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Associate of Applied Arts
Brightpoint Community College
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Program Details
Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization
Associate of Applied ArtsAssociate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization
Brightpoint Community College
This two-year degree prepares students for jobs in photography.
Outcomes
By the completion of this program, students will be expected to demonstrate an intermediate level of competency in the following skills:
- Critically evaluate personal studio art projects and those of other students, applying the process of critique.
- Write a professional resume, cover letter, and artist statement introducing themselves, their art, and their artistic philosophies.
- Gauge measurements of linear perspective and proportion, in relation to drawing.
- Produce a body of photographic artwork utilizing photo processing and editing software.
- Execute a body of photographic artwork utilizing various lighting and photographic equipment.
- Assemble a digital portfolio.
Program Overview & Guidance

Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes BCC allows open admission for this program. More information on how to get started at BCC can be found at: https://www.brightpoint.edu/admissions/get-started/. A portfolio of work is required for completion. This program is offered at the Midlothian Campus. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization
60
Associate of Applied Arts Degree in Visual Arts - Photo Specialization
60
Course Grad for 531-05
60
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
Required Courses 531-05
60
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 45 credits may be applied to this program.
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ART 102
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 101
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 132
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 130
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PHT 135
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHT 164
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHT 221
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHT 264
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 287
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHT/FLM Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ART Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
CST Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
MTH 154
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
SOC/BEH SCI EEE
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 112
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 121
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 131
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
ART 180
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
PHT 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | Brightpoint accepts multiple forms of credit for prior learning, including scores on standardized tests such as AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES as well as courses and training completed in the military, criminal justice academies, technology certification programs, and health services certification programs. See https://www.brightpoint.edu/paying-for-brightpoint/pay-tuition/military-veterans-educational-benefits/credit-for-prior-experience/ |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

Number of Transfer Students
3835
College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | At Brightpoint, our vision is "A success story for every student." With our small classes, our large number of courses and in-demand programs (including many online!), partnerships with area employers, and our award-winning faculty, Brightpoint Community College can help you begin your journey to a Bachelor's degree, a job, or both! |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Not required. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this
program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your
current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can
complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program
page.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Photographic Media Arts) | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Graphic Design: Interactive Design Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Visual Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts: Fine Arts Major | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Fine Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Glass) | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Arts - Studio Arts (Pre-Art Therapy) | Associate | Associate of Applied Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Cinema, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Photography and Media, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Visual Art, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Music, A.F.A. | Associate | Associate of Fine Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Art | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts in Theatre/Drama | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1121.00 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
27-4021.00 | Photographers | Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1019.00 | Artists and Related Workers, All Other | All artists and related workers not listed separately. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1012.00 | Craft Artists | Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1013.00 | Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators | Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1011.00 | Art Directors | Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1024.00 | Graphic Designers | Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
27-1014.00 | Special Effects Artists and Animators | Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete

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