Biology

Associate in Arts DTA

Two-year Degree

90 Units

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate in Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Biology. Students in this pathway develop skills in applying and communicating fundamental concepts/principles of biology to one's daily life, demonstrating the process of scientific inquiry, and solving problems analytically.

Completion of this program opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including research, healthcare, education, non-profit, technology and government. It also allows you to transfer at the junior level into a biology program such as Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field at a four-year college or university, or to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) at one of the Seattle Colleges.

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Application Process

College Application Steps

Visit Enroll Now to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

Tuition and Fees

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at Central. Taking your first two years of coursework and prerequisites at a community college will save you thousands of dollars.

Paying for College

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Program Information

Career Opportunities

The Biology pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:

A Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Healthcare, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Plant Sciences, Genetics, Conservation Biology, Public Health, Global Health, or a related field at a four-year college or university. You may also consider Undergraduate laboratory and/or field research opportunities.

Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Biology graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a Central advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine to find Biology programs in Washington state or around the country.

Program Requirements

This Biology pathway meets requirements for the Associate in Arts DTA degree. A complete list of degree requirements is available on the AA Degree page under Program Requirements.

Full-time Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-do List

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start and is constrained by 7 quarters, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some classes listed may require a pre-requisite class. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

Attend New Student Orientation.
Explore careers and majors: workshops, counseling, and the First Year and Career Services Center.
Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
Transfer previous college credits to Central if applicable.
Take the Math and English placement if needed.