Best Online Associate Degrees in Photography
The best online photography associate degree programs help you build a professional portfolio and cover digital imaging, composition, editing software, and studio lighting, providing the skills needed for freelance, studio, or commercial photography work.
Below our list, we also interviewed two professional photographers who shared real-world advice on portfolios, pricing, and building a career in today鈥檚 photography landscape.
Key Takeaway:
- SNHU Online has over 100 graduates from its AA in Digital Photography.
Our rankings are based on the number of graduates in each photography degree, a metric highlighting photography programs with strong virtual learning environments and student support. Please refer to our methodology for more details.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Photography
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 107 | $9,900 | N/A | 69% | |
| Columbus State Community College | 13 | $10,294 | N/A | 100% | |
| Dakota College at Bottineau | 2 | $6,298 | N/A | N/A |
Best Online Associate Degrees in Photography - Program Details
- Graduates: 107
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 69%
Why we like them: SNHU earns its #1 spot on our list because it has the highest number of graduates from its online associate photography program 鈥� over 100 photography associate graduates. This program has hands-on coursework requiring professional-grade DSLR or mirrorless cameras and teaches advanced use of Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Graduates: 13
- Annual Tuition: $10,294
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: CSCC's multidisciplinary digital photography program covers digital design, marketing, communications, and web development as well as photography techniques. The program requires advanced personal equipment use (from film SLRs to advanced DSLRs and lighting gear), and you can earn numerous photography certificates en route to your AAS degree.
- Graduates: 2
- Annual Tuition: $6,298
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: Dakota College hosts an online photography associate program with a hands-on learning model, where online students are personally guided as they purchase and use their own lighting equipment from home. Another distinctive feature is the faculty鈥檚 national and international recognition in photographic arts and instruction.
Beyond the Lens: Two Pros Share What It Really Takes to Succeed in Photography Today
From building a standout portfolio to mastering the business behind the craft, these photographers reveal the skills and mindset new grads need to thrive.
"Business Knowledge is a Non-Negotiable": What Makes Photographers Succeed
Photographer & Entrepreneur
"If you're graduating from an online photography program, your degree means less than your portfolio. Clients don't ask where you studied. They are testing the quality and quantity of your work. A good portfolio is evidence that you know light, composition, and story. It attests that you know how to deliver. Produce full sessions, not highlight reels. Editors and clients want to see how you approach variety, not luck.
If you don't know how to price yourself, write a contract, or communicate expectations, you won't last.
If you are looking to get into weddings, editorial, or commercial photography, you need to produce the work you wish to be commissioned to do. Don't wait around. Build your own. Style a shoot. Work with local vendors. Photograph real people. That's how you get noticed.
Product photography and personal branding are smart starting points. They're less saturated and more accessible. You gain experience, build trust, and get paid faster.
Business knowledge is a non-negotiable. If you don't know how to price yourself, write a contract, or communicate expectations, you won't last. Learn how to run a client meeting. Know your boundaries. Protect your time. Most new photographers lose money because they don't treat their work as a business."
EXPERT TIP
"What makes someone stand out is professionalism. Show up early. Be prepared. Deliver on time. Handle feedback without ego. Your gear won't save you; your reliability will. Whether you studied online or in person doesn't matter. What matters is how you work and what you deliver. That's what people remember. That's what gets you booked again."
鈥淭he Experience Is Above All Else鈥�: What Photography Clients Actually Pay For
Equine & Dog Photographer
"I am an equine and dog photographer, which is quite niche in itself, but in particular people and their horses, or people and their dogs. Whatever genre you choose, start with a super tight niche to begin with, you'll still attract a wider range of people.
Having a strong portfolio is a huge standout. This should be 10-20 super strong images that sit cohesively together as a set that represent your style, who and what you like to photograph. I've recently been through a few portfolios choosing my wedding photographer, one image I didn't like in their portfolio and they were out. I imagine clients are the same when shopping around for a photographer for themselves as well.
Starting out can feel super slow, but my advice would be to never give up. Say yes to everything and get all the experience...
I would say 80% of my success has been down to business knowledge over my actual photography skill level. I've invested and continue to invest thousands in mentorship on business (and skill of course), but without the business knowledge your skill level alone won't get you very far. You need to know how to run a business, price yourself properly and how to create an amazing client experience. The experience is above all else in my personal opinion.
Starting out can feel super slow, but my advice would be to never give up. Say yes to everything and get all the experience, worst case scenario you learn what you don't like doing and what you never want to do ever/photograph ever again."
EXPERT TIP
"For me, a standout trait or skill would just be the personal connection level. Having photos taken can make you feel very vulnerable, so you want to connect with the person on the other side of the camera. Make sure you know your ideal client and who you enjoy working with, you'll feel so much ease when they enquire and you chat to them and work with them going forward."
Final Takeaways
Photography degrees may teach the tools, but lasting success often comes down to how you use them.
Both Renata Lutz and Imogen Moon emphasized that professionalism, business savvy, and deep client connection matter more than credentials alone. A polished portfolio and clear niche help you stand out, but it's the ability to price, deliver, and build trust that keeps clients coming back. If you're pursuing an online associate degree in photography, make space for both skill and strategy.
If you're ready to elevate your photography career beyond the associate level, explore 100% online photography bachelor鈥檚 programs from accredited schools.
Student Reviews of Online Photography Programs
Get the most out of your mind and the learning pace that is on your time this is a great school great teachers and amazing lessons the choice is yours so lets all choose Kansas Christian College and get what you really deserve grow at your flow hope to see you there or see your name
Review Date: 9/17/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I saw a few poor reviews and wanted to put in my opinion. I do have to state that I've only been enrolled for one term, so take my review for what it is. My advisor has always been extremely helpful and has even rearranged my classes to fit a schedule that caters to my needs. Both of my instructors have been great. One is more hands on than the other, but overall, they have been extremely responsive. For instance, I was behind one week in my classes due to a surgery my son had. I emailed my English... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It is a great community college to start your education. There are many options as far as classes. A lot of these classes help you learn and help you figure out what studies you enjoy or want to learn more about. I would recommend it as a starting school because it is cheaper and helps you grow.
Review Date: 3/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I thought this school was great when I started but after leaving I realized what a scam they are. I only attended one quarter and had to leave for medical reasons. My first quarter was only $3000 but they tried to charger me another $9000 for a second quarter that I did not attend. After a month of pestering them to drop my second quarter charges I found out two of my grants were not accepted. They didn't inform me of this until after my loans wer ccanceled so I'm not stuck paying out of pocket to... Read More
Review Date: 4/10/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Cons - States they have night classes, but it is always a struggle each term to let them know I can only take night classes and I get the run around every time which makes it very stressful. As most classes I need are not offered at night a 'Direct Study' is put together which does not allow me to fully benefit from the classes offered. Pros - The classes I have been able to benefit from are very, very good and I have learned a lot.
Review Date: 12/2/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No