Start Now. Finish Within Two Years… Pima Offers A-Z Career Choices
We know you don’t have time to waste…
Start your college education by visiting Pima Community College at www.pima.edu. Choose a course of study, enroll and, within two years, you could be on your way to a brand new career and a lifetime of improved earning power. Check out the A-Z program list that follows to see what best fits your interests. If you need some guidance, PCC’s advisors will be happy to help you figure out a career path.
PCC offers a multitude of options in a wide range of fields. Choose from more than 100 certificate and degree programs, as well as university transfer programs. PCC offers express degrees and day, evening, weekend, online and self-paced courses to fit your busy schedule.
If you’re ready to get moving, Pima is ready for you!
Fall registration is under way. Classes begin Aug. 28, 2013.
| Area of Study | Degree or Certificate | Prepares you for: | Salary Range |
| Accounting | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Entry-level employment in bookkeeping and accounting careers; or launch a career in private, public and government accounting. | Median: $50,523
High: $83,866 |
| Administration of Justice Studies
|
Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Employment or promotion as a correctional officer or police or sheriff’s patrol officer; or transfer to a university. | Correctional Officers and Jailers: Median: $45,635 High: $59,342 Police and Sheriff’s Median: $56,659 High: $73,278 |
| American Indian Studies | Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer | Transfer to a university to continue American Indian studies or other areas within Liberal Arts and Sciences. | |
| Anthropology | Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer | Transfer to a university with general knowledge of the heritage and cultural diversity of the Southwest. | |
| Archaeology | Certificate
Archaeology Field Work |
Entry-level archaeology positions; or further training as a professional or amateur archaeologist. | Median: $42,557
High: $55,203 |
| Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) | AGEC Certificate for Transfer
AGEC-A Liberal Arts AGEC-B Business Administration AGEC-S Science/Technology |
Transfer to any Arizona public university or college with all lower-division general education requirements met. | |
| Arts | Associate of Applied Arts Degree | Work as an artist, artist assistant or entry-level art instructor grounded in a variety of media or focused on a single area, including fashion design. | Median: $17,701
High: $24,568 |
| Associate of Fine Arts Degree for Transfer
Music, Theater, Dance, Visual Arts Options |
Transfer to a university for further training in music, theater or dance for careers in musical performance, theater design or directing, choreography, etc. |
||
| Automotive Technology | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Entry-level position as an auto mechanic or technician in general automotive repair; or employment as an auto mechanic or technician, service writer, parts specialist or auto salesperson. | Median: $33,350
High: $51,854 |
| Aviation Technology | Certificate
Basic and Advanced Options Advanced Aviation Technology, Airframe Mechanics, Avionics Technician, General Mechanics, Powerplant, Structural Repair Associate of Applied Science Degree Airframe and Powerplant, Avionics Technician, Structural Repair |
Entry-level employment in aircraft building, maintenance and repair; or employment or advancement as an aircraft mechanic, specializing in airframe and powerplant, composites fabrication and repair, interior installer or structural repair; and preparation to take the Federal Aviation Administration certification tests in airframe and powerplant. | Median: $49,754
High: $57,533 |
| Behavioral Health Services | Certificate
Basic Certificate |
Entry-level positions in a clinical behavioral health care setting. | Median: $34,170
High: $51,200 |
| Biotechnology | Certificate | Employment or advancement in positions within biotechnology laboratories. | Median: $29,973
High: $55,910 |
| Building and Construction Technologies | Certificate
Basic and Advanced Options Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electric, Facilities, HVAC-R, Plumbing, Solar Installer Home Maintenance and Repair • Minor Home Improvement • Limited Remodeling and Repair • General Residential Contractor Associate of Applied Science Degree Building Management, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Construction Management, Facilities Management, Electrical, HVAC-R, Plumbing, Solar Installer |
Entry-level positions in facilities maintenance and building and construction trades; transfer to a university; or employment in the carpentry, plumbing, electrical and HVAC/refrigeration fields. | Carpenter:
Median: $33,218 High: $45,427 Electrician: Median: $35,027 High: $51,102 Plumber: Median: $36,899 High: $50,253 |
| Business | Certificate
Basic and Advanced Options |
Entry-level employment in business, tourism and marketing; or positions in management. | Median: $30,805
High: $44,512 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree | Specialization in business management, tourism or marketing. | ||
| Associate of Business Administration (ABUS) for Transfer | Transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with options to major in accounting, business computer management, business economics, finance, international business, management or marketing. | ||
| Certificate
Fraud Examination |
Taking the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) examination; advancement in accounting, business, law enforcement or loss prevention after completing the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) examination. | Median: $38,002 High: $61,755 |
|
| Certificate
Fashion Consumer Sciences |
Employment in retail organizations in merchandising, fashion promotion, fashion buying, marketing and sales promotion. | Median: $36,608 High: $59,051 |
|
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Fashion Consumer Sciences |
Employment in fashion sales and apparel merchandising as an apparel buyer, sales representative, manufacturing respresentative, apparel coordinator, display specialist or department manager. | ||
| Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer
Retailing and Consumer Sciences |
Employment in retail management or transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in retailing/merchandising or related degree. | ||
| Certificate
Retail Management, Customer Service Management |
Employment or advancement in positions as a supervisor or manager in a retail setting. | Median: $41,538 High: $60,632 |
|
| Clinical Research Coordinator | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Taking the Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification exam; or employment coordinating and managing clinical research trials involving human subjects. | Median: $27,186
High: $45,490 |
| Computer Aided Drafting | Certificate
Basic and Advanced Options, Integrated Circuit Layout Design Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Work as a drafter or entry-level designer in industries, such as manufacturing, electronics, building construction, site development or transportation. | Median: $37,898
High: $55,578 |
| Computer Information Systems | Certificate
Computer Programmer Specialist Associate of Applied Science Degree Computer Programmer/ Analyst |
Employment as a C or Visual Basic programmer or as a website designer, developer or administrator; employment as an entry-level programmer or programmer/analyst; or transfer to a university. | Median: $59,571
High: $100,984 |
| Certificate
Systems Administration/Networking Associate of Applied Science Degree Systems Administration/Networking |
A career in systems administration or networking, with specialties in CISCO, cybersecurity, Linux, Microsoft or general network administrator; or administering microcomputer systems or CISCO, Microsoft or Novell systems; transfer to a university; or for industry-standard certification exams. | Median: $50,877
High: $78,957 |
|
| Computer Software Applications | Certificate
Computer Software Applications Assistant |
Entry-level employment or job advancement as administrative assistant, office manager or other office professional using office software; using software within Windows; or employment or promotion into positions requiring knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, desktop publishing and Web page support. | Median: $26,811 High: $32,698 |
| Culinary Arts | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Entry-level employment as a cook, menu planner or other culinary position in hotels, restaurants and resorts; or employment or advancement in other culinary positions. | Median: $24,211
High: $32,365 |
| Dental Studies | Certificate
Dental Assisting |
Employment as a dental assistant after completing exams for national certification and state oral radiography licensure. | Median: $34,694
High: $45,573 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Dental Hygiene |
Taking national and regional exams in preparation for licensure in Arizona, then employment as a dental hygienist or continued studies for a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. | Median: $75,358
High: $87,069 |
|
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Dental Laboratory Technology |
Employment in a dental lab constructing and repairing dentures and other dental work after completing National Board for Certification exams. | Median: $32,718
High: $52,354 |
|
| Certificate
Dental Ceramics, Fixed Bridgework, Complete or Partial Dentures Technologist options |
Work in a dental lab constructing complete dentures, implants, crowns fixed bridges or partial dentures and other dental ceramic work. Increased opportunities for employment and promotion within the dental laboratory industry. | ||
| Digital Arts | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree Design, Illustration, Multimedia or Web Design options |
