College Catalog

Programs | College Transfer

 

The College Transfer program offers courses in a wide range of academic fields common to undergraduate study in colleges and universities. These courses meet requirements for associates’ degrees and will transfer to four-year institutions within guidelines established by those schools. The courses and programs offered are designed to enable the student to make a successful transition to a baccalaureate institution.

Students who plan to transfer to a specific college or university should work with a transfer advisor, and also request information from the four-year institution(s) they want to attend. These procedures are even more important for students who wish to transfer but don’t intend to earn the A.A. degree. Most four-year schools have special requirements for transfer of courses without the A.A. degree.

Degrees Offered

Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree (Direct Transfer Agreement or DTA) is a 90-credit transfer degree that fulfills the general education requirements for most four-year degrees in arts and sciences. To earn the A.A. degree, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in courses numbered 100 and above, complete at least 15 credits at the Seattle Community College awarding the degree, and meet the requirements outlined below.

(NOTE: New students must complete the degree requirements as outlined here. Returning students may choose to fulfill requirements in effect from Fall Quarter 1996 through Spring Quarter 2004. Students who choose this option will have through Spring Quarter 2009 to complete their degree.)

Students should contact college advising offices for listings of courses that satisfy degree requirements. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should be aware that they must complete all admission requirements for their destination institution. In addition, students are encouraged to give early consideration to possible majors and obtain information about requirements for these majors at their destination college or university. MORE >

(Note: The A.A. Degree Requirements are listed in detail below on this page.)

Associate in Business (A.B.) Degree

The Associate of Arts in Business Degree is designed to satisfy lower division general education and business requirements at Washington’s public four-year colleges and universities.

Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree

The Associate of Science (A.S.) is also intended to be a transfer degree. However, there are certain major areas of study in which the student may not be able to take all the courses necessary to transfer with junior standing. Please contact an advisor for more information on this degree program. For specific courses leading to a pre-major in a number of science fields, refer to the College Transfer section for each college.

Degree requirements include satisfactory completion of at least 90 approved credits with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. At least 15 credits in college-level courses (100 or above) must be earned at the Seattle Community College granting the degree. MORE >

Associate of Science Transfer (A.S.-T.) Degree

The Associate of Science Transfer degree is intended for students who wish to transfer as juniors to four-year institutions in the state of Washington.

Degree requirements include satisfactory completion of at least 90 approved credits with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. At least 15 credits in college-level courses (100 or above) must be earned at the Seattle Community College granting the degree.
Two differing focus of study options are offered:

1. biological sciences,environmental/resources sciences, chemistry, geology and earth sciences,
2. engineering, computer science, physics and atmospheric science.

Students should contact an advisor for specific program requirements. MORE >

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Transfer Process & Policy

Transfer Assistance

Transfer services and information are available at all three Seattle Community Colleges through the campus Advising/Transfer Centers. During their first few quarters of study at Seattle Community Colleges, students are encouraged to explore the various options for majors at the four-year institutions and to become knowledgeable about admissions and graduation requirements for any majors they are considering.

Representatives from local four-year institutions meet with Seattle Community Colleges students on an individual basis at all three campuses to provide information regarding admissions deadlines and transfer requirements. Group information sessions are also scheduled on each campus, providing students an opportunity to meet with faculty and college admissions representatives from different majors.

Ultimately, it is the student’s responsibility to become knowledgeable about the admissions and graduation requirements of the four-year institution that he or she plans to attend. MORE >

Transfer of Credits

Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university are advised to give careful consideration to the following information:

1. Students transferring to a four-year institution may apply a maximum of 90 (quarter) transferable community college credits to a baccalaureate degree.
2. It is possible to transfer with fewer than 90 credits, but special requirements may be imposed.
3. Students who plan to graduate with the A.A. or A.S. degree should make sure they have also met the admission requirements for transfer students. Possession of the A.A. degree alone may not necessarily fulfill admission requirements at some four-year institutions.
4. Transferable courses are numbered 100 and above, but not all courses so numbered are transferable. Receiving institutions determine which credits transfer into the college. Students planning to transfer should plan as early as possible, contacting those institutions to which they plan to transfer.
5. Unless a transfer agreement with the Seattle Community Colleges is in effect, the four-year school may impose additional general education requirements.
6. Graduation requirements for the bachelor's degree are established by the four-year institution. Students at the community college should choose courses according to graduation requirements of their chosen college or university. Students planning to transfer should plan as early as possible in their college programs using the following guide:
   
   
   • Consult a current catalog of the chosen school to determine entrance requirements and suggested freshman and sophomore programs in the major field of interest.
   • Confer with a college advisor about fulfilling these requirements.
   • Confer with an admissions officer at the four-year institution regarding further curriculum and transfer regulations.
   • Check carefully a quarter or two before transfer to be sure all requirements will be met to the satisfaction of the four-year institution.

