Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Humanities

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Humanities degree provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to receive an education in the diverse field of humanities, including language, philosophy, religion, art, music, performance, and literature. Coursework in this program supports students in their development of a rigorous and interdisciplinary lens to investigate the artifacts of human experience including intellectual and creative expressions, as well as cultural ideas and values of the ancient and modern worlds. As such, students develop habits of mind, such as creative and critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity, that position them well for careers in a diverse array of fields and support lifelong learning. Graduates from humanities programs may pursue careers in education, law, creative and professional writing, marketing and international business, social media production and management, government, the nonprofit sector, arts administration, and the helping professions.

Details

Field of Interest
Culture and Society
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Humanities (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8143
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:

ASU (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts) General Studies, BA

ASU (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Interdisciplinary Studies, BA

ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), International Letters and Cultures, BA

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU .

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

What You'll Learn
  • Interpret the artifacts of human experiences from an interdisciplinary perspective informed by humanities disciplines.
  • Compare artifacts of thought from a variety of perspectives in order to understand commonality and meaningful diversity in the human experience.
  • Develop the habits of mind fostered by engagement with the humanities such as intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and an openness to diverse perspectives.
  • Identify individual, social, global, and environmental responsibility through engagement with the humanities disciplines.
  • Explain the relevance of the humanities to one`s personal and professional development.
  • Utilize cultural resources to support lifelong learning and engagement with the community.
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Required Courses
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 1-3
FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-A Credits: 35-41

A single course with an [HU], [SB], [L], or [SG/SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC Matrix for course designations.

First-Year Composition [FYC] Credits: 6
ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102 First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) 6
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] Credits: 3
HUM250 Ideas and Values in the Humanities: Early Civilizations to the Renaissance 3
Mathematics [MA] Credits: 3-6
MAT140 College Mathematics (5) OR
MAT141 College Mathematics (4) OR
MAT142 College Mathematics (3) OR
MAT145 College Mathematics with Review (5) OR
MAT146 College Mathematics with Review (6) OR
Higher level course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6) 3-6
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area. 3
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] Credits: 6
HUM107 Humanities Through the Arts (3) OR
HUM108 Contemporary Humanities (3)
AND
HUM251 Ideas and Values in the Humanities: Renaissance to the Contemporary World (3) 6
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] Credits: 6
Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area. 6
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ] Credits: 8
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4) 8
Awareness Areas Credits: 0-3
These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
Cultural Diversity in the US [C] Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course with the Cultural Diversity in the U.S. [C] designation. 0-3
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional Requirements Credits: 0-6
Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
Oral Communication Credits: 0-3
COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110 Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225 Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230 Small Group Communication (3) 3
Critical Reading Credits: 0-3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) 0-3
General Electives
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits:
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 the Program Director or an Academic Advisor.
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 about your transfer-specific world language requirement.

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.

Read the official description