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Associate of Arts

With an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree Direct Transfer Agreement (D.T.A.), you will meet the general education course requirements for most arts and sciences bachelor’s degrees.

If you want to focus on a specific area of study, we offer a range of programs including Communications, Psychology, English, Art and more. Learn more about programs offered through the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division and the Science, Engineering, Technology and Math Division.

If you are still undecided on a major, an A.A. degree allows you to explore a wide selection of topics that may help you narrow down your choices.

Associate of Arts-Direct Transfer (AA-DTA): Seattle Central has Direct Transfer Agreements (DTA) with most 4-year colleges and universities in Washington State, ensuring that the credits you earn will easily transfer toward your bachelor’s degree.

Learning Outcomes

Adapted from the Association of American Colleges & Universities VALUES Rubrics on April 9, 2014, Rhodes, Terrel, ed. 2010. Assessing Outcomes and Improving Achievement: Tips and Tools for Using Rubrics. Washington, DC: Association of American Colleges and Universities.

As a result of achieving an AA degree, students will be able to accomplish the following:

The Associate of Arts Learning Outcomes 

1. Think
Analyze, create, and reflect to address and appreciate challenges and opportunities.

2. Collaborate 
Work effectively with others to learn, complete tasks, and pursue common goals.

3. Communicate 
Exchange ideas and information through intentional listening, speaking, signing, reading, writing, or presenting.

4. Connect 
Apply knowledge and skills to solve problems.

5. Continue Learning 
Self-evaluate and act to improve knowledge and skills.

Special Requirements

Within the 90 credits required for the AA degree, students must complete special requirements in Integrated Studies, Communication, U.S. Culture and Global Studies. 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 Colleges will transfer to other colleges in the district.

  • At least two courses of Integrated Studies. (This requirement may be met through specially designated individual courses, linked courses, or coordinated studies programs.) *IS requirement is waived if transferring in 65+ credits from another institution.
  • At least one course in Communication.
  • At least one course in U.S. Cultures.
  • At least one course in Global Studies.

For details on the courses that meet these special requirements, enrolled students can run Degree Audit or download an AA degree planning sheet (above).

Basic Requirements (15 credits)

Requirements: English 101 and English 102 (10 credits), and a Quantitative or Symbolic Reasoning (Q/SR) course (5 credits).

Electives (30 credits)

An AA degree planning sheet (above) has up–to–date information about courses that can count toward the elective requirement.

Distribution Requirements, Areas of Knowledge (45 credits)

Humanities & Arts | Social Sciences | Science & Math

Course listings often change. Students should confer with their college advising office for the most current information, run Degree Audit, or consult an AA degree planning sheet (above).

Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (Humanities & Arts) (15 credits)

Courses in this area include languages, literature, art, music, drama, and communication. Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes, and no more than five credits each of a world language at the 100 level and a studio/performance class may be applied to the distribution requirements.

Individuals, Cultures, & Societies (Social Sciences) (15 credits)

Courses in this area include social sciences such as anthropology, psychology, and sociology, as well as areas of study like history, philosophy, and ethnic and gender studies. Choices must include a minimum of two different course prefixes.

Natural World: Natural & Physical Sciences, Mathematics (15 credits)

Courses in this area include science and social science courses. Choices must include a minimum of two different prefixes; five credits must be in a lab science.

Total credits required for Associate of Arts Degree: 90