Associate in Arts, Emphasis in History

History
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Learn more about the History program.

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Course Sequence

Field of Interest

Field of Interest: Culture and Society

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in History provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in History. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue a career in a wide range of fields including education, governmental and nongovernmental organizations; intelligence analysis; international trade; community development; foreign services; and many others. A bachelor's degree in History prepares students for application to professional graduate and post-baccalaureate programs in a variety of disciplines including post-secondary teaching, law, library and archival studies, and museum studies.

Details

  Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest
Culture and Society
Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in History (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8114
Total Credits Required
60-64
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.

This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:
ASU (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), History, BA
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), History, BA
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), History, BA
NAU, History, BA
NAU, History, BS
U of A, History, BA

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , NAU , U of A

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Employ historical methods to analyze patterns of continuity and change.
  2. Interpret the impact of historical figures, events, movements, and patterns.
  3. Formulate questions using existing arguments, methodology, and frameworks and apply to research.
  4. Critically assess sources for authority, relevance, and application.
  5. Analyze historical evidence to gain understanding of one`s self and different perspectives.
  6. Collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds to solve problems.
  7. Construct an evidence-based historical argument that incorporates primary and secondary sources.
  8. Articulate the diversity of human experience over time within a global context.
  9. Communicate findings of historical research to a diverse audience.
  10. Apply historical awareness to a range of professional settings, civic engagement, and everyday life.
  11. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree 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* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Archivists
$49,245
Business Intelligence Analysts
$108,503
Elementary School Teachers
$60,222
Historians
$65,262
Lawyers
$130,818
Librarians
$56,713
Middle School Teachers
$60,550
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
$62,342
Postsecondary History Teachers
$73,152
Secondary School Teachers
$62,658
* 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

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)

Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:

  • Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits)
  • Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits)

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:

  • Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits)
  • Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits)
  • Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits)
  • Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits)

For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
HIS100 History of Western Civilization to Middle Ages H, SB, SCB 3
HIS101 or
HIS102 or
HIS103 or
HIS110 or
HIS111		 History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 or History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History to 1500 or World History 1500 to the Present H, HU, SB, AHM or AHM, G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or AHM, G, H, HU or AHM, G, H, HU 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM 3
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. QNR 3–6
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
HIS104 United States History 1865 to Present H, SB, SCB 3
HIS101 or
HIS102 or
HIS103 or
HIS110 or
HIS111		 History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 or History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History to 1500 or World History 1500 to the Present H, HU, SB, AHM or AHM, G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or AHM, G, H, HU or AHM, G, H, HU 3
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC 3
OCM Oral Communication OCM 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
IAM Institutions of the Americas IAM 3
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
Elective General Electives 3
Elective General Electives 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
Elective General Electives 3
Elective General Electives 3
Elective General Electives 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)

Students pursuing an Associate for transfer to a university or a MCCCD bachelor's degree should note the following changes to the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements, effective Catalog Years 2026-27 and beyond. Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to assess whether transitioning to the Reimagined AGEC requirements aligns with educational goals and to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will include:

  • Oral Communication [OCM] (3 Credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] (3 Credits)
  • Institutions in the Americas [IAM] (3 Credits)

Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:

  • Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] (3 Credits)
  • Computers/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] (3-5 Credits)
  • Cultural, Global, and Historical Awareness Areas [C, G, H] (0-3 Credits)
  • Subject Options -AGEC-S only (8 Credits)

For a full outline of the Reimagined AGEC Requirements, please visit Maricopa’s AGEC Webpage.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
HIS100 History of Western Civilization to Middle Ages H, SB, SCB 3
HIS101 or
HIS102 or
HIS103 or
HIS110 or
HIS111		 History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 or History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History to 1500 or World History 1500 to the Present H, HU, SB, AHM or AHM, G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or AHM, G, H, HU or AHM, G, H, HU 3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. QNR 3–6
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
HIS104 United States History 1865 to Present H, SB, SCB 3
HIS101 or
HIS102 or
HIS103 or
HIS110 or
HIS111		 History of Western Civilization Middle Ages to 1789 or History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History to 1500 or World History 1500 to the Present H, HU, SB, AHM or AHM, G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or AHM, G, H, HU or AHM, G, H, HU 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
OCM Oral Communication OCM 3
IAM Institutions of the Americas IAM 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
Elective General Electives 3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
NSI Natural Sciences NSI 4
Elective General Electives 3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Elective General Electives 3
Elective General Electives 3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Elective General Electives 3

General Electives

Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.

Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information.

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the History program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • AHM = Arts and Humanities
  • FYC = First-Year Composition
  • G = Global Awareness
  • H = Historical Awareness
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
  • IAM = Institutions of the Americas
  • NSI = Natural Sciences
  • OCM = Oral Communication
  • QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • WCM = Written Communication

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/acres.woa/wa/customView?id=16461512.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in History