Associate in Science, Emphasis in Engineering

The Associate in Science (AS), Emphasis in Engineering provides the majority of the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. With a bachelor's degree students may pursue a career as an engineer in a number of areas including but not limited to aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer systems engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and mining engineering.

Details

Field of Interest
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Degree Type
Associate in Science (AS)
Academic Plan
Associate in Science, Emphasis in Engineering (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8607
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.

Students who aim to transfer to a 4-year degree program should be aware that many universities have certain GPA requirements (often a minimum 2.75 or 3.00 GPA). Students should check with the program they would like to transfer to, before initiating pursuit of their intended degree program.

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

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Aerospace Engineering (Autonomous Vehicle Systems), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Biomedical Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Chemical Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Civil Engineering (Sustainable Engineering), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Civil Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Computer Systems Engineering (Cybersecurity), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Computer Systems Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Construction Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Electrical Engineering (Electric Power and Energy Systems), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Electrical Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Engineering (Automotive Systems), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Engineering (Electrical Systems), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Engineering (Mechanical Engineering Systems), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Engineering (Robotics), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Industrial Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Manufacturing Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Materials Science and Engineering, BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Mechanical Engineering (Computational Mechanics), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Mechanical Engineering (Energy and Environment), BSE

ASU (Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering), Mechanical Engineering, BSE

NAU, Civil Engineering, BS

NAU, Computer Engineering, BS

NAU, Electrical Engineering, BS

NAU, Mechanical Engineering, BS

U of A, Aerospace Engineering, BS

U of A, Biomedical Engineering, BS

U of A, Chemical Engineering, BS

U of A, Civil Engineering, BS

U of A, Electrical and Computer Engineering, BS

U of A, Industrial Engineering, BS

U of A, Mechanical Engineering, BS

U of A, Mining and Geological Engineering, BS

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , NAU , U of A .

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

What You'll Learn
  • Apply principles of engineering, science, and mathematics to model and solve an engineering problem.
  • Utilize the engineering design process to produce solutions that meet technical specifications and societal needs (e.g. public health, sustainability, and environmental).
  • Apply visual and spatial reasoning to solve engineering problems.
  • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation and testing, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Demonstrate ability to think globally, inclusively, equitably, and sustainably in engineering and societal contexts.
  • Demonstrate effective collaboration and participation on a diverse and inclusive engineering team to establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • Use effective written, visual, and oral strategies to communicate to a range of audiences.
  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and the implications for society at large.
  • Demonstrate creativity, curiosity, and adaptability in a variety of contexts.
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.

Aerospace Engineers
$140,430
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
$120,970
Chemical Engineers
$132,450
Civil Engineers
$87,240
Computer Hardware Engineers
$121,900
Electrical Engineers
$99,830
Environmental Engineers
$100,470
Industrial Engineers
$100,800
Mechanical Engineers
$100,010
Mechatronics Engineers
$117,480
Robotics Engineers
$117,480
Transportation Engineers
$87,240

* 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.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

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.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE102 Engineering Analysis Tools and Techniques Critical course Gateway course 2
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 Critical course MA or MA 4–5
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Small Group Communication satisfies COM and SB requirements simultaneously SB or SB or SB 3
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Cultural Diversity in the US [C] designation and a (Historical [H] designation or Global [G] )designation. HU, C, (H or G) 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE103 Engineering Problem Solving and Design Critical course 2
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
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics SQ 4
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
MAT240 or
MAT241		 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III MA or MA 4–5
PHY131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism SQ 4
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] designation. HU, L 3
L Literacy & Critical Inquiry Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] designation. L, HU 0–3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences Recommend ECN211 or ECN212 for students intending to transfer to ASU for Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering. SB 3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

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.

Recommended for students seeking a project-based learning experience

(EPICS is Engineering Projects in Community Service. Students who complete ECE104 may continue the EPICS sequence at ASU.)

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE104 or
ECE294++ or
ECE298++		 EPICS Gold I or Special Topics in Engineering or Special Projects

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE102 Engineering Analysis Tools and Techniques Critical course Gateway course 2
MAT220 or
MAT221		 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I Critical course 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

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE103 Engineering Problem Solving and Design Critical course 2
MAT230 or
MAT231		 Calculus with Analytic Geometry II or Calculus with Analytic Geometry II MA or MA 4–5
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
PHY121 University Physics I: Mechanics SQ 4
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Cultural Diversity in the US [C] designation and a (Historical [H] designation or Global [G]) designation. HU, C, (H or G) 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences Recommend ECN211 or ECN212 for students intending to transfer to ASU for Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Industrial Engineering. SB 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
MAT240 or
MAT241		 Calculus with Analytic Geometry III or Calculus with Analytic Geometry III MA or MA 4–5
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6
PHY131 University Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism SQ 4

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
ENG102 or
ENG108		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Small Group Communication satisfies COM and SB requirements simultaneously SB or SB or SB 3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
L Literacy & Critical Inquiry and Humanities, Arts & Design Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] designation. L, HU 0–3
HU Humanities, Arts & Design and Literacy & Critical Inquiry Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area with a Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] designation. HU, L 3
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

Term 10

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 10
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
Transfer Option Transfer Option 3–6

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.

Recommended for students seeking a project-based learning experience

(EPICS is Engineering Projects in Community Service. Students who complete ECE104 may continue the EPICS sequence at ASU.)

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ECE104 EPICS Gold I 2
ECE294++ Special Topics in Engineering 1–4
ECE298++ Special Projects 1–3
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
  • CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • G = Global Awareness
  • H = Historical Awareness
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and 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 (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=16456304).

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.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Science (AS) in Associate in Science, Emphasis in Engineering