Do you consider yourself an out-of-the-box thinker, a cultural critic, a citizen of the world? The different emphasis areas in CCS allow you to explore the world in an interdisciplinary way as you develop the skills of analysis, interpretation, and communication crucial to their professional and academic development. In the Art History emphasis, you will uncover the "what" behind a work of art, "how" that work imparts meaning visually, and the cultural context—the “why”—from which it derives. The Asian Studies emphasis will give you a global edge as you learn about how traditional cultures across the Asian continent and North Africa inform present-day decision-making. In the Humanities emphasis, you will investigate the nature of human imagination and where your values and those of others around the world come from through the study of art, religion, technology, film, literature and the environment. The Comparative Study of Religions emphasis will provide you with the framework for understanding the religious motives and differing beliefs, practices, and values of people that shape their decisions and actions, their history, social structure, and psychology.
This degree provides valuable preparation for graduate work or professional study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
Major GPA | 2.0 |
Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
Emphasis, Minor, or Certificate Required | Required |
Foreign Language | Required |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
Study Abroad | Recommended |
University Honors Program | Optional |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
All Comparative Cultural Studies Degrees
More Information
Take the following 49 - 58 units including 24-33 units of emphasis, and 16 units of language requirements.
At least 24 units must be taken at NAU including CCS 250, CCS 350W, CCS 490C and at least 12 units of upper-division courses in the emphasis.
In order to complete one of our emphases, you must be a declared CCS major. It is also possible to declare two or more emphases as a CCS major (for example Art History and Comparative Study of Religions, or Public Humanities, Art History and Comparative Study of Religions).
Complete the following with a grade of "C" or better (9 units):
Emphasis Requirements:
Select one emphasis with a C or better in each course.
A minor is not required for the CCS B.A. degree. However, we strongly encourage you to consult with an advisor about a minor and/or elective coursework that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. We recommend minors in Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, English, Ethnic Studies, French, History, Humanities, German, Latin American Studies, Museum Studies, Philosophy, Comparative Study of Religions, Theatre, Studio Art, or Women's and Gender Studies.
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Study Abroad
We strongly encourage you to participate in a Study Abroad program. Requirements include a 2.5 GPA and sophomore standing or higher. Programs with English-language instruction in CCS's emphases and minors are available in: