Program Information
Learn more about the Education program.
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Course Sequence
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Field of Interest
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Secondary Education provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who plan to transfer to a higher education institution. Upon completion of the AASE, a student may pursue employment as a classroom instructional aide. After completing a bachelor's degree in secondary education leading to teacher certification for grades 6-12 in Biology, Earth and Space Science, English, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Physical Education, or Spanish. Foundational education courses and discipline specific courses are designed to provide future teachers with the knowledge and skills related to educational philosophies, policies, attitudes, behaviors, and instruction in order to effectively perform the duties associated with the position of a classroom teacher. Students will participate in classroom field experience to connect theory with practice. With further education or certification, students may pursue employment in the field of education in a number of careers, including but not limited to classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, educational administrator, instructional designer, instructional technologist, instructional coordinator, and educational counselor.
Details
Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:
- Field of Interest
- Education
- Type
- Associate in Arts (AA)
- Academic Plan
- Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Secondary Education (DEG)
- Academic Plan Code
- 8140
- 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.Special GPA requirements may apply to concentration area courses within a specific emphasis as noted:
English ASU Emphases - 2.5 GPA in English concentration area courses beyond First Year Composition.
State certification requirements include demonstration of proficiency in the constitutions of the United States and Arizona. Proficiency can be demonstrated via the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) Constitutions of the United States and Arizona test or by taking appropriate coursework: GCU/POS113, HIS103 and POS221, or POS220.
Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card is required for participation in field experiences and for admission to a university teacher education program. Applicants must present an IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card to be copied by the advisor or designee. Please contact your advisor for information about obtaining the IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), English (Secondary Education), BA
ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), History (Secondary Education), BA
ASU (Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College), Physical Education, BA in Education
ASU (Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College), Secondary Education (Biological Sciences), BA in Education
ASU (Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College), Secondary Education (English), BA in Education
ASU (Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College), Secondary Education (History), BA in Education
ASU (Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College), Secondary Education (Mathematics), BA in Education
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), English (Secondary Education), BA
ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), History (Secondary Education), BA
NAU, Mathematics Education, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - Biology, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - Earth Science, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - English, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - History and Social Studies, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - Spanish, BS in EducationRefer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , NAU .
What You’ll Learn
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Evaluate the influence of education in a democratic society and its impact on diverse communities.
- Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of secondary education content area.
- Analyze K–12 classroom experiences relevant to course concepts.
- Demonstrate ongoing professional growth through continuous learning, reflection, and the application of knowledge, skills, and dispositions (e.g., collaboration, effective communication, and professionalism).
- Synthesize historical and current influences on education relevant to policy and advocacy.
- Apply knowledge of growth and development, learning theories, and inclusive practices to the instruction of all learners.
- Describe professional and ethical standards in interactions with peers, students, educators, administrators, and community members.
- Apply knowledge, skills, and professional habits to careers in education and related fields.
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.
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.
| 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:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | 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 | |||
| GCU/POS113 or (HIS103 and POS221) or POS220 or (POS110 and POS221) |
United States and Arizona Social Studies or (United States History to 1865 and Arizona Constitution) or U.S. and Arizona Constitution or (American National Government and Arizona Constitution) | Students should consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select the option that aligns with their intended university transfer program requirements. History/Social Studies Secondary Education majors should select HIS103 AND POS221. Note that students must petition NAU to accept GCU/POS113 OR (HIS103 and POS221) for POS220. | H, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or None or IAM, SB | 3–4 | |
| QNR | Quantitative Reasoning | The minimum math requirement for graduation defaults to the base-level math of MAT14+ unless your selected transfer option specifies a higher-level math. MAT14+ is not applicable to all disciplines, consult with your Academic Advisor to ensure you are selecting the correct math for your intended transfer institution. | QNR | 3–6 | |
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 | |||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 0–5 |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
| 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:
Effective Catalog Year 2026-27 and beyond, AGEC Requirements will no longer include:
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
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | 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 | |||
| QNR | Quantitative Reasoning | The minimum math requirement for graduation defaults to the base-level math of MAT14+ unless your selected transfer option specifies a higher-level math. MAT14+ is not applicable to all disciplines, consult with your Academic Advisor to ensure you are selecting the correct math for your intended transfer institution. | QNR | 3–6 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCU/POS113 or (HIS103 and POS221) or POS220 or (POS110 and POS221) |
United States and Arizona Social Studies or (United States History to 1865 and Arizona Constitution) or U.S. and Arizona Constitution or (American National Government and Arizona Constitution) | Students should consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select the option that aligns with their intended university transfer program requirements. History/Social Studies Secondary Education majors should select HIS103 AND POS221. Note that students must petition NAU to accept GCU/POS113 OR (HIS103 and POS221) for POS220. | H, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or None or IAM, SB | 3–4 | |
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–5 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 0–5 |
Plan Course Electives
Students may select at least twelve (12) credits across any of the areas below. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select courses that best align with your academic and professional goals. Refer to the resources on the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information and about specific transfer partner requirements and coursework required for specific secondary education areas.
