate degree in photography learn to use industry-specific tools, software, and techniques to produce photographs. The curriculum varies by program, but common courses include digital photography, principles of lighting, the business of photography, basic design and color theory, and digital portfolio management.

Programs prepare students to establish themselves as entrepreneurs by taking photographs for events or working with advertisers to create brand logos. In addition to gaining photography skills, students learn about essential business principles so they may establish their own business and lawfully manage contracts and licensing agreements with future clients or employers.

Aspiring photographers do not necessarily need to pursue a postsecondary degree, but some employers may prefer candidates with one. You may also consider pursuing certification to specialize your skill set. This may increase your competitive advantage and earning potential. Before investing in further education, determine which options will help you reach your career goals.

Common Associate in Photography Degree Courses

Online Associate in Photography Admission Requirements

Graduation Attestation Form
Students must typically possess at least a high school diploma if they want to pursue an online associate degree in photography. Many schools require applicants to submit a high school graduation attestation form along with their application. Prospective students who do not have a diploma can provide proof of a GED certificate.
Test Scores
Associate programs may require students to submit ACT or SAT test scores with their application. Some programs may waive this requirement if an applicant has a certain GPA or qualifying work experience, or if they can pass a college placement test.
Equipment and Software
Online students must typically use their own photography equipment to complete course assignments. Students should check with a program advisor to make sure they possess everything they need to complete all requirements. Also, not all programs provide access to software, such as Adobe, so students may need to purchase this on their own.
Official Transcripts
The application process typically requires students to submit official transcripts from previously attended schools. Transcripts confirm students possess the foundational courses they need to excel in college-level coursework. If students do not possess all course requirements, then they may need to take prerequisite courses or pass a skills test before enrolling.
Advisor Appointment
Some schools may require applicants to meet with an advisor, either in person or on the phone. This meeting allows students to ask questions, receive a degree plan, and obtain information about financial aid. During this meeting, students should ask about tools, tutoring resources, and technology requirements to ensure they can complete all program requirements.

Explore Our Financial Aid Resources

Online Associate in Photography Career Paths

Earning an online associate degree in photography qualifies you for entry-level positions in the field, such as production assistant, digital photo technician, photo editor, lighting technician, and photographer. You may specialize your career by working in an area like portrait, aerial, news, scientific, commercial, or fine arts photography.

Working in the field of photography does not typically require further certification, but adding credentials may increase your earning potential. For example, you can consider earning a certified professional photographer, certified forensic photographer, or registered biological photographer credential. Some positions, such as graphic designer and studio manager, may require a higher degree, but this varies by employer.