Scottsdale Community College

History

Scottsdale Community College opened in the fall of 1969 and moved to its present location in the fall of 1970 with an enrollment of 948 students. The College’s enrollment has mirrored the rapid population growth in the area, and it currently serves approximately 17,000 credit and 8,000 non-credit students annually.

While the College has traditionally focused on a service area within six miles, increasing numbers of students from outside that area call SCC “their” community college. With a student population that closely mirrors the diversity of SCC's service area, the College also attracts nearly 1,000 students from 100 different countries. On campus walkways, one sees people of all ages and numerous cultural backgrounds – all with an unlimited variety of interests and goals.

An important part of the College’s history is encapsulated in the name of its football team and their mascot. During a period of campus unrest in the early 70’s, many in the student body felt the administration was funneling far too much money to the school's sports teams and not enough to educational needs. The student body was asked to vote on a new name and school colors for the football team; the vast majority of participants opted to call the team The Fighting Artichokes, and chose team colors of pink and white. The administration chose to ignore the election and continue with the 'Drover' mascot and colors of red, white and blue. The students were furious. Since the election was facilitated by the League of Women Voters, the results were binding and could not be overturned except through another election. A second election followed and the student body overwhelmingly kept "Artie the Artichoke" as their representative. Some 30 years later, the colors were changed to green and gold. Artie the Artichoke was adopted as the school mascot; originally intended to be a source of embarrassment, Artie has been embraced by students, athletes, staff, and the community as a beloved character.

Campus

Unique among colleges, SCC is located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The college also hosts NAU-Scottsdale, which offers several undergraduate programs, as well as the SCC2NAU program. SCC2NAU is a joint admission program between Scottsdale Community College and Northern Arizona University.

Programs available:

Academics

Scottsdale Community College offers degrees in three associate degree categories, as well as Certificates of Completion.

SCC offers several degrees in these categories. Please see the college catalog for additional information.

This degree is recommended to students whose educational goals require flexibility. The AGS allows students to choose any elective courses numbered 100 or above to complete the degree.

An AAS degree is recommended for students who wish to gain a depth of technical expertise by completing an occupational program. See the specific AAS degrees and certificates offered at SCC by area of study. See the college catalog for more information.

The CCL is awarded upon completion of a specific occupational program (fewer credits required than degree programs). Certificate education provides the specific skills necessary for success in a chosen occupation.

Occupational Programs

If you have your sights set on a specific career, an occupational program may be just the right pathway to help you achieve your career goals. While the primary function is career preparation, some courses and programs may transfer to four year colleges.

Program Degrees and Certificates

The college has also garnered local and national press for offering the first accredited DJ and Turntablism classes at a publicly funded college in the Music Department. A DJ degree and Certificate of Completion is planned.

Notable alumni