Program Overview

Program Overview

The Political Science program at North Seattle College offers an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) degree. This pathway meets requirements for the AA-DTA degree with a concentration in Political Science, allowing students to transfer at the junior level to a four-year college or university with core Political Science classes completed.

Program Details

Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in fields including public service, government, interest groups, sustainability, businesses, social media, and education. Students in this pathway develop skills in critical analysis, research, multicultural awareness, communication, information literacy, audience analysis, networking, and leadership. Students build foundational knowledge of political institutions, policy, American systems, globalization, and political theory.

Estimated Length of Completion

The estimated length of completion for the Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) degree is 6 quarters for full-time students and varies for part-time students.

Degree Requirements

• Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA): 90 units
• Full-time: 6 quarters
• Part-time: varies

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

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

Quarter 1

• To-Do List:
  • Schedule an advising appointment with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
  • Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and career services.
  • Check out campus life: Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, AANAPISI, TRIO, Community & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
• Courses:
  • ENGL&101: English Composition I
  • POLS&101: Introduction to Political Science
  • MATH&146: Introduction to Statistics
  • HDC 101: Orientation to College Success

Quarter 2

• To-Do List:
  • Create an education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
  • Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair.
• Courses:
  • Integrated Studies: ENGL&102: Composition II
  • Integrated Studies: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts
  • ANTH&205 or Natural World: Choose a course
  • Physical Education, Science Field Trip, or Elective class

Quarter 3

• To-Do List:
  • Update your education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
  • Connect with potential universities' admission offices at transfer fairs and info sessions and determine application procedures and deadlines.
  • Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
• Courses:
  • POLS&202: United States Government
  • CMST&101: Introduction to Communication
  • Physical Education, Science Field Trip, or Elective class

Quarter 4

• To-Do List:
  • Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
  • Contact Political Science departments at potential universities.
  • Attend transfer workshops and connect with universities if you haven't already.
• Courses:
  • World Language I or Visual, Literary and Performing Arts: Choose a course
  • SOC&101 or PSYC&100: Choose a course
  • ENVS&101: Intro to Environmental Science

Quarter 5

• To-Do List:
  • Apply to graduate for the Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) degree.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year.
  • Explore possible political science internships.
• Courses:
  • World Language II or Visual, Literary and Performing Arts: Choose a course
  • BIOL&100: Survey of Biology
  • AME151 or AA U.S. Culture: Choose a course

Quarter 6

• To-Do List:
  • Check in with university for transfer plan.
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
• Courses:
  • World Language III or Elective: Choose a course
  • POLS&203: International Relations
  • CMST&220 or Elective: Choose a course

Tuition and Funding

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Career Opportunities

A Political Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities, including:

• 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

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete the Associate degree, additional educational opportunities include:

• A Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Economics, Media & Communications, or a related field at a four-year college or university.

North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Political Science graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.

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.