Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Secondary Education

Details

Field of Interest

Education

Degree Type

Associate in Arts (AA)

Academic Plan

Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Secondary Education (DEG)

Academic Plan Code

8140

Effective Term

Fall 2025

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the locations, partners, and available tracks of the award.

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 Secondary Education
Biology
Earth Science
English
History/Social Studies
Math
Physical Education
Spanish

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
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.

Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
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+).		FYC or FYC	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
MAT15+ or MAT187 or MAT188	College Algebra/Functions or Precalculus or Precalculus	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or an appropriate district placement. or No requisites	OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT187 or MAT188 is a prerequisite except MAT206.	QNR or MA or None	3–6
MAT15+ or MAT187 or MAT188	College Algebra/Functions or Precalculus or Precalculus	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or an appropriate district placement. or No requisites	OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT187 or MAT188 is a prerequisite except MAT206.	QNR or MA or None	3–6
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	MA	3–6
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	MA	3–6
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement.	MAT220 or MAT221 is intended to meet the AGEC Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] area.	MA or MA	4–5

Term 2Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
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
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
OCM	Oral Communication			OCM	3
Plan Elective	Plan Course Elective				3–5
MAT182	Plane Trigonometry	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, OR an appropriate district placement. Corequisites: MAT15+.	Take MAT182 if MAT15+ was completed Term 1	QNR in combo w/ MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152 or MAT155 or MAT156;	0–3
MAT182	Plane Trigonometry	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, OR an appropriate district placement. Corequisites: MAT15+.	Take MAT182 if MAT15+ was completed Term 1	QNR in combo w/ MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152 or MAT155 or MAT156;	0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	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.

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.

Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
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+).		FYC or FYC	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
MAT15+ or MAT187 or MAT188	College Algebra/Functions or Precalculus or Precalculus	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or an appropriate district placement. or No requisites	OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT187 or MAT188 is a prerequisite except MAT206.	QNR or MA or None	3–6
MAT15+ or MAT187 or MAT188	College Algebra/Functions or Precalculus or Precalculus	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+, OR permission of Department or Division Chair. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, or an appropriate district placement. or No requisites	OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT187 or MAT188 is a prerequisite except MAT206.	QNR or MA or None	3–6
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	MA	3–6
MAT14+	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	MA	3–6
MAT220 or MAT221	Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT187, or MAT188, or an appropriate District placement.	MAT220 or MAT221 is intended to meet the AGEC Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] area.	MA or MA	4–5
MAT141	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	QNR	3–6
MAT141	College Mathematics		OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206.	QNR	3–6

Term 2Term 2Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2Term 2Term 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	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
MAT182	Plane Trigonometry	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, OR an appropriate district placement. Corequisites: MAT15+.	Take MAT182 if MAT15+ was completed Term 1	QNR in combo w/ MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152 or MAT155 or MAT156;	0–3
MAT182	Plane Trigonometry	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in MAT15+, OR an appropriate district placement. Corequisites: MAT15+.	Take MAT182 if MAT15+ was completed Term 1	QNR in combo w/ MAT150 or MAT151 or MAT152 or MAT155 or MAT156;	0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

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
Plan Elective	Plan Course Elective				3–5

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
Plan Elective	Plan Course Elective				3–5

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
AHM	Arts and Humanities			AHM	3
NSI	Natural Sciences			NSI	4

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	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.

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.