Entry-level employment in graphic design, desktop publishing or web design; entry into careers in design, illustration and multimedia; transfer to a university; or entry into higher-level positions, such as graphic designer, desktop publisher or assistant art director. | Multimedia Designers:
Median: $33,114 High: $46,987 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Digital Game and Simulation |
Employment as a game play tester, game designer, game programmer, 2-D conceptual artist, 3-D character builder and object modeler or game software engineer. | Game Designers:
Median: $20,550 High: $28,558 |
|
| Post-Degree Certificate
Digital Arts |
Higher-level employment in graphic design, desktop publishing or Web design. | ||
| Digital and Film Arts | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Employment as media center manager, television camera person, television production camera person, television news tape editor, television commercial producer, scriptwriter and audio technician; careers in television, film, video or other media requiring filming, editing, production design, lighting, script-writing and photography skills; or employment as a writer, producer, editor, director, camera operator, sound designer or graphic artist. | Median: $46,280 High: $74,048 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Animation |
Entry-level career in animation. | Median: $20,550
High: $28,555 |
|
| Direct Care Professional | Certificate | Employment as a basic direct care professional, providing care for the aged or individuals with physical, mental or developmental disabilities. | Median: $21,923 High: $25,584 |
| Early Childhood Education and Child Development
|
Certificate
Early Childhood Studies, Basic and Advanced Associate of Applied Science Degree Early Childhood Studies |
Employment as a teacher’s aide or teacher assistant; a lead teacher or director of a preschool; a teacher’s aide or teacher in a school district preschool or pre-kindergarten program; operating a home childcare center; or work in a field related to early childhood. | Median: $22,630
High: $33,322 |
| Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer
Early Childhood Education |
Employment as a teacher’s aide in a school, recreation center or after-school program; higher-level positions caring for school-age children in before- and after-school, full-day and recreational settings; employment as a teacher’s aide, teacher or director in an after-school program or as a group leader or supervisor in recreation; or transfer to a university. | ||
| Post Degree Certificate for Direct Employment
Early Childhood Education Endorsement for |
Advancement in a career focusing on infant/toddler, preschool or school-age child development in childcare, preschool, school-age and family programs; or advancement into childcare management and administration. | ||
| Educational Technology | Certificate | Arizona teacher re-certification, focusing on basic computer skills and use of software; or integrating technology into the curriculum and gaining skills in multimedia, computer learning and computer assessment. | |
| Emergency Medical Technology | Certificate
Basic Associate of Applied Science Degree* *Offered through the Public Safety & Emergency Services Institute |
Taking required state and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians examinations for entry-level employment as an emergency medical technician; employment or promotion as a paramedic; or advancement in a paramedic career. | Median: $35,901
High: $45,698 |
| Engineering | Associate of General Studies Degree | Transfer to a university to pursue a major in engineering. | |
| Fashion Design | Certificate | Entry-level positions with apparel merchandisers, clothing retailers, tailoring businesses or specialty clothing shops. | Median: $31,907
High: $48,152 |
| Fire Science | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Taking tests for certification as an entry-level firefighter in Arizona; or employment or advancement in a firefighting career. | Median: $37,523
High: $54,808 |
| Fitness and Sport Sciences | Certificate
Coaching and Fitness Professional Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer Physical Education, Exercise Science or Exercise and Wellness Concentration |
Employment as a high school coach after completing exams through state and national programs; employment as a personal trainer after completing certification exams by the American Council of Exercise or the National Strength and Conditioning Association; or transfer to a university. | Median: $36,317
High: $52,333 |
| Forensics and Crime Scene Technology | Certificate
Crime Scene Management |
Employment as a crime scene forensic science technician after certification by the International Association for Identification. | Median: $49,171
High: $82,867 |
| General Studies | Associate of General Studies Degree | Transfer to a university based on an associate degree you design to fit your career choice. | |
| Health Information Technology | Certificate
Medical Billing and Coding Medical Front Office Support Health Information Management Associate of Applied Science |
