Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2026-2027 Policies - Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree

Description

The Maricopa County Community College District Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree requires a minimum of 120 semester credits for the program of study; minimum total credits vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums for individual degree programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 and course grades of C or higher are required to earn the degree.

The Bachelor of Arts degree includes the following components:

Plan Course Prerequisites (if applicable)
General Education
Plan Course Requirements
MCCCD Requirements
Plan Course Electives
General Electives (if needed to reach minimum credits for degree)

Purpose of the Degree

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is an undergraduate college degree that requires students to complete a core of general education courses and then focus remaining coursework on a core and electives in a major such as fine arts and humanities, business, or education. The Bachelor of Arts degree prepares students to continue their education at the graduate level, complete requirements for disciplinary certification, and/or pursue a wide variety of careers.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) follow. No versions of the Bachelor of Arts require fewer than a minimum of 120 credits; however, minimum credits for a BA may vary by specific major. Additionally, a minimum of 30 credits of coursework must be completed at the upper-division (300/400 level). Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major. Industry-recognized credentials can be counted as general electives.

The AGEC Matrix identifies the courses that apply to the General Education Curriculum (the Arizona General Education Curriculum). Courses available during a current or upcoming semester can be found using the “Find a Class” tool on each MCCCD college’s website.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit may be applied toward Plan Course Prerequisites, General Education, Plan Course Requirements, Plan Course Electives, and General Electives that count toward the student’s elected degree. Some restrictions may apply depending on the specific program of study (see Credit For Prior Learning Administrative Regulation 2.2.4).

I. Plan Course Prerequisites - Credits varies

Plan Course Prerequisites for the Bachelor of Arts degree vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

II. General Education - Minimum 35 Credits

The completion of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) at a minimum of 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course).

However, Plan Course Prerequisites/Plan Course Requirements/Plan Course Electives courses may also meet AGEC requirements but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree. Therefore, the AGEC may be met with fewer than 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course) as long as all requirements listed in this section (II) are completed.

Courses applied to meet AGEC requirements vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific course requirements. Some courses may be met by Plan Course Requirements or Plan Course Electives. Courses may meet more than one requirement but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree. AGEC designations are subject to change. See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken.

Per AZTransfer Policy 103: AGEC Transfer Institutions and 104: Transferability of the AGEC Courses Between Community Colleges: The certified (i.e., completed and documented on the transcript) AGEC is transferable from any Arizona public community or tribal college to ASU, NAU, and UA as well as to any other Arizona public community or tribal college. Arizona public community and tribal colleges will accept AGEC coursework from any other Arizona public community or tribal college. AGEC requirements will be accepted and applied as defined by the source institution.

In some cases, a specific degree or emphasis may require the student to select particular courses, rather than select freely from the list of approved AGEC courses. A course that is specified within the AGEC is considered a Plan Course Requirements for the purposes of degree completion. Students who transfer to MCCCD with a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college or have already received an AGEC from within MCCCD will need to meet all courses specified within the AGEC for their emphasis pathway.

Courses with different credit systems (quarter hours, trimester, units) are converted to semester credit hours as outlined in MCCCD Administrative Regulation 2.2.4. A deficiency in an AGEC category due to quarter-hour or other credit system application must be recovered by additional credits within any requirement area of the AGEC as applicable to a total of 35 AGEC credits overall (or 32 credits overall if a student transfers in a single course from an Arizona public university that fulfills the Written Communication [WCM] requirement).

In cases where students have a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college with fewer than 35 credits, credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate. Students who have received a certified AGEC, independently or within another degree, before Fall 2026 from MCCCD or another Arizona public institution will not need to complete Oral Communication [OCM] or Institutions in the Americas [IAM] designations, and credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate.

AGEC designations are subject to change. See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken.

The minimum Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] and Natural Science [NSI] requirements for the awarding of the AGEC, when not specified by the degree requirements, may be fulfilled with any course(s) that meet the designation.
Students are urged to refer to university requirements and academic advisors from both institutions to be certain that all their selected coursework is applicable to the requirements of their intended transfer degree and will not require additional general education coursework to be fulfilled upon transfer.

A. Written Communication [WCM] - 6 Credits

ENG101 or ENG107 AND
ENG102 or ENG108

Note: The 6-credit requirement may be met with fewer credits if a student has transfer credit from ASU, NAU or UA for a single course that meets [WCM] in full.

