Integrated Media: Commercial Photography - AAS Degree

Overview

See Department website and program contacts here

The Integrated Media: Commercial Photography (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in photography, digital imaging, video production, and related creative industries. The curriculum combines artistic development with hands-on technical training to prepare students for professional work in commercial photography and media production environments.

Coursework includes topics such as studio lighting, composition, image retouching, photo editing, portrait photography, fashion photography, still-life photography, storytelling, and video production. Students develop practical technical and creative skills through studio and on-location projects using modern digital photography and media technologies.

The Integrated Media: Commercial Photography program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers as photographers, photo editors, image retouchers, videographers, producers, stylists, and related roles within the photography and media industries.

Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.

Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:

  • Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
  • Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings

Program Learning Objectives

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:

  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Collaborate effectively with others
  • Demonstrate ability to adapt to changing technology
  • Use effective oral and written communication
  • Access and analyze information
  • Demonstrate curiosity and imagination

Education Plan

This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.

General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program. 

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
CP150 Digital Imaging 5
IM120 Computers and File Management 1
IM122 Basic Image Editing 1
IM123 Basic Sound Editing 1
IM124 Basic Non-linear Editing 1
IM125 Basic Page Layout 1
IM178 Integrated Media Overview 4
 Credits14
Second Quarter
Winter
ART215P Survey in Visual Arts: Photography 3
CP151 Studio Lighting 5
IM165 Image Manipulation 4
WR121Z Composition I 4
 Credits16
Third Quarter
Spring
CP152 Commercial Lighting Applications 5
CP165 Advanced Photographic Solutions 5
J100 Media Professions 2
IM190 Web for Media 2
MTH065
Beginning Algebra II (or higher)
or Quantitative Reasoning I
4
 Credits18
Fourth Quarter
Fall
CP170 Creative Approaches in Photography 3
CP251 Multimedia Storytelling 5
CP260 Professional Practices for Photographers 2
IM270 Project Development 4
 Credits14
Fifth Quarter
Winter
CP250 Advanced Commercial Lighting Applications 5
IM265 Personal Branding 2
IM271 The Creative Pitch 4
Human Relations requirement 3
Select one of the following: 2
Integrated Media Focus: Graphic Design  
Integrated Media Focus: Graphic Design  
Integrated Media Focus: Photography  
Integrated Media Focus: Video  
Integrated Media Focus: Video  
 Credits16
Sixth Quarter
Spring
CP252 Multimedia Content Creation 5
IM290 Integrated Media Portfolio 4
Health and Physical Education requirement 3
Select a course or combination of courses from the following list to complete a minimum of 4 credits: 4
Integrated Media Projects
or Coop Ed-Integrated Media
or Coop Ed-Integrated Media
or Coop Ed-Integrated Media
or Coop Ed-Integrated Media
 
 Credits16
 Total Credits94

Awarding Requirements

The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Integrated Media: Commercial Photography degree:

  • All core program courses (IM, CP) courses must be completed within ten (10) years of starting the program.

Career Information

Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.