The Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Cultural Studies prepares the student for professional work in cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, libraries, and cultural and environmental centers, as well as in diplomacy and foreign services, non-governmental and governmental institutions, tourism, education, journalism, and business. It provides valuable preparation for graduate work or professional study in Art History, Asian Studies, Cultural Studies, Religious Studies, Jurisprudence, and Arts Management. It adds significant values as a second major to other fields of study including Business, Languages, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Marketing, Communication, and Parks and Recreation Management.
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 |
Foreign Language | Required |
Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
Study Abroad | Recommended |
University Honors Program | Optional |
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Emphasis Required | An emphasis is required for this major. |
Purpose Statement
The BA in Comparative Cultural Studies is a 49-58 credit degree whose aim is to provide students with a comparative, integrative and global approach to the study of human culture in its diversity and interconnections. The different emphases in the degree introduce students to the complexities of diverse human cultures, both past and present; in the process, they develop the skills of analysis, interpretation and communication crucial to both their academic and professional development.
Student Learning Outcomes
All Comparative Cultural Studies
This major requires 42 to 58 units distributed as follows:
NOTE: If the IGP is taken, 16 units of foreign language will be completed (9+24+16 = 42)
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 in each course (9 units):
Emphasis Requirements (Select One)
Asian Studies Emphasis (33 units)
You may only complete the Interdisciplinary Global Programs (IGP) Emphasis if you are concurrently enrolled in an eligible degree offered through the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences (CEFNS), the College of Engineering, Informatics and Applied Sciences (CEIAS), or the W. A. Franke College of Business. For a listing of eligible degrees, please contact an advisor in CEFNS, CEIAS, or the W. A. Franke College of Business.
Asian and North African Studies Interdisciplinary Global Programs Emphasis (24 units)
In this emphasis, you will select a specialization that corresponds to your language of study: Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese (ARB, CHI or JPN). You must select this same language (ARB, CHI, or JPN) to satisfy the 16-unit foreign language requirement.
Select 24 units in one of the following specialization, based on your language of study (ARB, CHI, or JPN).
Chinese Studies Specialization:
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 through credit by exam. (16 units)
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: