Choosing a Major

I have learned from my conversations with many international students at Seattle Central that students find it difficult to understand the details of the transfer degrees (Associate of Arts and Associate of Science). The way the college/university curriculum in the United States is organized differs markedly from the educational systems of many other countries.

In particular, the American emphasis on liberal arts studies for all college students contrasts with the model that prevails in much of the world where college studies are more specialized. Many students are surprised that they are required to take classes in the arts, humanities and social sciences even though they intend to major in one of the natural sciences, engineering or business.

So it bears repeating that nearly every university in the United States requires of its graduates that they have completed several quarters/semesters of general education in the liberal arts. It is this requirement that the Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science degrees are designed to fulfill.

However, while it is true that students will be taking liberal arts classes and not studies in the majors at Seattle Central, I think it is helpful for students to plan early on the choice of an "area of specialization" and incorporate this area in the Associate of Arts/Science. By area of specialization I mean that a student takes several classes in one subject area as part of their degree.

For example, if a student plans to major in business administration at university it would make sense for a student to take classes at Seattle Central that relate to business studies such as accounting, economics, law, and mathematics/statistics. If a student aims to major in psychology at university he/she should choose class at Seattle Central in psychology and related social sciences (e.g., anthropology and sociology). If communications is the major choose classes in speech, journalism, political science, psychology, etc. Some majors have specific requirements for admission to that major at university.

Other majors don't have specific pre-major requirements. But in all cases it is good idea to choose an area of specialization at Seattle Central. Even if a student is not planning to transfer to university he/she should complete an area of specialization. Educationally it makes sense to acquire a firm foundation of knowledge and skill in one subject area as well as an introductory knowledge in several other subjects. Another advantage of achieving an area of specialization is that the international student will be in a better position to apply for practical training when they complete their degree at Seattle Central. (see Practical Training info)

Brian Smith