Every photographer should have a 35mm manual camera, a digital SLR camera, a tripod, flash and basic lighting equipment, and a laptop with photo-editing software.
Requirements vary depending on the school, but most require general courses such as the history of photography, fundamentals, basic manual and/or digital photography, processing/darkroom, lighting techniques and Photoshop or digital processing.
Photojournalists may supplement photography classes with a few journalism courses to understand photos with print media; crime scene photographers may be required to take courses in criminal justice.
Many schools offer classes in specific types of photography, like sports, fashion, portrait, fine art and nature. Business courses are recommended for those who will likely be freelance photographers or own their own business.
Consider your career goals. If you want to work in a portrait studio, an associate degree may be adequate. A bachelor's or master's of fine arts program will provide the skills required for high-fashion and commercial print work.