This degree or certificate prepares students for work as professional photographers and photographic assistants, as well as for fields in digital photography editing and retouching. Students pursue careers in a wide range of photographic practices, from commercial and fine art to documentary and event photography. Courses are designed to encourage students to pursue individual projects while developing their technical ability. 

The Associate of Science degree is granted to students who have completed at least 12 semester units of the required 60-degree applicable semester units at Glendale Community College. The required 60 semester units must include all of the following: (1) Completion of the courses required in the major or area of emphasis with a grade of “C” or better, or a “P” grade. (2) Completion of one of the following general education patterns: GCC General Education Requirements or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements. (3) A minimum GPA of 2.0 in the required 60 semester units.

The Certificate is granted to students who have completed at least 12 semester units of the required courses at Glendale Community College. All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better, or a “P” grade.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to create a cohesive photographic project that is conceptually and technically well developed; create, evaluate and integrate use of available and studio lighting into their photographic practice; and use, develop, and integrate digital photography techniques and workflows into their photographic practice.

Associate of Science Program Map
Certificate Program Map

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAJOR/CERTIFICATE UNITS

ARTH 199

History of Photography

3

PHOTO 100 Digital Photography I 3
PHOTO 111 Lighting I 3
PHOTO 112 Lighting II 3
PHOTO 130 Digital Photography II 3
 PHOTO 132 Digital Photography III 3
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
PHOTO 140 Fine Art Photography 3
PHOTO 142 Commercial Photography 3
PHOTO 144 Documentary Photography 3
PHOTO 146 Advanced Projects in Photography 3
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED 21

Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC or GCC General Education. Elective units may be used to reach the 60-unit degree requirement.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL COURSEWORK MIGHT BE REQUIRED DUE TO PREREQUISITES. SEE A COUNSELOR FOR A PERSONALIZED STUDENT EDUCATIONAL PLAN.

Fall 2025

GCC Catalog 2025-2026

Important Notice: In the event of a discrepancy between the information presented above and the online and/or print versions of the GCC Catalog, please contact a counselor or the office of Admissions and Records. For previous years requirements please see the catalog from that year.