Field of Interest
What does it mean to be human? How can we live well in an ever-changing world? What are the common threads that bind us together? In what ways are our experiences culturally constructed and fundamentally different from others? From ancient to modern times, we have asked penetrating questions about the human condition. Now as then, we use language, philosophy, religion, art, music, performance, and literature to puzzle through these questions, to organize our world, and to negotiate the fundamental aspects of being human. These modes of expression are fundamental to what we call "the humanities."
The humanities represent diverse disciplines concerned with human experience, thought, and creativity. In addition to our pathway, all associate degree programs within MCCCD require 3-6 credits of humanities courses. The courses in the humanities deploy rigorous and interdisciplinary lenses to investigate the intellectual expression and cultural practices of the ancient and modern worlds.
We study the humanities to challenge our assumptions in order to move towards a deeper understanding of the world. Courses in the humanities allow us to explore personal and community values, cultural views, religious beliefs, and aesthetic practices and theories. Engagement with the humanities allows us to sharpen our critical and creative thinking, to ask penetrating questions, to communicate effectively, and to develop an informed and empathetic worldview. Through the humanities we become dedicated lifelong learners. These habits of mind well-position students for careers in a diverse array of fields. Graduates from humanities programs pursue successful careers in education, law, creative and professional writing, marketing and international business, social media production and management, government, the nonprofit sector, arts administration, and the helping professions.
Make it happen today! Enroll in the Humanities program or take a humanities course today.
University Transfer Degree
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.
A list of available transfer degrees offered in the Humanities program
Name |
Type |
Title |
Courses |
Associate in Arts |
AA |
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Humanities |
Pathway Map |
Career Opportunities
Successful completion of a degree or certificate within the Humanities 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.
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$44.29
Annual Median Wage
$92,140
Number of People Employed
191
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 17.8%
Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$29.22
Annual Median Wage
$60,795
Number of People Employed
82
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.0%
Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.37
Annual Median Wage
$50,704
Number of People Employed
1,079
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 3.5%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$39.31
Annual Median Wage
$81,780
Number of People Employed
3,264
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.4%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$46.29
Annual Median Wage
$96,289
Number of People Employed
172
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 23.3%
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$60.43
Annual Median Wage
$125,709
Number of People Employed
2,680
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.9%
Interpret oral or sign language, or translate written text from one language into another.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$21.99
Annual Median Wage
$45,755
Number of People Employed
1,404
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 9.2%
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$39.55
Annual Median Wage
$82,278
Number of People Employed
369
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.1%
Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$20.62
Annual Median Wage
$42,898
Number of People Employed
734
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 4.1%
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$58.79
Annual Median Wage
$122,300
Number of People Employed
10,418
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.3%
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.75
Annual Median Wage
$63,965
Annual Job Openings
1,700
Number of People Employed
13,047
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 14.9%
Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$24.64
Annual Median Wage
$51,260
Number of People Employed
6,299
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 24.2%
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.29
Annual Median Wage
$48,447
Number of People Employed
1,771
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.2%
Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Typical Education Level
a Master's or Professional degree
Hourly Median Wage
$40.08
Annual Median Wage
$83,379
Number of People Employed
3,957
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.5%
Teach courses in English language and literature, including linguistics and comparative literature. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Typical Education Level
a Doctoral degree or more
Hourly Median Wage
$31.24
Annual Median Wage
$64,983
Annual Job Openings
2,698
Number of People Employed
26,076
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 10.2%
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$47.93
Annual Median Wage
$99,706
Number of People Employed
819
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 12.6%
Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$21.41
Annual Median Wage
$44,536
Number of People Employed
1,080
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 6.9%
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$30.95
Annual Median Wage
$64,394
Number of People Employed
2,114
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 16.2%
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$19.26
Annual Median Wage
$40,075
Number of People Employed
1,873
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 5.8%
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Typical Education Level
a Bachelor's degree
Hourly Median Wage
$23.29
Annual Median Wage
$48,447
Number of People Employed
1,771
4-Year Employment Growth
Increase by 11.2%
* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer
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