Associate in Arts
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is designed for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. In general, the components of the degree meet requirements for majors in the Liberal Arts or programs of study other than business or science. Generally, the degree will transfer as a block without loss of credit to Arizona's public universities and other institutions with district-wide articulation agreements.
In most cases, courses used to satisfy the MCCCD Associate in Arts (AA) will apply to general university graduation requirements of the majors that align with the AA degree; however, students need to be aware of any specific requirements of their intended major at the university to be sure they select courses that will meet them. Information regarding the articulation of the AA with majors at the Arizona public universities can be accessed via the following website: www.aztransfer.com
The AA degree requires a minimum of 60 semester credits for the program of study; minimum total credits vary by specific emphasis (for example, Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Psychology). Refer to the Program (Degree) Search at https://curriculum.maricopa.edu for credit minimums for individual degree programs by emphasis.
Details
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8400
Total credits required
60
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2022
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. |
Term 1
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| QNR | Quantitative Reasoning | MAT140 or higher (based on your pathway) QNR - approved General Education course with a MAT prefix. |
QNR | 3–6 | |
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | MCCCD Requiement | 1–3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | Select approved NSI course(s) based on pathway. | NSI | 4 | |
| GE | General Elective* | 3 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3–4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE | General Elective* | 3 | |||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 | |||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 | |||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 | |||
| GE | General Elective* | 3 |
Footnote
*General Electives should be selected with advisor guidance based on educational, transfer and professional goals.
Course Area Key
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- OCM = Oral Communication
- QNR = Quantitative Reasoning
- SCB = Social and Behavioral Sciences
Disclaimer
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses 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.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award at https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=176522.
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, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.