Humanities

Become a Student

Contact the Program Director

Walter Keithley, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - English

480-461-7371

Office: LA 3 - Room: 12

This program is part of the English Department.

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Culture and Society
Humanities

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

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.

Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools

$81,692

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

$82,275

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

$64,083

Postsecondary Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers

$65,074

Postsecondary English Language and Literature Teachers

$65,074

Postsecondary Foreign Language and Literature Teachers

$65,074

Postsecondary Philosophy and Religion Teachers

$65,074

Religious Activities and Education Directors

$44,584

* 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

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.