Contact the Program Director
Program Phone
480-461-7904
Residential Faculty - Early Childhood Education
jamie-theresa.lopez@mesacc.edu
Office: TC 50 - Room: 117
This program is part of the Education Studies Department.
Field of Interest
Do you want to help guide today’s youth to becoming tomorrow’s leaders? Does the idea of helping children grow academically and socially appeal to you? If so, consider enrolling in the Education program. Upon completing this program, you can pursue a rewarding career as a teacher’s aide or instructional assistant. With continued education, you can become a secondary school or special education teacher, or teach in non-profit, community, or civic organizations.
This program will prepare you for a career in education with foundational education courses related to philosophies, policies, attitudes, behaviors, and instruction. Our experienced instructors will also help you develop in-depth knowledge in human development, teaching and learning theories, instructional strategies, cultural differences, and inclusive educational practices to individualize instruction for diverse learners. You will receive real-world classroom experiences to connect the theories you learn with hands-on practice. This program will also teach you about the historical and current educational influences at the local, state, federal, and global levels to educate you in professional policies and the political process.
Open the windows of young minds today. Enroll in the Education program.
The Right Pathway for You
MCC offers Certificates of Completion, Associate Degrees and Transfer Degrees for this program. Your interests and goals will guide you in selecting the pathway that is ideal for you. You may find a combination of certificates, degrees or transfer options is the fastest way to realize your dreams.
Certificate
The knowledge and skills acquired while earning a Certificate of Completion (CCL) can help launch you into a new career or energize your current job. Generally requiring fewer credit hours than degrees or transfer programs, a CCL may be your best first step into higher education.
| Name | Type | Title | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Completion | CCL | Instructional Assistance | Pathway Map |
Associate Degree
MCC’s associate degrees enhance your resume and prepare you to enter the workforce with an advantage. Whether you are interested in simply completing basic, required college courses or specializing in a specific area, there’s a degree for you.
| Name | Type | Title | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate in Applied Science | AAS | Instructional Assistance | Pathway Map |
University Transfer Degrees
Want to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a university? Save money by starting at MCC in manageable, small classes taught by renowned faculty. Our transfer pathways with Arizona universities help you achieve two goals: completing an associate’s degree while also staying on track to earn a bachelor’s degree at your transfer destination. MCC’s university partnerships throughout the nation assure your seamless transition toward a four-year degree.
| Name | Type | Title | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate in Arts - Elementary Education | AAEE | Associate in Arts, Elementary Education | Pathway Map |
| Associate in Arts | AA | Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Secondary Education | Pathway Map |
| Associate in Science | AS | Associate in Science, Emphasis in Secondary Education | Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Education program may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages*. Some occupations may require additional education or training. You can click on any occupation to view more detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
$81,774 Show expanded career information for Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools
Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
$50,653 Show expanded career information for Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors
Elementary School Teachers
$49,190 Show expanded career information for Elementary School Teachers
Instructional Coordinators
$60,452 Show expanded career information for Instructional Coordinators
Secondary School Teachers
$60,720 Show expanded career information for Secondary School Teachers
Special Education Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
$48,934 Show expanded career information for Special Education Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers
Teacher Assistants
$27,439 Show expanded career information for Teacher Assistants
Teaching Assistants
$29,907 Show expanded career information for Teaching Assistants
Financial Aid
You can get a high-quality, affordable education. MCC’s low tuition rates and various financial aid opportunities make it possible. Explore federal and state grants, Federal Work-Study, scholarships, student loans, and other options today.
Connect with an Advisor
Become a Student
Click here for MCC’s easy-to-use Enrollment Steps.
Before signing up for classes, you’ll want to connect with an academic advisor. Together, you’ll lay out an academic plan that suits you best. This step is essential to your academic success.