Before applying for a degree:

• Gather 25 merits.
• Be a PPA Professional Active, Life, Retired, or Sustaining member for 24 or more consecutive months.
• Pay membership dues in full for the year in which the degree is received.

Please note: two degrees may be awarded in one calendar year. However, you must have earned a total of 50 or more appropriate merits for two degrees, 75 or more for three degrees, and 100 or more for four degrees. Once merits are applied toward a degree, they are considered void for future application and may not be used again.

Master of Photography (M.Photog.)
Awarded for superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
(25 merits: 13 Exhibition merits, 12 Exhibition or Service merits)

Master Artist (M.Artist)
Awarded for superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
(25 merits: 13 Specialist merits, 12 Specialist or Service merits)

Master of Electronic Imaging (MEI)
Awarded for superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.
(25 merits: 13 Electronic Imaging merits, 12 EI or Service merits.

Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog.)
Awarded in recognition of service to the profession as an orator, author or mentor.
(25 merits: 13 for lectures on approved programs or for positions as instructor or lecturer at approved PPA affiliate schools; 12 Speaking or Service merits)