Associate in Science, Emphasis in Secondary Education
The Associate in Science (AS), 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 ASSE, 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, Chemistry, and Physics. 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
Field of Interest
Education
Degree Type
Associate in Science (AS)
Academic Plan
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Secondary Education (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8609
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2026-2027
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
++ indicates that any suffixed course may be selected.
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: GCU113, POS113, HIS103 and POS221, POS221 and POS222, 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:
NAU, Secondary Education - Chemistry, BS in Education
NAU, Secondary Education - Physics, BS in Education
Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: NAU .
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
- 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.
- Apply knowledge of growth and development, learning theories, and inclusive practices to the instruction of all learners.
- Synthesize historical and current influences on education relevant to policy and advocacy.
- 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 Statistics
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 Arizona-based 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.
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary
$81,410
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
$54,280
Instructional Coordinators
$58,250
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$55,180
Teaching Assistants, Preschool, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School, Except Special Education
$34,550
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
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 | ||
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite. | MA or MA | 4–5 | |
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4–5 |
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 | ||
| PHY121 | University Physics I: Mechanics | NSI, SQ | 4 | ||
| MAT230 or MAT231 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | MA or MA | 4–5 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| PHY131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | NSI, SQ | 4 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4 |
Term 4
| 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) | H, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or None or IAM, SB | 3–4 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–4 |
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. |
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 | ||
| MAT220 or MAT221 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I | OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix for which MAT22+ is a prerequisite. | MA or MA | 4–5 | |
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
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 | ||
| MAT230 or MAT231 |
Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | MA or MA | 4–5 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| PHY121 | University Physics I: Mechanics | NSI, SQ | 4 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| PHY131 | University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism | NSI, SQ | 4 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHM | Arts and Humanities | AHM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4–5 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 4 |
Term 8
| 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) | H, SB or H, HU, IAM, SB or None or IAM, SB | 3–4 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| Plan Elective | Plan Course Elective | 3–4 |
Footnote
Plan Course Electives
In consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor, select the secondary education discipline below that best aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Chemistry
Credits: 16-17
+ 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
+ CHM235 General Organic Chemistry I 3
+ CHM235LL General Organic Chemistry I Laboratory 1
+ CHM236 General Organic Chemistry II 3
+ CHM236LL General Organic Chemistry II Laboratory 1
Physics
Credits: 15-17
+ AST/GLG106 Life in the Universe 4
+ 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
+ PHY241 University Physics III: Thermodynamics, Optics, and Wave Phenomena 4
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.
Recommend for Chemistry discipline:
GLG101 Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth Lecture (3) AND
GLG103 Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth Lab (1) OR
GLG101IN Physical Geology: Dynamic Earth (4) 4
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
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
- IAM = Institutions of the Americas
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- NSI = Natural Sciences
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- 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.
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=16456297.
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.
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.