Entry-level employment as a medical coder, medical billing and insurance claims specialist, or physician or hospital coder. | Median: $24,627
High: $40,477 |
| Honors | Certificate of Completion | Transfer to an Honors Program at any of Arizona’s public universities. | |
| Hotel/Restaurant Management | Certificate
Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer |
Entry-level employment in the resort, hotel or restaurant industry or transfer to Northern Arizona University. | Lodging Manager:
Median: $29,432 High: $47,703 Food Service Manager: Median: $27,061 High: $42,557 |
| Human Resources | Certificate | Entry-level employment in human resources or personnel fields. | Median: $37,461
High: $66,726 |
| Interpreter Training Program | Associate of Applied Arts Degree | Employment as an interpreter for the deaf in community and educational settings or in related careers assisting the hearing impaired. | Median: $36,941
High: $49,858 |
| Law Enforcement | Certificate
Law Enforcement Academy Associate of Applied Science Degree* *Offered through the Public Safety & Emergency Services Institute |
A career as a law enforcement officer; promotion to a supervisor position in law enforcement; higher-level employment in law enforcement and public safety careers. | Median: $56,659
High: $73,278 |
| Liberal Arts | Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer in Liberal Arts | Transfer to a university to pursue a major in any of the following areas: Asian Studies, Biology (at ASU or NAU; UA requires the Associate of Science Degree), Creative Writing, Digital Arts, Education, English, Environmental Science, Fitness and Sport Sciences, Journalism, Languages, Mathematics, Pre-Agriculture, Pre-Law, Pre-Pharmacy, Psychology or Speech Communication. | |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Certificate
Basic or Advanced Logistics and Supply Chain Management Associate of Applied Science |
Entry-level to supervisory positions in logistics, inventory control, transportation or warehouse management. | Median: $22,859
High: $37,336 |
| Machine Tool Technology | Certificate
Concentrations: Machine Operator Manual Machinist Mechanical Inspector Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) Operator Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM) Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist |
Entry-level employment as a machine operator, conventional machinist, machinist apprentice or mechanical inspector.
Entry-level employment as a CNC machinist or CNC machine operator, CNC programmer and operator, EDM machine operator, or EDM and CNC programmer. |
Median: $40,851
High: $51,480 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
(same concentrations as above) |
Higher-level employment in machine tool occupations, such as machine operator, manual machinist, mechanical inspector, CNC machinist or CNC programmer. | Median: $27,664
High: $62,379 |
|
| Medical Assistant | Certificate
Administrative Medical Assistant and Clinical Medical Assistant |
Entry-level employment as a clinical laboratory technician or medical laboratory technician in a variety of settings, from physician office laboratories to hospitals, after taking required licensing exams. | Median: $29,536
High: $38,168 |
| Medical Laboratory Technician | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Taking required licensing exams for entry-level employment as a clinical laboratory technician or medical laboratory technician in a variety of settings, from physician office laboratories to hospitals. | Median: $27,186
High: $45,490 |
| Nursing | Certificate
Practical Nursing Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Employment as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) after taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN); or employment as a registered nurse (RN) after receiving licensure; or transfer to a university. Preparation for taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). | Median: $64,938
High: $83,699 |
| Office and Administrative Professions | Certificate
Assistant and Administrative Assistant options |
Employment as entry-level administrative support staff. | Median: $30,085
High: $44,512 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Executive Assistant |
Higher-level employment as administrative assistant, computer applications office assistant, legal secretary, medical billing or insurance office assistant. | ||
| Paralegal | Associate of Applied Science Degree
Post-Degree Certificate |
Employment or career enhancement as a paralegal or legal assistant, title examiner, trust officer, contract clerk, legal investigator or law firm administrator. | Median: $42,058
High: $65,645 |
| Pharmacy Technology | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Employment as a pharmacy technician assisting a pharmacist; or in the fields of medication dispensing, business administration or supervision. | Median: $29,536
High: $38,106 |
| Phlebotomy | Certificate | Entry-level employment in the area of phlebotomy; and taking exams for national certification. | Median: $24,086
