Photography: AFA
Associate in Fine Arts | 60 credit hours minimum
Area of Interest: Communications, Design, and Creative Arts
Program Description:
The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Photography is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year art program to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree. Students develop skills in black and white and digital printing techniques, learn effective methods for gathering and using information from visual images, and study current approaches used in portrait, architectural, and documentary photography. Persons interested in this program should possess a strong interest in perceiving and working in the visual world and a desire to produce results using current tools, as well as historical and non-traditional techniques.
Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, and Wildwood.
Cost of Attendance. For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES.
Program Career and Salary Information. Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest.
The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.
Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.
At the completion of the program, students are expected to:
- create portfolios of prints showing both aesthetic and technical aspects of commercial photographic approaches and those dealing with artistic theories.
- utilize the material and technical aspects of the medium in the development of individual work or projects.
- describe the technical aspects of camera settings, image adjustment techniques, and printing.
- employ verbal and written formats in the interpretations and evaluations of contemporary and historic photographs.
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education | ||
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 |
| ENG 102 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) | 3 |
| or COM 101 | Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement | 3 |
| ART 168 | History of Photography | 3 |
| Math/Science Electives | ||
| Students may elect to take MTH 161 or MTH 140 or MTH 180 AND One (1) MOTR Natural Science Elective OR Students may elect to take Two (2) MOTR Natural Science Electives 1 | 6-7 | |
| Select one of the following Art History electives: | 3 | |
| Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) | ||
| Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) | ||
| History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) | ||
| Concepts in the Visual Arts (MOTR ARTS 100) | ||
| Program Requirements | ||
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 |
| or ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | |
| ART 165 | Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 |
| ART 166 | Photography II | 3 |
| ART 204 | Photography III | 3 |
| ART 172 | Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 |
| ART 265 | Artificial Light Photography | 3 |
| ART 275 | Photo Imaging I: Photoshop (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 |
| Photography Electives | ||
| Select 6 credit hours of the following: | 6 | |
| Alternative Photographic Processes | ||
| Digital Photography II | ||
| Documentary Photography | ||
| Field Photography | ||
| Portrait Photography | ||
| Architectural Photography | ||
| Video Art I | ||
| Photo Imaging II: Photoshop | ||
| Special Topics in Photography | ||
| Advanced Photography | ||
| Workplace Learning: Photography (Workplace Learning: Photography) | ||
| Contemporary Concepts in Photography | ||
| Color Photography | ||
| Other Art Electives | ||
| Select 6 credit hours of the following: | 6 | |
| Drawing II | ||
| Advanced Drawing | ||
| Figure Drawing I | ||
| Figure Drawing II | ||
| Ceramics I (MOTR PERF 105C) | ||
| Ceramics II | ||
| Painting I | ||
| Painting II | ||
| Printmaking I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | ||
| Printmaking II | ||
| Sculpture I (MOTR PERF 105S) | ||
| Sculpture II | ||
| Computer Art Studio | ||
| Graphic Design I | ||
| Three-Dimensional Design | ||
| Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | ||
| Motion Media Design | ||
| Web Design I | ||
| Web Design II | ||
| Mixed Media | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60-61 | |
- 1
MTH 140S or MTH 161S or MTH 180S will also fulfill this requirement, but only 3 credits will apply toward the degree.
Full-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2025, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 165 | Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway Course, Critical Course |
| ART 172 | Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Exploratory Course, Critical Course |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 110 or 111 | Drawing II or Figure Drawing I | 3 | ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 166 | Photography II | 3 | ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 275 | Photo Imaging I: Photoshop (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 101 | Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) or Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) or History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) or Concepts in the Visual Arts (MOTR ARTS 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ENG 102 or COM 101 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 265 | Artificial Light Photography | 3 | ART 165 or ART 172 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 168 | History of Photography | 3 | Reading Proficiency | This course is only offered at Meramec in the fall semester. |
| XXX xxx | Photography Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | 3 | ||
| Credit Hours | 15 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 204 | Photography III | 3 | ART 166 and ART 172 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | This course is only offered at Meramec in the spring semester. |
| XXX xxx | Photography Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement | 3 | Apply for graduation. | |
| XXX xxx | MTH 140 or MTH 161 or MTH 180 OR MOTR Natural Science Elective | 3-4 | ||
| Credit Hours | 15-16 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60-61 | |||
Photography Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 167 | Color Photography | 3 |
| ART 228 | Workplace Learning: Photography | 3 |
| ART 249 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
| ART 267 | Contemporary Concepts in Photography | 3 |
| ART 269 | Field Photography | 3 |
| ART 271 | Portrait Photography | 3 |
| ART 272 | Documentary Photography | 3 |
| ART 273 | Architectural Photography | 3 |
| AT 175 | Video Art I | 3 |
| AT 212 | Special Topics in Photography | 3 |
| AT 276 | Photo Imaging II: Photoshop | 3 |
| AT 279 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 |
| AT 280 | Advanced Photography | 1-4 |
Art Electives
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 112 | Figure Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 113 | Ceramics I (MOTR PERF 105C) | 3 |
| ART 114 | Painting I | 3 |
| ART 115 | Printmaking I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 |
| ART 116 | Sculpture I (MOTR PERF 105S) | 3 |
| ART 210 | Advanced Drawing | 3 |
| ART 213 | Ceramics II | 3 |
| ART 214 | Painting II | 3 |
| ART 215 | Printmaking II | 3 |
| ART 216 | Sculpture II | 3 |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 207 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| AT 135 | Web Design I | 3 |
| AT 143 | Web Design II | 3 |
| AT 201 | Mixed Media | 3 |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 |
| AT 291 | Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | 3 |
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.
