Computer Science
Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA)
This pathway is applicable to students planning to prepare for Computer Science and related majors at universities and colleges in Washington. Computer Science programs are competitive, and this pathway intends to provide students with the needed information to optimize their coursework to meet the DTA and prepare for computer science and related majors at universities and colleges in Washington.
Computer Science (CS) is a dynamic field that allows you to combine creativity with skills in communication, mathematics, and logic. This degree will provide you with the skills to quickly adjust to the rapidly changing computer culture over the course of your career. During your studies, much of your learning will occur while actively working on problems in class, during tutorials, and in the laboratory. Seattle and the Puget Sound areas are a prominent national and international technology hub, with major computer corporations such as Microsoft and Amazon based in this area. After completion of this pathway, most CS students transfer at the junior level to one of the nearby University Washington campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. This enables students to then pursue careers in computing in local area technology companies.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA) | Full time : 6 | 90 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Attend New Student Orientation
- Explore careers and majors: workshops, counseling and Career Exploration 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
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
90 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
- 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
- Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
- Apply to the Ready Set Transfer (RST) Academy
- 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
- 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
- Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
- Research and contact Computer Science departments at potential universities
- Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
- Attend transfer day at prospective university
- Write your personal statement for university applications
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
- Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
- Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
- Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
- Apply for graduation for the Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP degree
- Check in with university for admissions status
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join Seattle Central Alumni Association
- Attend graduation fair and commencement ceremony
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2026-27.
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 Computer Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Software Programmer/Engineer/Developer Systems Manager
- Web/Game/Cloud/Mobile Developer
- Systems Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Information Researcher
- UX Designer
- Areas of specialization may include: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, or Machine Learning
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 the Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP degree, additional education opportunities include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering
Other options include: Informatics, Applied Computational Math, Computer Engineering or a related field with additional coursework. Talk with your advisor to customize your educational plan.
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. Computer Science graduates from Seattle Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
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 MathProgram Contact
For more information, contact
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
206.934.3858
STEMB.Central@seattlecolleges.edu
Advising Contact
Advising hours and services: seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/transfer-and-career-advising/meet-advisor
Schedule in-person, Zoom, or phone appointments: Starfish
Email: AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu
Phone: 206.934.4068
Location: Broadway Campus BE1102D