Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Musical Theatre
The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), Emphasis in Musical Theatre degree provides a foundation in performance and production practices in music, theatre, and dance. The degree is designed to prepare students to meet selective admission criteria for programs, such as the Bachelor of Musical Theatre, which may require an audition.
Details
Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Musical Theatre (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8314
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.
Some courses may require permission of instructor and/or audition for placement. For enrollment in private instruction for voice, consult the college music department.
Because transfer requirements vary by program and institution, students intending to transfer are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic and faculty advisor once they have selected their transfer institution to ensure all requirements for achieving junior standing are satisfied.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
What You'll Learn
- Demonstrate fundamental technical and artistic proficiency in singing, dancing, and acting.
- Create convincing characters through techniques in voice, movement, and interpretation.
- Locate and evaluate multiple sources of information in order to inform performance.
- Examine and interpret relevant historical and cultural context to inform individual performance and the production process.
- Integrate the unique characteristics, complexities, and best practices of the performing arts to inform individual performance and the production process.
- Interpret and apply constructive feedback as appropriate.
- Collaborate effectively by identifying the importance of individual roles and contributions, diverse experiences, and opinions.
- Apply the required time, focus, and acquired skills to achieve short, mid-, and long term goals.
- Develop and employ an effective collection of audition/portfolio materials to highlight relevant aspects of music, dance, and theatrical abilities.
- Adhere to ethical standards and current practices related to intellectual property and copyright laws, permissions, and revision of source material.
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and nonverbal forms.
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
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.
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
$66,570
Musicians and Singers
$39.11 hourly
Producers and Directors
$60,490
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$55,180
Self-Enrichment Teachers
$48,240
* 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUP102AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| MUP/THO270 or MUP/THO270AA |
Musical Theatre Workshop or Musical Theatre Workshop | Critical course Gateway course MUP/THP270AA must be completed for credit twice. | 1–2 | ||
| THP112 | Acting I | Critical course | 3 | ||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 | |
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | Critical course OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. | QNR | 3–6 | |
| MUP131 or MUP132 or MUP231 or MUP232 |
Class Piano I or Class Piano II or Class Piano III or Class Piano IV | 1 | |||
| FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Term 2
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MHL146 | Survey of Broadway Musicals | AHM, HU | 3 | ||
| MUP152AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| MUP/THP273 | Musical Theatre Production | MUP/THP273 must be completed for credit twice. | 2 | ||
| ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC, WCM or WCM, FYC | 3 | ||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Term 3
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAH100 or DAH250 or THE111 |
Introduction to Dance in the United States or Dance in Popular Culture or Introduction to Theatre | HU, AHM or AHM, C, HU or AHM, HU | 3 | ||
| MTC105 or MTC155 or MTC205 or MTC255 |
Music Theory/Aural Perception I or Music Theory/Aural Perception II or Music Theory III or Music Theory/Aural Perception IV | 3 | |||
| MUP202AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUP252AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| DAN+++ or MUP+++ or THP+++ |
Any DAN Dance Course or Any MUP Music: Performance Course or Any THP Theatre Performance/Production Course | Select an elective course within the area of Dance, Music Performance, and/or Theatre Performance/Production in consultation with the Faculty, Program advisor and/or the Visual and Performing Arts student success analyst. Course cannot be used to satisfy Plan Course Requirements. | 1–3 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Dance Course List
Select a total of four credits from the following list. Up to four courses may be selected from the area of Musical Theatre. No more than two courses can be selected from each of the other areas.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUP102AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC, WCM or FYC, WCM | 3 | |
| MUP131 or MUP132 or MUP231 or MUP232 |
Class Piano I or Class Piano II or Class Piano III or Class Piano IV | 1 | |||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAT14+ | College Mathematics | Critical course OR Higher mathematical level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] approved General Education course with a MAT prefix except MAT206. | QNR | 3–6 | |
| MUP152AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 | |||
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| THP112 | Acting I | Critical course | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 | ||
| MUP202AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 |
Term 4
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUP/THO270 or MUP/THO270AA |
Musical Theatre Workshop or Musical Theatre Workshop | Critical course Gateway course MUP/THP270AA must be completed for credit twice. | 1–2 | ||
| MHL146 | Survey of Broadway Musicals | AHM, HU | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 | ||
| MUP252AA | Private Instruction: Voice | 2 |
Term 5
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUP/THP273 | Musical Theatre Production | MUP/THP273 must be completed for credit twice. | 2 | ||
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Term 6
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAH100 or DAH250 or THE111 |
Introduction to Dance in the United States or Dance in Popular Culture or Introduction to Theatre | HU, AHM or AHM, C, HU or AHM, HU | 3 | ||
| IAM | Institutions of the Americas | IAM | 3 | ||
| Dance | Dance | Select a total of four (4) credits from the Dance course list. | 1–2 |
Term 7
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTC105 or MTC155 or MTC205 or MTC255 |
Music Theory/Aural Perception I or Music Theory/Aural Perception II or Music Theory III or Music Theory/Aural Perception IV | 3 | |||
| OCM | Oral Communication | OCM | 3 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 |
Term 8
| Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSI | Natural Sciences | NSI | 4 | ||
| SCB | Social and Behavioral Sciences | SCB | 3 | ||
| DAN+++ or MUP+++ or THP+++ |
Any DAN Dance Course or Any MUP Music: Performance Course or Any THP Theatre Performance/Production Course | Select an elective course within the area of Dance, Music Performance, and/or Theatre Performance/Production in consultation with the Faculty, Program advisor and/or the Visual and Performing Arts student success analyst. Course cannot be used to satisfy Plan Course Requirements. | 1–3 |
Dance Course List
Select a total of four credits from the following list. Up to four courses may be selected from the area of Musical Theatre. No more than two courses can be selected from each of the other areas.
Footnote
General Electives
Select 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.
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.
- AHM = Arts and Humanities
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First-Year Composition
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts & Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- 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=16456362.
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.