Biology
Credits: 16-17
+ BIO181++ General Biology (Majors) I 4
+ BIO182++ General Biology (Majors) II 4
+ CHM150 General Chemistry I (4) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM150AA General Chemistry I with Lab (5) OR
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM151AA General Chemistry I with Lab (4) 4-5
+ CHM152 General Chemistry II (3) AND
+ CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory (1) OR
+ CHM152AA General Chemistry II with Lab (4) 4
BIO181++ and BIO182++ are intended to meet the AGEC Natural Sciences [NSI] area.
Earth Science
Credits: 20-21
+ BIO181++ General Biology (Majors) I 4
+ BIO182++ General Biology (Majors) II 4
+ CHM150 General Chemistry I (4) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
OR
+ CHM150AA General Chemistry I with Lab (5)
OR
+ CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) AND
+ CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1)
OR
+ CHM151AA General Chemistry I with Lab (4) 4-5
GLG101 Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth Lecture (3) AND
GLG103 Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth Lab (1) OR
GLG101IN Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth (4) 4
+ PHY111 General Physics I 4
BIO181++ and BIO182++ are intended to meet the AGEC Natural Sciences [NSI] area.
English
Credits: 12
EDU221 Introduction to Education (3) OR
EDU222 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner (3) 3
+ ENG200 Reading and Writing about Literature (3) OR
+ ENG213 Introduction to the Study of Language (3) OR
SLC201 Introduction to Linguistics (3) OR
+ SLC202 Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory (3) 3
Students should consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select the option that aligns with their intended university transfer program requirements.
Select two (2) courses from the following list for a total of six (6) credits:
+ ENH190 Introduction to US Ethnic Literature 3
+ ENH221 Survey of English Literature Before 1800 3
+ ENH222 Survey of English Literature After 1800 3
+ ENH241 American Literature Before 1860 3
ENH242 American Literature After 1860 3
Students should consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select the option that aligns with their intended university transfer program requirements.
History/Social Studies
Credits: 12
EDU221 Introduction to Education (3) OR
EDU222 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner (3) 3
HIS104 United States History 1865 to Present 3
HIS110 World History to 1500 3
HIS111 World History 1500 to the Present 3
Math
Credits: 21-25
EDU221 Introduction to Education 3
+ MAT227 Discrete Mathematical Structures 3
+ MAT220 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5) OR
+ MAT221 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4) 4-5
+ MAT230 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (5) OR
+ MAT231 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II (4) 4-5
+ MAT240 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (5) OR
+ MAT241 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III (4) 4-5
+ MAT276 Modern Differential Equations (4) OR
+ MAT277 Modern Differential Equations (3) 3-4
EDU221 is intended to meet the AGEC Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] area.
MAT220 or MAT221 is intended to meet the AGEC Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] area.
Physical Education
Credits: 27
+ BIO201++ Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
+ BIO202++ Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
CFS/ECH176 Child Development 3
EDU221 Introduction to Education 3
EDU222 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner 3
EDU225 Professionalism and Ethics in Education 1
EDU230 Cultural Diversity in Education 3
BIO201++ and BIO202++ are intended to meet the AGEC Natural Sciences [NSI] area.
EDU221 and EDU222 are intended to meet the AGEC Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] area.
EDU230 is intended to meet the AGEC Arts and Humanities [AHM] area.
Spanish
Credits: 19
EDU221 Introduction to Education 3
SPA101 Elementary Spanish I 4
+ SPA102 Elementary Spanish II 4
+ SPA201 Intermediate Spanish I 4
+ SPA202 Intermediate Spanish II 4
EDU221 is intended to meet the AGEC Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] area.
SPA101, SPA102, SPA201 or SPA202 is intended to meet the AGEC Oral Communication [OCM] area
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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Course Area Key
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- MA = Mathematics
- 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=16461945.
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.