Photography
Associate of Science Photography · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Arts, Media, and Entertainment Division www.elcamino.edu/academics/divisions/arts-media-and-entertainment/
The photography program provides students with a comprehensive foundation in skills, techniques, and processes for commercial and creative photography. Each student acquires practical and creative skills relating to camera operation, films, color theory, photo composition, lighting, processing, printing, and business operations through a wide range of studio courses. Proficiencies are demonstrated through class and laboratory projects, critiques, essays, and objective tests. Program assessment is measured by portfolios, juried and public exhibitions, program completion, and periodic program review. Students qualify to pursue a variety of careers in the field of professional photography.
A minimum of 12 units must be completed at El Camino College.
For Gainful Employment program information, please visit www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/photography.php.
Required Core: 20-21 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHOT 101 | Beginning Photography | 3 |
| orPHOT 106 | Basic Photojournalism | 3 |
| orJOUR 6 | Basic Photojournalism | 3 |
| PHOT 150 | The Art of Photography | 3 |
| orART 150 | The Art of Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 102 | Intermediate Photography | 3 |
| PHOT 202 | Advanced Photography I | 3 |
| PHOT 203 | Advanced Photography II Portfolio | 3 |
| PHOT 223A | Color and Lighting in Photography I | 4 |
3 units from:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| PHOT 204 | Portraiture | 3 |
| PHOT 206ab | Advanced Photojournalism | 2 |
| * | ||
| JOUR 7ab | Advanced Photojournalism | 2 |
| * | ||
| PHOT 223B | Color and Lighting in Photography II | 4 |
| PHOT 254 | 35mm Black and White Photography | 2 |
| PHOT 257 | Creative Photographic Processes | 2 |
| ART 141 | Digital Tools for Art and Design | 3 |
| FILM 122 | Production I | 3 |
| FILM 234 | Cinematography I | 3 |
3 units from:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ART 130 | Two-Dimensional Design I | 3 |
| BUS 126 | Accounting for Small Business | 3 |
| BUS 112 | Advertising | 3 |
| PHYS 11 | Descriptive Introduction to Physics | 3 |
Total Major Units: 26-27
Note: PHOT 106 is the same course as JOUR 6. Course credit is limited to PHOT 106 or JOUR 6.
Note: PHOT 150 is the same course as ART 150. Course credit is limited to PHOT 150 or ART 150.
*Note: one semester of PHOT 206ab or JOUR 7ab may be counted for the major.
Recommended Electives:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AHIS 101 | Art and Visual Culture: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| ART 110 | Drawing Fundamentals I | 3 |
| ART 143 | Digital Publishing Fundamentals | 3 |
| BUS 120 | Business Management | 3 |
| BUS 124 | Entrepreneurship Start-up Planning and Funding | 3 |
GE Patterns
Complete one of the following:
ECC GE: 24 units
Required for local degrees (AA and AS).
Cal-GETC: 34 units
Required for transfer degrees (AA-T and AS-T).
Electives
As needed to reach a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.
Minimum Degree Total: 60 units