Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Information Studies and eSociety

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Learn more about the Information Studies and eSociety program.

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Field of Interest

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Information Studies and eSociety is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for work in: marketing, social media, libraries, editing, copywriting, public relations, online content creation, and communication. Students will examine their roles as content creators and consumers in a global society, critically engage with information, and communicate and collaborate across diverse populations and platforms. This program also provides university transfer options in addition to workforce preparedness.

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 Information Studies and eSociety (DEG)
Academic Plan Code: 8131
Total Credits Required: 60-64
Catalog Year: 2025-2026
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Available Online: Yes
Notes: Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.

What You’ll Learn

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

Apply the principles and theories of information creation, information seeking behaviors, and digital communications.
Analyze historical and cultural perspectives of information creation, access, and use.
Articulate the roles of citizens as information creators and consumers in a sustainable global society.
Create, implement, and modify a research plan to meet an information need.
Critically evaluate information in a variety of formats for perspectives, gaps, and influence.
Use information according to ethical, legal, copyright, and policy considerations.
Practice collaborative working relationships across multiple platforms while taking into account communication opportunities and challenges.
Employ appropriate digital tools and media to create professional works in various mediums for diverse audiences.

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.

Advertising and Promotions Managers

$100,483

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

$48.30

Annual Median Wage

$100,483

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

178

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 15.2 %

Editors

$59,379

Library Assistants

$39,223

Compile records, and sort, shelve, issue, and receive library materials such as books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides and microfilm. Locate library materials for loan and replace material in shelving area, stacks, or files according to identification number and title. Register patrons to permit them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials.

Typical Education Level

a high school diploma or less

Hourly Median Wage

$18.85

Annual Median Wage

$39,223

Annual Job Openings

158

Number of People Employed

819

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 7.7 %

Library Technicians

$37,276

Assist librarians by helping readers in the use of library catalogs, databases, and indexes to locate books and other materials; and by answering questions that require only brief consultation of standard reference. Compile records; sort and shelve books or other media; remove or repair damaged books or other media; register patrons; and check materials in and out of the circulation process. Replace materials in shelving area (stacks) or files. Includes bookmobile drivers who assist with providing services in mobile libraries.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$17.92

Annual Median Wage

$37,276

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

504

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 11.7 %

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

$71,962

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

$34.59

Annual Median Wage

$71,962

Annual Job Openings

1,675

Number of People Employed

13,832

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 13.2 %

Public Relations Specialists

$64,304

Technical Writers

$47,453

Writers and Authors

$46,263

There are additional career opportunities associated with this degree that do not have occupational data available for Arizona at this time. These occupations are listed below, with links to salary information for the United States as a whole (if available):

Media and Communication Workers, All Other

* 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.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Information Studies and eSociety
Transfer Plan 1: University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Information Sciences and eSociety
Transfer Plan 2: University of Arizona Global, Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts
Transfer Plan 3: University of Arizona Global, Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Management
Transfer Plan 4: University of Arizona Global, Bachelor of Science, Information Technology

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

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

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

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 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS150	Social Media, Society, and Ourselves		Critical course Gateway course	G, SB	3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC or FYC	3
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area	MA	3–6
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective				3
Elective	Elective				3
Elective	Elective				3

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS210	Digital Information and Access in a Global Society			G, SB	3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).	OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment	L	0–3
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		SB or SB or L or SB	3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
Elective	Elective				3
Elective	Elective				3
Elective	Elective				3

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS201	Information in a Post-Truth World	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.		L, SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		EDU/HUM/STO292 or ENH295 recommended.	HU	3
SQ	Natural Sciences Quantitative			SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS213	Hacking and Open Source Culture		H, SB	3
CS	Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application	PSY230 recommended for University of Arizona, Information Studies and eSociety, Bachelor of Arts.	CS	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design	EDU/HUM/STO292 or ENH295 recommended.	HU	3
SG or SQ	Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative		SG or SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS150	Social Media, Society, and Ourselves				3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing placement or (C/ better in ESL097 or WAC101) or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C/better in ESL097 or WAC101),or (B/better in ALT100) or (C in ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (C/better in ESL202 and Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course	FYC or FYC	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 approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area	MA	3–6
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS210	Digital Information and Access in a Global Society		Critical course Gateway course	G, SB	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in (ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor).	OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment	L	0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–3
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3
EDU292	The Art of Storytelling			C, HU	3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230	Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication	No requisites or No requisites or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent. or No requisites		SB or SB or L or SB	3
CS	Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application		PSY230 recommended for University of Arizona, Information Studies and eSociety, Bachelor of Arts.	CS	3

Term 5 Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5 Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS201	Information in a Post-Truth World	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101 or ENG107.		L, SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		EDU/HUM/STO292 or ENH295 recommended.	HU	3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
SQ	Natural Sciences Quantitative		SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3
HIS102 or HIS103 or HIS111	History of Western Civilization 1789 to Present or United States History to 1865 or World History 1500 to the Present	These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	G, H, HU, SB or H, HU, SB or G, H, HU	3

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
IFS213	Hacking and Open Source Culture		H, SB	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design	EDU/HUM/STO292 or ENH295 recommended.	HU	3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
SG or SQ	Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative		SG or SQ	4
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		3–5
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3

Pathway Map Option Details

No pathway map option has been selected. Please select from the pathway map options listed above.

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.

Recommend Elective courses be selected from the following:
COM263 Elements of Intercultural Communication
IFS215 Cultural Context of Health Information
MKT110 Marketing and Social Networking
MCO120 Media and Society
POS210 Political Ideologies
PSY132 Psychology and Culture
SOC241 Race and Ethnic Relations

Recommended for University of Arizona, Information Studies and eSociety, Bachelor of Arts:
Completion of a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent), including American Sign Language IV with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment.
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Information Studies and eSociety 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.

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

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 (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190044).

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 Information Studies and eSociety

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Field of Interest

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Course Sequence by Term

Pathway Map Options

Full-time Sequence

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

Term 4

Term 5 Term 5

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

Pathway Map Option Details

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