B. Oral Communication [OCM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [OCM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [OCM] requirements by degree or emphasis

C. Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] - 3 Credits

Requires a course in

College Mathematics (MAT140, MAT141, MAT142, MAT145, MAT146) or
College Algebra (MAT150, MAT151, MAT152, MAT155, MAT156) or
Precalculus (MAT187, MAT188) or

Higher mathematical level [QNR] approved General Education Course with a MAT prefix, not including MAT206

D. Arts and Humanities [AHM] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [AHM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Arts [AHM] requirements by degree or emphasis
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [SCB] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [SCB] requirements by degree or emphasis.
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline.

F. Institutions in the Americas [IAM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [IAM] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [IAM] requirements by degree or emphasis.

G. Natural Sciences [NSI] - 8 Credits

The lecture courses selected for [NSI] must include or be accompanied by the corresponding laboratory courses.
Credits for lecture and lab components may be combined or each may carry separate credit.
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Natural Sciences [NSI] requirements by degree or emphasis.

III. Plan Course Requirements Credits varies

When selecting courses, please choose those that are required for your specific major. For detailed information on specific courses and the minimum credit requirements for each major, refer to the Program (Degree) Search.

IV. MCCCD Requirements - Minimum 1 Credit

Students must complete
FYE101 (1 Credit): Introduction to College, Career, and Personal Success OR
FYE103 (3 Credits): Exploration to College, Career, and Personal Success

See Administrative Regulation: For more details, see the General Graduation Requirements Administrative Regulation 2.3.9.

V. Plan Course Electives - Credits varies

Plan Course Electives for the Bachelor of Arts degree vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

VI. General Electives - Credits varies

Select courses 100-level or higher if needed to complete a minimum of 120 semester credits. Ideally, students should select courses that meet requirements for their major/area of interest and graduate-level transfer institution.

Maricopa courses and external courses evaluated as Maricopa equivalents, departmental electives (e.g., HISELC for a history elective), or general electives (GENELC). For appropriate course selection, students should consult with an academic advisor.

Total 120 Credits

The minimum requirement is 120 semester credits; however, the specific number of credits needed for a BA degree may vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2026-2027 Policies - Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree

Description

The Maricopa County Community College District Bachelor of Science (BS) degree requires a minimum of 120 semester credits for the program of study; minimum total credits vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums for individual degree programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 and course grades of C or higher are required to earn the degree.

The Bachelor of Science degree includes the following components:

Plan Course Prerequisites (if applicable)
General Education
Plan Course Requirements
MCCCD Requirements
Plan Course Electives
General Electives (if needed to reach minimum credits for degree)

Purpose of the Degree

A Bachelor of Science (BS) is an undergraduate college degree that requires students to complete a core of general education courses and then includes remaining coursework on requirements and electives that have an emphasis on math and science. The Bachelor of Science prepares students to continue their education in pursuit of a graduate degree, complete requirements for disciplinary certification, and/or pursue careers in a variety of fields.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) follow. No versions of the Bachelor of Science require fewer than a minimum of 120 credits; however, minimum credits for a BS may vary by specific major. Additionally, a minimum of 30 credits of coursework must be completed at the upper-division (300/400 level). Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major. Industry-recognized credentials can be counted as general electives.

The AGEC Matrix identifies the courses that apply to the General Education Curriculum (the Arizona General Education Curriculum). Courses available during a current or upcoming semester can also be found using the “Find a Class” tool on each MCCCD college’s website.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit may be applied toward Plan Course Prerequisites, General Education, Plan Course Requirements, Plan Course Electives, and General Electives that count toward the student’s elected degree. Some restrictions may apply depending on the specific program of study (see Credit for Prior Learning Administrative Regulation 2.2.4).

I. Plan Course Prerequisites - Credits varies

Plan Course Prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science degree vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

II. General Education - Minimum 35 Credits

The completion of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) at a minimum of 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course). However, Plan Course Prerequisites/Plan Course Requirements/Plan Course Electives courses may also meet AGEC requirements but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree. Therefore, the AGEC may be met with fewer than 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course) as long as all requirements listed in this section (II) are completed.

Courses applied to meet AGEC requirements vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific course requirements. Some courses may be met by Plan Course Requirements or Plan Course Electives. Courses may meet more than one requirement but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree. AGEC designations are subject to change. See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken.

