Arizona

Arizona Colleges and Universities

Arizona has more than a dozen accredited colleges and universities that educate recent high school graduates as well as adult continuing education students. Campus and distance learning degrees, certificate and diploma programs are taught at Arizona’s accredited postsecondary schools. This makes it possible for students to complete undergraduate and graduate courses in person or to complete these course virtually by using a computer. 

Popular and narrowly defined undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as Business Administration, Botany, Medical Records Management, Healthcare Systems Management, Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, Visual Arts, Chemistry, Dentistry, Law and Human Resources are offered at the schools, amongst which include:

• Arizona State University
• University of Arizona
• Northern Arizona University
• Central Arizona College
• Eastern Arizona College
• Maricopa County Community College
• Cochise College
• Pima Community College
• Mohave Community College
• Northland Pioneer College
• Prescott College
• Yavapai College
• Tohono O’odham Community College
• Midwestern University
• Phoenix School of Law
• American Indian College
• Cook College and Theological School
• Fuller Theological Seminary
• Southwestern College

About Arizona History and Higher Education

Arizona is the 48^th state, joining the statehood on February 14, 1912.  The land that comprises Arizona was formerly a part of New Mexico.  As America’s sixth largest state, Arizona is known for copper, lakes, refrigeration, the Grand Canyon, tourism, the Hoover Dam, desserts and wildlife.  The state’s capital city is Phoenix.  Famous Arizonians include Senator John McClain, actress Lynda Carter, singer Linda Ronstadt, Senator Barry Goldwater and Indian Chief Geronimo.  Bordering states like California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico, and nicknamed the “Grand Canyon State,”

For-profit colleges and universities also educate students in Arizona, many of the postsecondary schools offering four-year degrees.  Akin to the state’s other public and private schools, some of Arizona’s for-profit colleges and universities also offer graduate degree programs that students can enroll in and take in a classroom or distance learning setting.  Colleges and universities that operate for a profit in Arizona include:

• University of Phoenix
• Art Institute of Phoenix
• Collins College
• DeVry University
• Grand Canyon University
• North Central University
• Scottsdale Culinary Institute
• University of Advancing Technology
• Western International University

College Associations and Major Employers in Arizona

After attended class and listening to their professors’ lecture on key topics, college students in Arizona can travel to local museums like the Ancient Indian Ruins, Hoover Dam, Dinosaur Country or they can visit restaurants, concert halls and outdoor attractions to extend their learning and enjoy exploring the state.  College students can also visit college and university sports stadiums or check out professional athletic teams as they compete locally, regionally and nationally.  The state’s collegiate and professional sports teams include:

• Arizona State University Sun Devils
• University of Arizona Wildcats
• Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks
• Arizona Cardinals (Pro football team)
• Arizona Diamondbacks (Pro baseball team)
• Phoenix Suns (Pro basketball team)
• Arizona Coyotes (Pro Hockey team)
• Arizona Rattlers (Indoor arena football)
• Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)

After graduating with an undergraduate or graduate degree, Arizona’s university students may land jobs with some of the state’s major employers.  Additionally, larger firms in the state might have offices in several Arizona cities.  They might also have offices that graduating students can work from in other parts of the country.  Amongst Arizona’s major employers are:

• American Express
• Edward Jones
• Intel
• Perkins Cole
• Motorola
• Charles Swab
• Colliers International
• Apollo Group
• Insight
• Knowledge Net
• Go Daddy
• Arizona Republic
• Bank of America
• Chase
• Bank One
• ASU
• JDA Software
• Maricopa
• Wells Fargo

University students who major in fields like business, finance, accounting, telecommunications, aerospace technology, human resources, web design, information technology, medicine and education may increase their chances of landing jobs with some of the state’s major employers.  An effective way to start working temporarily for these companies is to get hired by them via college and university internship, fellowship and work/study programs.