Associate in Science
The Associate in Science (AS) 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 with more stringent mathematics and mathematics-based science requirements. 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 Science (AS) will apply to general university graduation requirements of the majors that align with the AS 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 AS with majors at the Arizona public universities can be accessed via the following website: www.aztransfer.com
It is recommended that students select courses that meet more than one general education and/or awareness area requirement. Doing so will maximize the number of math and science electives the student can take as part of his/her Associate in Science degree.
The AS degree requires a minimum of 60 semester credits for the program of study; minimum total credits vary by specific emphasis (for example, Associate in Science, Emphasis in Physics). 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 Science (AS)
Academic Plan
Associate in Science (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8600
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 | MAT220, MAT221 or Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite. | QNR | 4–5 | |
| NSI | Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences* (select from sequence) | NSI | 4 | |
| 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 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | Oral Communication - One course in Communication Studies or World Languages | OCM | 3–4 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences* (select from sequence) | NSI | 4 | |
| GE | General Elective | 3 | |||
| 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
*Natural Sciences Options
Students must complete eight to ten (8-10) credits of General Chemistry, University Physics, General Biology for Majors, or Geology.
CHM150 General Chemistry I (4) OR
CHM151 General Chemistry I (3) AND
CHM151LL General Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
CHM150AA General Chemistry I (5) OR
CHM151AA General Chemistry I (4)
AND
CHM152 General Chemistry II (3) AND
CHM152LL General Chemistry II Laboratory (1) OR
CHM152AA General Chemistry II (4) 8-9
OR
PHY115 University Physics I (5) OR
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics (4)
AND
PHY116 University Physics II (5) OR
PHY131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism (4) 8-10
OR
BIO181++ General Biology (Majors) I (4) AND
BIO182++ General Biology (Majors) II (4) 8
OR
GLG101 Introduction to Geology I - Physical Lecture (3) AND
GLG103 Introduction to Geology I - Physical Laboratory (1) OR
GLG101IN Introduction to Geology I - Physical (4)
AND
GLG102 Introduction to Geology II - Historical Lecture (3) AND
GLG104 Introduction to Geology II - Historial Laboratory (1) OR
GLG102IN Introduction to Geology II - Historical (4) 8
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=176508.
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.