The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
Effective Fall 2025
The Photography program teaches the dynamics of visual communication to illustrate ideas, record events, articulate stories, express moods, sell products, and interpret a person’s character. Courses stress technical knowledge, proficiency in camera control, digital and analog capture methods, artificial and natural light control, and image manipulation. This program prepares students for careers in photography-related genres including advertising photography, food photography, architectural photography, editorial photography, portrait photography, fashion photography, and photojournalism. - For additional possibilities, explore the computerized career information systems and other valuable career resources at the Career Services Center on SMC’s main campus.
SMC has articulation agreements in place with several 4-year institutions. Students planning to transfer should complete the lower-division major requirements and the general education pattern for the institution to which they intend to transfer.
High school students in the 11th and 12th grades may begin this program concurrently with their high school program if approved by the high school principal.
Information regarding the Photography program is available in the Photography Department, (310) 434-3547, and through the Photography Department’s website: www.smc.edu/photo.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Analyze and assess photographic situations, solve technical problems, and overcome creative challenges as they arise in a photographic production.
- Design and construct photographic images that can communicate ideas or narratives effectively for commercial, editorial or fine art purposes.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills pertinent to the operation of a freelance photography business and sound business practices in the trade.
General Education
Available Online