Per AZTransfer Policy 103: AGEC Transfer Institutions and 104: Transferability of the AGEC Courses Between Community Colleges: The certified (i.e., completed and documented on the transcript) AGEC is transferable from any Arizona public community or tribal college to ASU, NAU, and UA as well as to any other Arizona public community or tribal college. Arizona public community and tribal colleges will accept AGEC coursework from any other Arizona public community or tribal college. AGEC requirements will be accepted and applied as defined by the source institution.

In some cases, a specific degree or emphasis may require the student to select particular courses, rather than select freely from the list of approved AGEC courses. A course that is specified within the AGEC is considered a Plan Course Requirement for the purposes of degree completion. Students who transfer to MCCCD with a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college or have already received an AGEC from within MCCCD will need to meet all courses specified within the AGEC for their emphasis pathway.

Courses with different credit systems (quarter hours, trimester, units) are converted to semester credit hours as outlined in MCCCD Administrative Regulation 2.2.4. A deficiency in an AGEC category due to quarter-hour or other credit system application must be recovered by additional credits within any requirement area of the AGEC as applicable to a total of 35 AGEC credits overall (or 32 credits overall if a student transfers in a single course from an Arizona public university that fulfills the Written Communication [WCM] requirement).

In cases where students have a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college with fewer than 35 credits, credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate. Students who have received a certified AGEC, independently or within another degree, before Fall 2026 from MCCCD or another Arizona public institution will not need to complete Oral Communication [OCM] or Institutions in the Americas [IAM] designations, and credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate.

AGEC designations are subject to change. See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken.

The minimum Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] and Natural Science [NSI] requirements for the awarding of the AGEC, when not specified by the degree requirements, may be fulfilled with any course(s) that meet the designation.
Students are urged to refer to university requirements and academic advisors from both institutions to be certain that all their selected coursework is applicable to the requirements of their intended transfer degree and will not require additional general education coursework to be fulfilled upon transfer.

A. Written Communication [WCM] - 6 Credits

ENG101 or ENG107 AND
ENG102 or ENG108

Note: The 6-credit requirement may be met with fewer credits if a student has transfer credit from ASU, NAU or UA for a single course that meets [WCM] in full.

B. Oral Communication [OCM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [OCM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [OCM] requirements by degree or emphasis

C. Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] - 3 Credits

Requires a course in

College Mathematics (MAT140, MAT141, MAT142, MAT145, MAT146) or
College Algebra (MAT150, MAT151, MAT152, MAT155, MAT156) or
Precalculus (MAT187, MAT188) or

Higher mathematical level [QNR] approved General Education Course with a MAT prefix, not including MAT206

D. Arts and Humanities [AHM] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [AHM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Arts [AHM] requirements by degree or emphasis.
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline.

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [SCB] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [SCB] requirements by degree or emphasis.
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline

F. Institutions in the Americas [IAM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [IAM] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [IAM] requirements by degree or emphasis.

G. Natural Sciences [NSI] - 8 Credits

The lecture courses selected for Natural Sciences [NSI] must include or be accompanied by the corresponding laboratory courses.
Credits for lecture and lab components may be combined or each may carry separate credits
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Natural Sciences [NSI] requirements by degree or emphasis.

OR

III. General Education - Minimum 35 Credits

The AS degree requires the completion of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) at a minimum of 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course). Courses applied to meet AGEC requirements vary by emphasis. Refer to Current Programs to search for the corresponding area of emphasis for specific courses required and credit minimums.

Courses applied to meet AGEC requirements vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific course requirements. Some courses may be met by Plan Course Requirements or Plan Course Electives. Courses may meet more than one requirement but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree.

Per AZTransfer Policy 103: AGEC Transfer Institutions and 104: Transferability of the AGEC Courses Between Community Colleges: The certified (i.e., completed and documented on the transcript) AGEC is transferable from any Arizona public community or tribal college to ASU, NAU, and UA as well as to any other Arizona public community or tribal college. Arizona public community and tribal colleges will accept AGEC coursework from any other Arizona public community or tribal college. AGEC requirements will be accepted and applied as defined by the source institution.

In some cases, a specific degree or emphasis may require the student to select particular courses, rather than select freely from the list of approved AGEC courses. A course that is specified within the AGEC is considered a Plan Course Requirements for the purposes of degree completion. Students who transfer to MCCCD with a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college or have already received an AGEC from within MCCCD will need to meet all courses specified within the AGEC for their emphasis pathway.

