Notice: Fingerprint Clearance

Several EDU, EED, ECH and MAT256 & 257 course sections include concurrent field experience with children or youth, often requiring fingerprint clearance. Education majors are strongly encouraged to obtain a plastic, Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Department of Public Safety (DPS) fingerprint clearance card as part of a teacher preparation program. IVP cards are valid for six years. Begin the IVP fingerprint clearance card process at https://www.azdps.gov/services/public/fingerprint Be sure to request an IVP card, which is a step above a Level One card. Offenses that preclude obtaining a fingerprint card are per A.R.S. 41-1758.03

Degrees & Certificates for Early, Elementary, and Secondary Education

• Consult with the Education Studies Department academic advisor to help you select the pathway and coursework that best meets your career goals.

For Early Education Professionals (birth - 3rd grade)

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) - Foundations of Early Childhood Education
  • (18-19 credits)
• Certificate of Completion (CCL) - Early Childhood Education
  • (36 credits)
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) - Early Childhood Education
  • (60-71 credits)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
  • (60-65 credits)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Educational Studies Early Childhood
  • (60-65 credits)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education - Dual Language
  • (120 credits)
  • For more information please visit our Bachelor's Degree webpage.

For Early Childhood / Elementary / Secondary Education (grades K-12, for transfer into an Arizona university teacher preparation program leading to a bachelor's degree and Arizona teacher certification)

• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
  • (60-65 credits)
  • For Early Childhood Education (birth - 3rd grade) and Early Childhood Special Education (birth - 3rd grade)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Elementary Education
  • (60-68 credits)
  • For Elementary Education (grades K-8) and Special Education (grades K-12)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Secondary Education
  • (60-64 credits)
  • For Secondary Education majors (grades 6-12) planning to teach: Earth/Space Science, English, History/Social Studies, Math, Physical Education, Political Science, or Spanish.
• Associate in Science (AS) - Emphasis in Secondary Education
  • (60-64 credits)
  • For Secondary Education majors (grades 6-12) planning to teach: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Associate in Art Fine Arts (AAFA) – Art, Dance, Music or Theatre
  • (60-93 credits)
  • For Education majors planning to teach fine arts (grades P-12).

For Instructional Assistants / Teacher Aides

• Certificate of Completion (CCL) - Instructional Assistance
  • (27 credits)
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) - Instructional Assistance
  • (60 credits)
• Associate in Arts (AA) - Emphasis in Elementary Education
  • (60-68 credits)

Professional Endorsements for Certified Teachers

Teacher endorsement courses offered through MCC are scheduled only upon school or school district request. There must be at least twenty certified, practicing educators enrolled to meet as cohorts in evening or summer classes together. Classes may be held on-site in the requesting district’s buildings or at an MCC campus. [Exception: early childhood endorsement courses are regularly offered as well as some of the SEI and ESL courses].

Professional Development / Endorsement Options at MCC

NOTE: If twenty (20) or more certified educators in your school or district are interested in an on-site cohort, please contact us at 480-461-7890.