Photography: AFA

Photography: AFA

Associate in Fine Arts | 60 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Communications, Design, and Creative Arts

Program Website

Academic Advising

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:

  1. create portfolios of prints showing both aesthetic and technical aspects of commercial photographic approaches and those dealing with artistic theories.
  2. utilize the material and technical aspects of the medium in the development of individual work or projects.
  3. describe the technical aspects of camera settings, image adjustment techniques, and printing.
  4. 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

General Education
ENG 101College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3
ENG 102College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)3
or COM 101 Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3
ART 168History of Photography3
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 16-7
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 109Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D)3
ART 140Two-Dimensional Design3
ART 110Drawing II3
or ART 111 Figure Drawing I
ART 165Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA)3
ART 166Photography II3
ART 204Photography III3
ART 172Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA)3
ART 265Artificial Light Photography3
ART 275Photo 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 Hours60-61
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 2024, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 140 Two-Dimensional Design3Reading Proficiency
ART 109 Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D)3Reading Proficiency
ART 165 Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading Proficiency
ART 172 Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading Proficiency
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement 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 Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 110 Drawing II
or Figure Drawing I
3ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
ART 166 Photography II3ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
ART 275 Photo Imaging I: Photoshop (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading 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)
3Reading Proficiency
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours15
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 265 Artificial Light Photography3ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" or ART 172 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
ART 168 History of Photography3Reading ProficiencyThis course is only offered at Meramec in the fall semester.
Photography Elective3 See options listed below.
Art Elective3 See options listed below.
XXX xxxMOTR Natural Science Elective3  
Credit Hours15
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 204 Photography III3ART 166 and ART 172 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading ProficiencyThis course is only offered at Meramec in the spring semester.
Photography Elective3 See options listed below.
Art Elective3 See options listed below.
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics Requirement3 Apply for graduation.
MTH 140 or MTH 161 or MTH 180 OR MOTR Natural Science Elective 3-4  
Credit Hours15-16
Total Credit Hours60-61

Photography Electives 

ART 167Color Photography3
ART 228Workplace Learning: Photography3
ART 249Digital Photography II3
ART 267Contemporary Concepts in Photography3
ART 269Field Photography3
ART 271Portrait Photography3
ART 272Documentary Photography3
ART 273Architectural Photography3
AT 175Video Art I3
AT 212Special Topics in Photography3
AT 276Photo Imaging II: Photoshop3
AT 279Alternative Photographic Processes3
AT 280Advanced Photography1-4

Art Electives

ART 110Drawing II3
ART 111Figure Drawing I3
ART 112Figure Drawing II3
ART 113Ceramics I (MOTR PERF 105C)3
ART 114Painting I3
ART 115Printmaking I (MOTR PERF 105GA)3
ART 116Sculpture I (MOTR PERF 105S)3
ART 210Advanced Drawing3
ART 213Ceramics II3
ART 214Painting II3
ART 215Printmaking II3
ART 216Sculpture II3
ART 131Computer Art Studio3
ART 133Graphic Design I3
ART 207Three-Dimensional Design3
AT 135Web Design I3
AT 143Web Design II3
AT 201Mixed Media3
AT 207Motion Media Design3
AT 291Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices3

*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 2024, 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.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 140 Two-Dimensional Design3Reading Proficiency
ART 165 Photography I (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 109 Drawing I (MOTR PERF 105D)3Reading Proficiency
ART 172 Digital Photography (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 101 College Composition I (MOTR ENGL 100)3Placement 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 Hours3
Second Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 168 History of Photography3Reading ProficiencyThis course is only offered at Meramec in the fall semester.
ART 166 Photography II3ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 110 Drawing II
or Figure Drawing I
3ART 109 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Photography Elective3 See options listed below.
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ENG 102 College Composition II (MOTR ENGL 200)
or Oral Communication I (MOTR COMM 100)
3ENG 101 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours3
Third Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 275 Photo Imaging I: Photoshop (MOTR PERF 105GA)3Reading Proficiency
Art Elective3 See options listed below.
Credit Hours6
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
Photography Elective3 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)
3Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
MTH 140 or MTH 161 or MTH 180 or MOTR Natural Sciences Elective3-4  
Credit Hours3-4
Fourth Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
ART 265 Artificial Light Photography3ART 165 with a minimum grade of "C" or ART 172 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Art Elective3 See options listed below.
Credit Hours6
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
XXX xxxMOTR Natural Science Elective3  
ART 204 Photography III3ART 166 and ART 172 with minimum grades of "C" and Reading ProficiencyThis course is only offered at Meramec in the spring semester.
Credit Hours6
Summer Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
XXX xxxSocial & Behavioral Sciences: Civics3 Apply for graduation.
Credit Hours3
Total Credit Hours60-61

Photography Elective

AT 279Alternative Photographic Processes3
ART 249Digital Photography II3
ART 272Documentary Photography3
ART 269Field Photography3
ART 271Portrait Photography3
ART 273Architectural Photography3
AT 175Video Art I3
AT 276Photo Imaging II: Photoshop3
AT 212Special Topics in Photography3
AT 280Advanced Photography1-4
ART 228Workplace Learning: Photography3
ART 167Color Photography3
ART 267Contemporary Concepts in Photography3

Art Elective 

ART 110Drawing II3
ART 210Advanced Drawing3
ART 111Figure Drawing I3
ART 112Figure Drawing II3
ART 113Ceramics I (MOTR PERF 105C)3
ART 213Ceramics II3
ART 114Painting I3
ART 214Painting II3
ART 115Printmaking I (MOTR PERF 105GA)3
ART 215Printmaking II3
ART 116Sculpture I (MOTR PERF 105S)3
ART 216Sculpture II3
ART 131Computer Art Studio3
ART 133Graphic Design I3
ART 207Three-Dimensional Design3
AT 291Fine Art Portfolio and Professional Practices3
AT 207Motion Media Design3
AT 135Web Design I3
AT 143Web Design II3
AT 201Mixed Media3

*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.