High: $44,075 |
| Political Science | Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer | Transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a major in political science. | |
| Psychology | Concentration in the Liberal Arts Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer |
Transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a major in psychology. | |
| Radiologic Technology | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Employment as a certified radiologic technologist after completing the medical radiography examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. | Median: $49,254
High: $66,518 |
| Respiratory Therapy | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Employment as a respiratory therapist. | Median: $43,846
High: $51,979 |
| Science | Associate of Science Degree for Transfer | Transfer to a university to pursue a major in Astronomy, Biochemistry, Biology (at UA; ASU and NAU require Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts) Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Geography, Geology, Microbiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, Physics, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine or Pre-Veterinary Science. | |
| Social Services | Certificate
Basic, Substance Abuse, Domestic Violence Intervention, Community Health Advisor options Associate of Applied Science Degree Substance Abuse Specialty or Youth Services Specialty |
Entry-level employment in positions involving social work, community services and casework management, mental health, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, welfare delivery, community outreach and client advocacy; or transfer to a university. | Median: $33,093
High: $49,966 |
| Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer | Employment or promotion in positions that involve social welfare, service agencies and community groups, substance abuse, community issues, domestic violence intervention, crisis intervention and community services for children, health agencies and disease prevention education services or in-home services to individuals with developmental disabilities. | ||
| Sociology | Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer | Transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a major in sociology. | |
| Teacher Education
|
Associate of Arts Degree for Transfer Elementary Education | Employment as a paraprofessional instructional aide at the elementary school level; or transfer to a university. | Median: $22,630
High: $33,322 |
| Post Degree Certificate
Elementary, Special Education, Secondary Certification Options |
Teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education to teach in Arizona public schools. | Median: $39,811
High: $67,122 |
|
| Post Degree Certificate
Special Education Cross-Categorical K-12, ESL, Middle School or Structured English Immersion (SEI) Options |
Teaching career enhancement as a middle school teacher, teacher or specialist in K-12 ESL or SEI, or K-12 special education in Arizona public schools. | ||
| Technical Writing & Communication | Post Degree Certificate | Employment as a technical writer in business and industry or as a freelance technical writer. | Median: $55,453 High: $71,448 |
| Technology | Certificate
Electronic Assembly Technology |
Entry-level employment in electronic, automated, information and optical systems or computer assembly and servicing. | Median: $53,706
High: $79,019 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Electronics, Optics or IT Specialist options |
Entry-level employment in microchip production, fluidic devices, optics and highly automated industries or in general electronic fields; or assembling, testing and servicing microcomputer systems and networks. | ||
| Therapeutic Massage | Certificate
Associate of Applied Science Degree |
Employment as a massage therapist in wellness, medical or corporate facilities. | Median: $30,701
High: $43,014 |
| Translation & Interpretation Studies | Certificate
Translation Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree Translation & Interpretation Studies |
Career advancement by improved skills in Spanish-English and English-Spanish written or oral translation in the health care, legal, literary and business fields. | Median: $36,941
High: $49,858 |
| Truck Driver Training | Certificate
Class A Vehicle Driver |
Employment as a professional truck driver after passing commercial license tests. | Median: $34,549
High: $47,902 |
| Veterinary Science | Certificate
Veterinary Practice Assistant |
Work in the front office area of veterinary practices. | Median: $25,938
High: $38,917 |
| Associate of Applied Science Degree
Veterinary Technician |
Employment as a veterinary technician, providing professional assistance to veterinarians, biological research workers, scientists and public, private or nonprofit animal shelters. | ||
| Welding & Fabrication | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Entry-level employment as a welder. | Median: $36,130
High: $52,520 |
