Art Degrees Online

Course Structure

The first year provides a thorough grounding in both technical and critical skills. Students will be introduced to historical, theoretical, cultural and political debates surrounding lens-based media. This study is directly linked to the use of all camera formats as well as the specific qualities of analogue and digital photography. The traditional genres and their convergence are explored in the studio and on location.

In the second year students continue to develop technical and contextual skills at a higher level. Risk taking, collaborative and interdisciplinary methods of working are introduced. Specific contact points are developed with industry through placements, visiting lecturers, field trips and exhibition visits.

The third year enables students to establish their own direction and to place themselves within a contemporary context. Critical professional debate about visual culture is encouraged. Ways of distribution within the creative, media and arts industries and entrepreneurship are investigated and applied. By the end of the final year students will be independent and confident practitioners who will hit the ground running.

How will the Photgraphy minor enhance my degree?
The photography minor is designed to give you experience with a range of camera formats – from a 35mm format up to a 4×5 studio view camera, including digital capture. The minor will help you gain experience in a wide range of pictorial photographic applications.

What does the minor emphasize?
The Photography minor stresses a fine art approach to photography. It provides the basics of black-and-white as well as color photography and digital imaging. The courses help you to find your inner voice as a photographer.

What kind of photgraphy courses are included in the minor?
Studio courses are technically rigorous, with extensive use of professional photographic tools and equipment. Advanced-level classes concentrate on creative and conceptual approaches to the photographic medium, and help to develop your own personal responses to photographic projects and assignments.

Overview — Photography is an associate degree program targeted at preparing you for employment in the photographic industry. Throughout the course work, you will use professional equipment and methods to master the skills necessary for this highly visual, creative and exacting profession. Each of the laboratory/studio areas is equipped with state-of-the-art traditional and digital cameras, lighting, processing and finishing equipment. Courses required to complete the associate degree are offered during the day, with many foundation and elective courses offered in the evenings. Program requirements include the completion of an internship (PHOTO-190). A certificate in Photography and Digital Imaging is also available.

Career Outlook — Photographers are employed in the fields of commercial/advertising, industrial, and portrait photography. Photojournalism is an option, as are employment opportunities in photographic sales and as technical representatives. Graduates can expect to be hired for such positions as studio/location personnel specializing in digital imaging applications.

Career Preparation and Expected Learning Outcomes — After you graduate from the program, most employers will expect you to have:
Fundamental camera skills using all camera formats
Knowledge of film and paper processing methods
Ability to use processing machines, and control color and B/W photographic processes
The ability to arrange subject matter to reflect good composition and to achieve a desirable effect
Ability to achieve the best visual effect using a variety of lighting conditions
Knowledge of the operation and use of studio tungsten and strobe lighting, and the limitations of film in reproduction of images under many lighting situations

Preparation for Admission — The following are required for admission to the program:
A high school diploma or GED
Demonstration of proficiency in basic skills through a course placement assessment

You should have normal color and depth perception, visualization ability, and a well-developed imagination with a talent for visual problem-solving. Characteristics that will contribute to your success in the field of photography include clean work habits and studio maintenance skills. It is essential for you to be able to communicate with customers and professionals from allied fields, such as commercial artists and printers.

This program will transfer to one or more four-year institutions.

Possible Careers:

Digital Media Technician
Digital Output Specialist
Photographer
Photojournalist
Wedding/Portrait Photographer

Related Programs:

Graphic Design
Printing and Publishing
Television and Video Production
Visual Communication/Computer Graphics

For more information, call 414-297-MATC.

Curriculum effective 2008-2009.
TECHNICAL STUDIES
Credits

( ) = Semester Order for Full-Time Students

(1)
PHOTO-101
Fundamental Photography
3

(1)

PHOTO-106
View Camera Techniques ‡
3

(1)

PHOTO-107
Photographic Trends
1

(1)

VICOM-150
Introduction to Digital Media ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-108
Photographic Lighting ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-139
Measurement Techniques ‡
3

(2)

PHOTO-141
Color Photography 1 ‡
3

(3)
PHOTO-103
Digital Photography ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-121
Commercial Photography ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-124
Portraiture ‡
3

(3)

PHOTO-142
Color Photography 2 ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-114
Photographic Portfolio ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-173
Photo Journalism ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-180
Industrial Photography ‡
3

(4)

PHOTO-190
Photographic Internship ‡
1

GENERAL STUDIES

ECON-195
Economics
3

OR
Any 200-series ECON course

ENG-151 and
Communication Skills 1 ‡
3

ENG-152
Communication Skills 2 ‡
3

OR
ENG-201 and any 200-series ENG or SPEECH course

MATH-123
Math with Business Applications ‡
3

OR
Any 200-series MATH course

NATSCI-167
Science of Technology
3

OR
Any 200-series NATSCI course

PSYCH-199
Psychology of Human Relations
3

OR
Any 200-series PSYCH course

SOCSCI-197
Contemporary American Society
3

OR
Any 200-series SOCSCI or HIST course

ELECTIVE COURSES: Six Credits Required (Suggestions listed below)

PHOTO-102
Introduction to Digital Photography
1

PHOTO-104
Digital Color Management for the Graphic Industry
2

PHOTO-126
Advanced Studio Lighting ‡
3

PHYED-210
An Active Approach to Wellness and Fitness
3

TOTAL CREDITS: 68
‡
Prerequisite Required.