Economics

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

The Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) is designed to satisfy lower division general education and business requirements at Washington's public four-year colleges and universities. Students will take courses in math, economics, and statistics to prepare them for entry into competitive economics programs. Students who complete the degree ...

The Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) is designed to satisfy lower division general education and business requirements at Washington's public four-year colleges and universities. Students will take courses in math, economics, and statistics to prepare them for entry into competitive economics programs. Students who complete the degree with a focus on Economics can eventually pursue careers as financial analysts, consultants, economists, researchers, teachers, and lawyers.  

Completion of this program is designed to prepare students for further education at a four-year college or university in Economics or Business. 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) Full time : 6 90-94

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

90-94 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
18 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
MATH&141
Precalculus I
5 units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
ECON&201 or ECON&202
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 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 an Economics faculty during their posted office hours to discuss possible careers and academic opportunities
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
MATH&142
Precalculus II
5 units
ECON&201 or ECON&202
Choose a course
5 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&151
Calculus I
5 units
CSC102
Computers In Mathematics
1 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 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 an Economics faculty during their posted office hours regarding possible careers and academic opportunities
MATH&152
Calculus II
5 units
Natural World Lab Science
Choose a Course
5 units
World Languages 1
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&163
Calculus 3
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
Choose a Course
5 units
World Languages 2
Choose a Course
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics
5 units
Natural World
Choose a Course
5 units
World Languages 3
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

An Economics pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Academic/Teacher
  • Business Analyst
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Loan Analyst, Economist
  • Research Analyst
  • Equity Trader
  • Commodities Trader
  • Credit Analyst
  • Financial Analyst
  • Econometrician
  • Data Analyst
  • Database Analyst

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 Economics, Business, International Studies, or a related field at a four-year college or university. You may also want to consider simultaneously studying Math, Physics, or Engineering. 

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. Economics 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 Economics 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

Business and Accounting