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Transfer Policy

Reciprocity Agreement

Washington community and technical colleges offer reciprocity to students transferring within the state’s community and technical college system who are pursuing A.A., A.B., or A.S. or A.S.–T. degrees. Students who complete an individual course that meets distribution degree requirements or fulfills entire areas of their degree requirements at one college will be considered to have met those same requirements if they plan to complete the same degree when they transfer to another community or technical college in Washington. These degree requirements include Communication Skills, Quantitative Skills, or one or more Distribution Area requirements. Students must initiate the review process and must be prepared to provide necessary documentation. For complete information, students should contact the Registrar’s Office at each college. MORE >

Transfer Rights & Responsibilities

Students have the right to fair and equitable treatment from the public colleges and universities of the state of Washington. They have the right to expect that colleges will make reasonable efforts to make accurate and current information available. It is the students’ responsibility, in turn, to obtain all necessary information concerning their educational objectives and changes in academic plans. Students who change their majors or degree programs are fully responsible for meeting new requirements. The colleges will make every effort to help make transitions as smooth as possible. MORE >

Review & Appeal

Students encountering transfer difficulties should first seek resolution through the receiving institution’s transfer officer. If the problem is not resolved at this level, students may appeal in writing to the transfer officer of the sending institution. The transfer officers will attempt to resolve the problem. If the issue is not resolved within two weeks, the matter is referred to the two chief academic/instructional officers for resolution. Within two weeks a decision will be made by the receiving institution. Unresolved disputes are referred to a special committee for review and recommendations. The chief academic officers of both institutions must respond to committee recommendations within four weeks, in a formal report indicating actions to be taken to resolve the problem. MORE >

Transfer Agreements

The baccalaureate (four-year) colleges and universities listed below subscribe to the Intercollege Relations Commissions Guidelines for direct transfer degree (DTA). The Seattle Community Colleges offer both Associate of Arts and Associate of Science DTA degrees that meet these ICRC Guidelines. See your advisor for details of transfer.

Bastyr University Central Washington University City University Cornish College of the Arts Eastern Washington University The Evergreen State College Gonzaga University Henry Cogswell College Heritage University

Northwest College Pacific Lutheran University St. Martin’s College Seattle Pacific University Seattle University University of Washington - Seattle Washington State University Western Washington University Whitworth College

While the following colleges and universities generally accept the guidelines for transfer of courses, they do not accept the full DTA as a block transfer of courses. See your advisor for transfer information for these schools.

• Art Institute of Seattle
• University of Puget Sound
• University of Washington - Bothell
• University of Washington - Tacoma

The following colleges and universities also accept transfer credits from the Seattle Community Colleges, but are accredited by regional associations other than the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. (See accreditation, page 2.) See your advisor for transfer information on these schools.

• Antioch University
• Capella University
• DeVry University
• University of Phoenix

Colleges may also have individual agreements with other colleges and universities. See the College Transfer sections for each college. MORE >

Other Transfer Opportunities

University of Washington Start-to-Finish Evening Degree

The Start-To-Finish Evening Degree program offered by the Seattle Community Colleges and the University of Washington allows students to complete a two-year community college Associate of Arts transfer degree through evening classes or distance learning. Qualified students may continue at the University of Washington to complete their Bachelor of Arts degrees. Day students may take evening classes, and day and evening courses may be combined for the evening degree. Advisors assist students to create their two-year academic plans. For information, prospective students should contact the Advising Office at one of the colleges, contact the UW at (206) 543-2320, or visit the UW evening degree website: www.evedegree.washington.edu/edp/admission/CR_main.asp.        MORE >

University of Washington – Bothell Dual Enrollment

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree in Business Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Computing and Software Systems can apply for early admission and dual enrollment at the UW - Bothell.

North and the University of Washington Bothell offer dual enrollment for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, or interdisciplinary studies. Contact the Advising Center. Students can enter the program after completing 45 credits toward their associate’s degree, and then continue to complete their AA while taking upper-level courses at UWB. MORE >

Western Washington University on our Campuses

Western Washington University offers programs from classrooms at the Seattle Community Colleges.