Part-Time Academic Plan
Missouri Civics Examination. Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.
PLEASE NOTE: If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2025, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements. Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
| First Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 140 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 165 | Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Gateway Course, Critical Course |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 109 | Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| ART 172 | Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | Exploratory Course, Critical Course |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 101 | College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100) | 3 | Placement score or ENG 030 or ENG 070 with a grade of "C" or better or recommendation of department and Reading Proficiency or concurrent enrollment in RDG 079 | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Second Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 168 | History of Photography | 3 | Reading Proficiency | This course is only offered at Meramec in the fall semester. |
| ART 166 | Photography II | 3 | ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 110 or 111 | Drawing II or Figure Drawing I | 3 | ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Photography Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ENG 102 or COM 101 | College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200) or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100) | 3 | ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Third Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 275 | Photo Imaging I: Photoshop (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | Photography Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| ART 101 | Art History - Prehistory to 1300 (MOTR ARTS 101) or Art History - 1300 to Present (MOTR ARTS 102) or History of Modern Art (MOTR ARTS 100) or Concepts in the Visual Arts (MOTR ARTS 100) | 3 | Reading Proficiency | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | MTH 140 or MTH 161 or MTH 180 or MOTR Natural Sciences Elective | 3-4 | ||
| Credit Hours | 3-4 | |||
| Fourth Year | ||||
| Fall | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| ART 265 | Artificial Light Photography | 3 | ART 165 or ART 172 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency | |
| XXX xxx | Art Elective | 3 | See options listed below. | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Spring | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | MOTR Natural Science Elective | 3 | ||
| ART 204 | Photography III | 3 | ART 166 and ART 172 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading Proficiency | This course is only offered at Meramec in the spring semester. |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |||
| Summer | Credit Hours | Prerequisites | Milestones/Notes | |
| XXX xxx | Social & Behavioral Sciences: Civics | 3 | Apply for graduation. | |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |||
| Total Credit Hours | 60-61 | |||
Photography Elective
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AT 279 | Alternative Photographic Processes | 3 |
| ART 249 | Digital Photography II | 3 |
| ART 272 | Documentary Photography | 3 |
| ART 269 | Field Photography | 3 |
| ART 271 | Portrait Photography | 3 |
| ART 273 | Architectural Photography | 3 |
| AT 175 | Video Art I | 3 |
| AT 276 | Photo Imaging II: Photoshop | 3 |
| AT 212 | Special Topics in Photography | 3 |
| AT 280 | Advanced Photography | 1-4 |
| ART 228 | Workplace Learning: Photography | 3 |
| ART 167 | Color Photography | 3 |
| ART 267 | Contemporary Concepts in Photography | 3 |
Art Elective
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 110 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 210 | Advanced Drawing | 3 |
| ART 111 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| ART 112 | Figure Drawing II | 3 |
| ART 113 | Ceramics I (MOTR PERF 105C) | 3 |
| ART 213 | Ceramics II | 3 |
| ART 114 | Painting I | 3 |
| ART 214 | Painting II | 3 |
| ART 115 | Printmaking I (MOTR PERF 105GA) | 3 |
| ART 215 | Printmaking II | 3 |
| ART 116 | Sculpture I (MOTR PERF 105S) | 3 |
| ART 216 | Sculpture II | 3 |
| ART 131 | Computer Art Studio | 3 |
| ART 133 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 207 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| AT 291 | Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices | 3 |
| AT 207 | Motion Media Design | 3 |
| AT 135 | Web Design I | 3 |
| AT 143 | Web Design II | 3 |
| AT 201 | Mixed Media | 3 |
Critical Courses: Critical courses are most important to a student's declared major and most strongly predict later success in the major. A critical course requires a minimal grade to progress to higher-level courses.
Exploratory Courses: Exploratory courses are first-semester courses that introduce the program and career field.
Gateway Courses: Gateway courses are courses in many career pathways that must be completed before progression in higher-level courses. These may be the same as critical and/or exploratory courses.
*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.
**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.
*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice. Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.