Biology - Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of 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 ...

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of 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. 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) Full time : 7 100-103

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at Seattle Central College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

100-103 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start and college placement, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • Explore careers and majors: workshops, counseling and Career Exploration Center
  • Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
CHEM&139
General Chemistry Prep
5 units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
STEM118
Sci, Equity, Social Justice
2 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an educational plan with your assigned advisor
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
  • Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships
  • Meet with a Biology faculty during their posted office hours to discuss possible careers and academic opportunities
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
CHEM&161
General Chemistry W/ Lab I
6 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check with transfer institutions’ planning resources for core psychology courses required for major
  • Attend Undergraduate Research Festival at University of Washington (occurs annually in Spring)
  • Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
CHEM&162
General Chemistry W/ Lab II
6 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
16 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
  • Research and contact Psychology departments at potential universities
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
  • Attend transfer day at prospective university
  • Write your personal statement for university applications
  • Check in with a Biology faculty during their posted office hours regarding possible careers and academic opportunities
MATH&151
Calculus I
5 units
CHEM&163
General Chemistry W/ Lab III
6 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
  • Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
  • Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
BIOL&211
Majors Cellular Biology W/ Lab
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
BIOL&212
Majors Animal W/ Lab
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 7
10 UNITS
BIOL&213
Majors Plant W/ Lab
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit Central's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Biology pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Healthcare: Physician, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse, Pharmacist, Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Physical Therapist, Respiratory Therapist, Ultrasound Technician, Radiology Technician, Sports Medicine
  • Scientist: Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Bioengineering, Genetics, Microbiology, Virology, Epidemiology, Botany
  • Conservation biologist
  • Field scientist
  • Marine biologist
  • Botanist
  • Bioinformatician
  • Biostatistician
  • Public Health scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Veterinarian
  • Genetic counselor 
  • Teacher
  • Science writer

A Bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/.  To discuss additional careers options, speak with faculty once you begin classes or contact the Career Exploration Center. CareerServicesCenter@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.4383 

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 found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Biology programs in Washington state or around the country. 

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

For more information, contact
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
206.934.3858
STEMB.Central@seattlecolleges.edu