Courses with different credit systems (quarter hours, trimester, units) are converted to semester credit hours as outlined in MCCCD Administrative Regulation 2.2.4. A deficiency in an AGEC category due to quarter-hour or other credit system application must be recovered by additional credits within any requirement area of the AGEC as applicable to a total of 35 AGEC credits overall (or 32 credits overall if a student transfers in a single course from an Arizona public university that fulfills the Written Communication [WCM] requirement).

In cases where students have a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college with fewer than 35 credits, credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate. Students who have received a certified AGEC, independently or within another degree, before Fall 2026 from MCCCD or another Arizona public institution will not need to complete Oral Communication [OCM] or Institutions in the Americas [IAM] designations, and credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate.

AGEC designations are subject to change. See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken.

The Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] and Natural Science [NSI] requirements for the awarding of the AGEC, when not specified by the degree requirements, may be fulfilled with any course(s) that meet the designation
Students are urged to refer to university requirements and academic advisors from both institutions to be certain that all their selected coursework is applicable to the requirements of their intended transfer degree and will not require additional general education coursework to be fulfilled upon transfer

A. Written Communication [WCM] - 6 Credits

ENG101 or ENG107 AND
ENG102 or ENG108

Note: The 6-credit requirement may be met with fewer credits if a student has transfer credit from ASU, NAU or UA for a single course that meets [WCM] in full.

B. Oral Communication [OCM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [OCM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [OCM] requirements by degree or emphasis

C. Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] - 3 Credits

The first semester of a calculus sequence designed for scientists and engineers (MAT220 or MAT221) or any other mathematical level [QNR] designated course for which Calculus I is a prerequisite
The minimum [QNR] requirement for graduation defaults to the lowest base-level math, as identified above
Some emphasis may require a specific or higher mathematical-level Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] course
Refer to Current Programs to search for specific Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] requirements by emphasis

D. Arts and Humanities [AHM] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [AHM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Arts [AHM] requirements by degree or emphasis
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline.

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [SCB] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [SCB] requirements by degree or emphasis
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline.

F. Institutions in the Americas [IAM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [IAM] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [IAM] requirements by degree or emphasis

G. Natural Sciences [NSI] - 8 Credits

Students must complete one of the following science sequences:

General Chemistry

[(CHM150 or CHM151) and CHM151LL] or CHM150AA or CHM151AA

and

[CHM152 & CHM152LL] or CHM152AA

University Physics

PHY121 and PHY131

General Biology for Majors

BIO181 or BIO181XT) and

BIO182 or BIO182XT)

Physical and Historical Geology
GLG101IN or
GLG101 and GLG103

and

GLG102IN or
GLG102 and GLG104

The lecture courses selected for Natural Sciences [NSI] must include or be accompanied by the corresponding laboratory courses.
Credits for lecture and lab components may be combined or each may carry separate credits.
Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [NSI] courses to meet this designation;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Natural Sciences [NSI] requirements by degree or emphasis.

IV. Plan Course Requirements - Credits varies

When selecting courses, please choose those that are required for your specific major. For detailed information on specific courses and the minimum credit requirements for each major, refer to the Program (Degree) Search.

V. MCCCD Requirements - Minimum 1 Credit

Students must complete
FYE101 (1 Credit): Introduction to College, Career, and Personal Success OR
FYE103 (3 Credits): Exploration to College, Career, and Personal Success
See Administrative Regulation: For more details, see the General Graduation Requirements Administrative Regulation 2.3.9.

VI. Plan Course Electives - Credits varies

Plan Course Electives for the Bachelor of Science degree vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

VII. General Electives - Credits varies

Select courses 100-level or higher if needed to complete a minimum of 120 semester credits. Ideally, students should select courses that meet requirements for their major/area of interest and graduate-level transfer institution.

Maricopa courses and external courses evaluated as Maricopa equivalents, departmental electives (e.g., HISELC for a history elective), or general electives (GENELC). For appropriate course selection, students should consult with an academic advisor.

Total 120 Credits

The minimum requirement is 120 semester credits; however, the specific number of credits needed for a BS degree may vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2026-2027 Policies - Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree

Description

The Maricopa County Community College District Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree requires a minimum of 120 semester credits for the program of study; minimum total credits vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums for individual degree programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 and course grades of C or higher are required to earn the degree.

