Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)
This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Political Science. Students in this pathway develop skills in critical analysis, research, multicultural awareness, communication, information literacy, audience analysis, networking, and leadership. Students will build foundational ...
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This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Political Science. Students in this pathway develop skills in critical analysis, research, multicultural awareness, communication, information literacy, audience analysis, networking, and leadership. Students will build foundational knowledge of political institutions, policy, American systems, globalization, and political theory.
Completion of this program allows students to transfer at the junior level to a Political Science, Economics, Media & Communications, or a related program at a four-year college or university with core Political Science classes completed. Completion of this degree also opens doors to a variety of careers in fields including public service, government, interest groups, sustainability, businesses, social media, and education.
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This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Political Science. Students in this pathway develop skills in critical analysis, research, multicultural awareness, communication, information literacy, audience analysis, networking, and leadership. Students will build foundational knowledge of political institutions, policy, American systems, globalization, and political theory.
Completion of this program allows students to transfer at the junior level to a Political Science, Economics, Media & Communications, or a related program at a four-year college or university with core Political Science classes completed. Completion of this degree also opens doors to a variety of careers in fields including public service, government, interest groups, sustainability, businesses, social media, and education.
Estimated Length of Completion
Degree
Quarters
Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)
Full time : 6
90-93
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
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
90-93 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
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
ENGL&101 5 units
This pathway assumes placement into ENGL&101. Speak to an advisor if you place into a different English course.
ENGL& 101:
English Composition I
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
Course ID 0707825 Units
POLS&101
Intro to Political Science
5 units
POLS&101 5 units
POLS& 101:
Introduction to Political Science
Explores the origin and development of the study of political science. Examines the origins of government systems, political theory, comparative systems, political socialization, public administration, political parties and elections, technology, political economy, globalization, and international relations. Foundation course for political science studies.
Course ID 0711415 Units
MATH116
Applications of Math: Mgmt, SS
5 units
MATH116 5 units
MATH 116:
Applications of Math: Management, Life and Social Sciences
Explores functions and graphs as found in business and the social sciences. Students utilize linear, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions, solve systems of equations and inequalities, and learn applications of the growth of money.
Course ID 0715945 Units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
HDC101 3 units
HDC 101:
Orientation to College Success
Assists new students in their adjustment to community college. Includes goal-setting, self-motivation skills, identifying college resources, personal development and general study hints.
Course ID 0695893 Units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities
Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
Meet with a Political Science faculty during their posted office hours to discuss possible careers and academic opportunities
Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
Course ID 0707835 Units
POLS&202
American Government
5 units
POLS&202 5 units
POLS& 202:
American Government
Survey of the origin and functions of the U.S. government. Examines the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the creation of the federal system as well as the three branches of American Government. Analyzes the functions of institutions through the lens of political history and through analysis of current events. Topics include political culture, elections and campaigns, interest groups, the media, and public policies.
Course ID 0711435 Units
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics
5 units
MATH&146 5 units
MATH& 146:
Introduction to Statistics
(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
Course ID 0716195 Units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
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
Check with transfer institutions’ planning resources for core political science courses required for major
Attend Undergraduate Research Festival at University of Washington (occurs annually in Spring)
Individuals/Cultures/Societies or ECON&201 or ECON&202
Choose a course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies or ECON&201 or ECON&202 5 units
Click on the hyperlink to see all Individuals/Cultures Societies course options.
Covers the concepts of production, consumption and distribution with emphasis on price determination, production costs and market structures. Application of economic reasoning to public issues and business.
Course ID 0657295 Units
ECON& 202:
Macro Economics
Recommended
Intro to the macroeconomic measures in the economy: GDP, unemployment and inflation. Examines monetary and fiscal policies and their effects on the interest rate and inflation. Covers economic growth and business cycles.
Course ID 0657305 Units
POLS&203
International Relations
5 units
POLS&203 5 units
POLS& 203:
International Relations
Introduction to international relations and governmental organizations. Examines major issues in the international arena including nationalism, national sovereignty, globalization, international law, economics, security, environmentalism and foreign policy. Emphasis on issues that foster or frustrate world peace and prosperity. Transfer class.
Course ID 0711445 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or CMST&220
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or CMST&220 5 units
Click on the hyperlink to view Visual, Literary and Performing Arts course options.
Covers the process of getting started with confidence; topic selection and research; and preparation and delivery of informative, persuasive, special occasion and other forms of presentations. Prereq: Placement into ENGL& 101.
Course ID 0706295 Units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
Research and contact Political 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
Check in with Political Science faculty during their posted office hours regarding possible careers and academic opportunities
Natural World Lab Science or BIOL&100
Choose a course
5 units
Natural World Lab Science or BIOL&100 5 units
Click on the hyperlink to view Natural World Lab Science course options.
Intro to biological principles and concepts: cell biology, application of biological knowledge to problems of society, and development of an awareness of science. Lab included. For non-science majors.
Course ID 0713105 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1 5 units
Choose a World Language level 1 or other Visual, Literary, and Per Art class from the hyperlink below.
Surveys the making of the multicultural United States from indigenous homelands to settler colonialism. Examines the experiences of indigenous peoples, African Americans, Latinx Americans and Asian Americans in exposing the systemic race, class and gender oppression that generates wealth and power in the U.S., and how the struggles of people of color for political power, community well-being and
cultural integrity embody the U.S.'s possibility for freedom and democracy.
Course ID 0705265 Units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15
UNITS
To-Do List
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
Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed)
Natural World or ENVS&101
Choose a course
5 units
Natural World or ENVS&101 5 units
Click on the hyperlink to view Natural World course options.
Covers natural principles governing operation of the environment including interaction between humans and the environment, emphasizing attitudes and actions to maintain a healthy ecosystem. This course has a lab component focusing on major topics in environmental science. Not open for credit to students who have taken ENVS 150 or ENVS&100.
Course ID 0714325 Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies 5 units
Click on the hyperlink. Choose any course from the list.
Focuses on socio-political developments leading to current status of minorities in America. Surveys U.S. legislative history and citizenship. Covers critical review of proposed solutions to minority tensions.
Course ID 0711295 Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 3
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 3 5 units
Choose a World Language level 3 or other Visual, Literary, and Per Art class from the hyperlink below.
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.
A Political Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
Policy Analyst/Legislative Assistant
Lobbyist
Political Campaign Staff
Marketing Research Analyst
Public Relations Specialist
Attorney
Teacher
Intelligence Analyst
Social Media Manager
College Student Leadership and Activities Director
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 degree, additional educational opportunities include:
A Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Media & Communications, or a related field at a four-year college or university.
Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Political Science graduates from 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. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Political Science programs in Washington state or around the country.