Western Washington University’s Extended Education and Summer Program offers the following evening programs at North Seattle Community College: Elementary Teacher Education, B.A.E. and Elementary Teacher Certification (K-8); Secondary Teacher Education, M.I.T. and Secondary Teacher Certification (4‑12). Contact the program office at (206) 527.31719 for more information. MORE >

Bachelor’s Degree Program Partnerships with South Seattle Community College

• Eastern Washington University: BS in Technology, Applied Technology Option
• Heritage University: BA in Education, K-8 and ESL
• University of Phoenix: BS in Business Accounting, Business Administration or Business Management

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College Transfer A.A. Degree Requirements

 

A.A. DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Basic Requirements	15 credits
Electives	30 credits
Areas of Knowledge Distribution Requirements	45 credits
A.A. Degree Total	90 credits*
*Special Requirements included within the 90-credit total
Within the 90 credits required for the A.A. degree, students must complete special requirements in integrated Studies, Communication, U.S. Cultrues and Global Studies, as listed below. Students should consult their college advising office for a current listing of these courses. Specially designated courses that satisfy these requirements differ by college. Special designation credit for courses taken at one of the Seattle Community Colleges that transfer to other colleges in the district. At least 8 credits of integrated Studies. (This requirement may be met through specially designated individual courses, linked courses, or coordinated studies programs.) At least one course in Communication. At least one course in U.S. Cultures. At least one course in Global Studies View listing of all courses
BASIC REQUIREMENTS	15 CREDITS
English 101 and 102 Intermediate Algebra Proficiency	10 credits
All students must demonstrate proficiency in intermediate algebra. Proficiency may be demonstrated in one of the following ways: In high school, complete three years of study at the level of algebra, geometry and second-year algebra. Second-year algebra must be completed with a minimum 2.0 grade. The first algebra course may be completed in middle school if the second-year algebra course is completed in high school. (Note: Arithmetic, pre-algebra, business math, and statistics will not count toward the requirement.) OR complete MAT 098 with a minimum 2.0 grade. OR place into and complete MAT 107 with a minimum 2.0 grade. (Placement is through an approved placement test.) OR place into and complete a mathematics course from either of the following lists with any passing grade. (Placement is through an approved placement test.) List 1: These courses are recognized by Seattle Community Colleges, the University of Washington, and most Washington baccalaureate institutions as demonstrating intermediate algebra proficiency. Students should check the requirements of their destination institution: MAT 102, 116, 117, 120, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 220, 224, 238. List 2: Although recognized by Seattle Community Colleges and some Washington baccalaureate institutions as demonstrating intermediate algebra proficiency, the following courses are not recognized for that purpose by the University of Washington. Students should check requirements of their destination institution: MAT 103, 109 (formerly 240), 170.
Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning	5 credits
Students completing the QSR requirement will be able to use quantitative or symbolic reasoning to understand, analyze, interpret and solve problems. Successful completion of any of the following classes satisfies the QSR requirement for Seattle Community Colleges. These courses may also satisfy the QSR requirement at baccalaureate institutions. Students should check the requirements of their destination institution. MAT 102, 103, 107*, 109 (formerly 240), 116, 117, 120**, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 170, 220, 224, 238 (* If using MAT 107 to meet both the IA proficiency requirement and the QSR requirement, students must earn a minimum 2.0 grade in the course.) (** MAT 120 Does not meet the QSR requirement at University of Washington) AST 101 BUS 210 CHE 139, 140, 150, 160, 191, 192 CSC 110, 142, 143 ECO 200, 201 EGR 142 PHI 120 PHY 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203 PSY 217
ELECTIVES	30 CREDITS
Electives include: All college transfer courses numbered 100 or above Accounting, business administration and transfer engineering classes Physical education activity courses (3-credit maximum) A maximum of 15 credits from a combination of the following: Professional-technical (workforce education) courses numbered 100 and above Human Development courses (HDC) numbered 100 and above (6-credit maximum) Library research courses (6-credit maximum) Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) courses numbered 100 and above (5-credit maximum)
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS	45 CREDITS
VISUAL, LITERARY, AND PERFORMING ARTS ( Humanities and Arts )	15 credits
Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes, and no more than 5 credits each of a world language at the 100 level and a studio / performance class may be applied to the distribution requirements.
INDIVIDUALS, CULTURES, and SOCIETIES ( Social Sciences )	15 credits
Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes.
THE NATURAL WORLD ( Natural and Physical Sciences, Mathematics )	15 credits
Choices must include a minimum of two different prefixes. 5 credits must be in a lab science. Students may choose up to 5 credits from the list of courses: VIEW CURRENT LIST OF APPROVED COURSES
TOTAL CREDITS FOR A.A. DEGREE	90 CREDITS

A.A. Degree Learning Outcomes

The Seattle Community Colleges A.A. degree is designed to fulfill a set of desired learning outcomes for the general education of a college undergraduate in the United States in the 21st century. Students completing the Associate of Arts degree should:

1. Have college-level knowledge and skills in critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and written composition.
2. Have college-level mastery of information literacy and technology literacy.
3. Have effective skills for in-person and media-based interactions with individuals and within groups.
4. Understand methods and modes of inquiry specific to traditional and contemporary areas of knowledge in the humanities and arts, natural and physical sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences.
5. Understand the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge.
6. Understand the United States as a multicultural society.
7. Understand the global society and processes of globalization from mostly, but not exclusively, non-Western and indigenous perspectives.

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