The Bachelor of Applied Science degree includes the following components:

Plan Courses Prerequisites (if applicable)
General Education
Plan Courses Requirements
MCCCD Requirements
Plan Course Electives
General Electives (if needed to reach minimum credits for degree)

Purpose of the Degree

A Bachelor of Applied Science is an undergraduate college degree that focuses on providing hands-on experiences and incorporating job-related skills into the classroom. It is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate and meet the unique demands of industry in specific workforce sectors. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees typically build on the curriculum requirements for an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, meaning that all of the requirements for the AAS degree are either included in, or receive full recognition and credit within, the BAS program requirements. Students in the BAS take a majority of their courses in the applied sciences, specializing in a specific area and the degree is designed to prepare students for employment, and career advancement, and can provide the foundation for graduate school.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) follow. No versions of the Bachelor of Applied Science require fewer than a minimum of 120 credits; however, minimum credits for a BAS may vary by specific major. Additionally, a minimum of 30 credits of coursework must be completed at the upper-division (300/400 level). Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major. Industry-recognized credentials can be counted as general electives.

The AGEC Matrix identifies the courses that apply to the General Education Curriculum (the Arizona General Education Curriculum). Courses available during a current or upcoming semester can be found using the “Find a Class” tool on each MCCCD college’s website.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit may be applied toward Plan Course Prerequisites, General Education, Plan Course Requirements, Plan Course Electives, and General Electives that count toward the student’s elected degree. Some restrictions may apply depending on the specific program of study (see Credit For Prior Learning Administrative Regulation 2.2.4).

I. Plan Course Prerequisites - Credits varies

Plan Course Prerequisites for the Bachelor of Applied Science degree vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

II. General Education - Minimum 35 Credits

The completion of the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) at a minimum of 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course).

However, Plan Course Prerequisites/Plan Course Requirements/Plan Course Electives courses may also meet AGEC requirements but are only counted once toward the total credits for the degree. Therefore, the AGEC may be met with fewer than 35 credits (32 if Written Communication [WCM] is met by a single transfer course) as long as all requirements listed in this section (II) are completed.

Courses applied to meet AGEC requirements vary by major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific course requirements. AGEC designations are subject to change.

Per AZTransfer Policy 103: AGEC Transfer Institutions and 104: Transferability of the AGEC Courses Between Community Colleges: The certified (i.e., completed and documented on the transcript) AGEC is transferable from any Arizona public community or tribal college to ASU, NAU, and UA as well as to any other Arizona public community or tribal college. Arizona public community and tribal colleges will accept AGEC coursework from any other Arizona public community or tribal college. AGEC requirements will be accepted and applied as defined by the source institution.

In some cases, a specific degree or emphasis may require the student to select particular courses, rather than select freely from the list of approved AGEC courses. A course that is specified within the AGEC is considered a Plan Requirement for the purposes of degree completion. Students who transfer to MCCCD with a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college or have already received an AGEC from within MCCCD will need to meet all courses specified within the AGEC for their emphasis pathway.

Courses with different credit systems (quarter hours, trimester, units) are converted to semester credit hours as outlined in MCCCD Administrative Regulation 2.2.4. A deficiency in an AGEC category due to quarter-hour or other credit system application must be recovered by additional credits within any requirement area of the AGEC as applicable to a total of 35 AGEC credits overall (or 32 credits overall if a student transfers in a single course from an Arizona public university that fulfills the Written Communication [WCM] requirement).

In cases where students have a certified AGEC from another public Arizona community or tribal college with fewer than 35 credits, credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate. Students who have received a certified AGEC, independently or within another degree, before Fall 2026 from MCCCD or another Arizona public institution will not need to complete Oral Communication [OCM] or Institutions in the Americas [IAM] designations, and credits must be recovered within any requirement area of the degree to meet the minimum credits to graduate.

See AGEC matrix for each course's value(s) in the semester it is taken

The minimum Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] and Natural Science [NSI] requirements for the awarding of the AGEC, when not specified by the degree requirements, may be fulfilled with any course(s) that meet the designation.
Students are urged to refer to university requirements and academic advisors from both institutions to be certain that all their selected coursework is applicable to the requirements of their intended transfer degree and will not require additional general education coursework to be fulfilled upon transfer.

A. Written Communication [WCM] - 6 Credits

ENG101 or ENG107 AND
ENG102 or ENG108

Note: The 6-credit requirement may be met with fewer credits if a student has transfer credit from ASU, NAU or UA for a single course that meets [WCM] in full.

B. Oral Communication [OCM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [OCM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [OCM] requirements by degree or emphasis

C. Quantitative Reasoning [QNR] - 3 Credits

Requires a course in

College Mathematics (MAT140, MAT141, MAT142, MAT145, MAT146) or
College Algebra (MAT150, MAT151, MAT152, MAT155, MAT156) or
Precalculus (MAT187, MAT188) or
Higher mathematical level [QNR] approved General Education Course with a MAT prefix, not including MAT206

D. Arts and Humanities [AHM] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis require specific [AHM] courses
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Arts [AHM] requirements by degree or emphasis.
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline.

E. Social and Behavioral Sciences [SCB] - 6 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [SCB] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [SCB] requirements by degree or emphasis.
Students are encouraged to choose course work from more than one discipline

F. Institutions in the Americas [IAM] - 3 Credits

Some degrees or emphasis may require specific [IAM] courses;
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified [IAM] requirements by degree or emphasis.

G. Natural Sciences [NSI] - 8 Credits

The lecture courses selected for Natural Sciences [NSI] must include or be accompanied by the corresponding laboratory courses.
Credits for lecture and lab components may be combined or each may carry separate credits
Refer to Current Programs to search for specified Natural Sciences [NSI] requirements by degree or emphasis.

III. Plan Course Requirements - Credits varies

When selecting courses, please choose those that are required for your specific major. For detailed information on specific courses and the minimum credit requirements for each major, refer to the Program (Degree) Search.

IV. MCCCD Requirements - Minimum 1 Credit

Students must complete
FYE101 (1 Credit): Introduction to College, Career, and Personal Success OR
FYE103 (3 Credits): Exploration to College, Career, and Personal Success
See Administrative Regulation: For more details, see the General Graduation Requirements Administrative Regulation 2.3.9.

V. Plan Course Electives - Credits varies

Plan Course Electives for the Bachelor of Applied Science degree vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for specific courses and credit minimums by major.

VI. General Electives - Credits varies

Select courses 100-level or higher if needed to complete a minimum of 120 semester credits. Ideally, students should select courses that meet requirements for their major/area of interest and graduate-level transfer institution.

Maricopa courses and external courses evaluated as Maricopa equivalents, departmental electives (e.g., HISELC for a history elective), or general electives (GENELC) and completed with a grade of C or higher, may be applied in the elective area, regardless of potential transferability to other institutions. For appropriate course selection, students should consult with an academic advisor.

Total 120 Credits

The minimum requirement is 120 semester credits; however, the specific number of credits needed for a BS degree may vary by specific major. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums by major.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2026-2027 Policies - Registered Nurse (RN) to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Description

The Maricopa County Community College District Registered Nurse (RN) to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree requires a minimum of 120 semester credits for the program of study. Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for credit minimums for individual degree programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.0 and course grades of C or higher are required to earn the degree.

The Bachelor of Nursing degree includes the following components:

Plan Course Prerequisites
General Education
Plan Course Requirements
General Electives (if needed to reach minimum credits for degree)

Purpose of the Degree

The Registered Nurse (RN) to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a post-licensure program that allows nurses with the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing or the Diploma in Nursing to advance their credentials or prepare for graduate nursing study. Focus on leadership, evidence-based practice, health promotion, public health issues, patient safety and risk reduction, ethical issues, and healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Degree Requirements

The requirements for the Registered Nurse (RN) to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) follow. No versions of the BSN require fewer than a minimum of 120 credits. Additionally, a minimum of 30 credits of coursework must be completed at the upper-division (300/400 level). Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for information on how credit minimums are met for the RN to BSN degree.

The AGEC Matrix identifies the courses that apply to the General Education Curriculum (the Arizona General Education Curriculum). Courses available during a current or upcoming semester can be found using the “Find a Class” tool on each MCCCD college’s website.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit may be applied toward Plan Course Prerequisites, General Education, Plan Course Requirements, Plan Course Electives, and General Electives that count toward the student’s elected degree. Some restrictions may apply depending on the specific program of study (see Credit for Prior Learning Administrative Regulation 2.2.4).

I. Plan Course Prerequisites - Credits varies

Refer to the Program (Degree) Search for information on how Plan Course Prerequisites are met for the RN to BSN degree.