Program Overview

Introduction to the Associate in Arts (AA-DTA) Degree

The Associate in Arts (AA-DTA) Degree is a 90-credit transfer degree designed to fulfill the first two years of general education requirements for most four-year degrees in the arts and humanities and social sciences. To earn the AA-DTA, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better in courses 100 and above, complete at least 15 credits at the Seattle College awarding the degree, and meet the requirements outlined below.

Program Pathways, Outcomes, and Degree Requirements

The AA-DTA degree offers a variety of program pathways to match students' interests and enhance their Associate in Arts degree. Each pathway is a suggested sequence of courses to help prepare students for the major listed at universities in Washington.

• Anthropology
• Art
• Art History
• Civic Engagement
• Communication Studies
• Equity and Social Justice
• Ethnic Studies
• Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies
• History
• Humanities and Cultural Studies
• English- Literature and Writing Studies
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• World Languages

Program Outcomes

The AA-DTA degree is designed to fulfill a set of desired learning outcomes for the general education of a college undergraduate in the United States in the 21st Century:

• Communication (Reading, Oral or Signed, Written, Other Forms of Expression)
• Critical Thinking, Inquiry and Analysis, and Problem Solving
• Global Learning and Intercultural Knowledge and Competence
• Quantitative Literacy
• Creative Thinking
• Information Literacy
• Technology Literacy
• Integrative Learning
• Collaboration
• Ethical Reasoning
• Civic Engagement
• Foundations and Skills for Life-long Learning

Overview of Course Requirements

Basic Requirements – 15 credits

• ENGL& 101 and 102, English Composition I and 2 – 10 credits
• Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (Q/SR), College-level MATH or PHIL& 120 – 5 credits

Area of Knowledge Distribution Requirements – 45 credits

• Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (VLPA) (Humanities and Arts) – 15 credits
  • Minimum 2 different subjects. No more than 5 credits of a world language at the 100 level and no more than 5 credits of a studio/performance class may be used in this category.
• Individuals, Cultures & Societies (ICS) (Social Sciences) – 15 credits
  • Minimum 2 different subjects
• Natural World (NW) (Natural and Physical Sciences) – 15 credits
  • Minimum 2 different subjects
  • 5 credits lab science required
  • Up to 5 credits total allowed from ANTH, CSC, ENGR, GEOG, MATH, PHIL& 120 and PSYC 222

Electives – 30 credits

Courses should be tailored to students' interests and intended major.

• 15 to 30 credits of academic or college-transfer courses numbered 100 or above, including
  • MATH, VLPA, ICS or NW courses that exceed minimum requirements
  • Academic electives offered at North: ACCT& 201, 202, 203, BUS &101, &201, 210 and ENGL& 235
  • Physical Education Activity Courses (PEC) - 3 credits maximum
  • Transfer courses in Seminar, Directed Readings, Special Projects/Topics (e.g. 198, 296, 298, 299)
• 0 to 15 credits ‘Restricted’ electives. Any college level courses numbered 100 or above not listed in the Basic or Distribution requirements.

Special Requirements

Within the 90 credits required for the AA-DTA degree, students must complete special requirements. Courses may fulfill more than one requirement and should overlap with Basic or Distribution requirements.

• Integrated Studies – 8-10 credits: A minimum of 8 credits of integrated studies (IS) in linked courses, or the coordinated studies programs. Specific IS offerings are taught each quarter.
  • Communications – 5 credits.
  • Global Studies – 5 Credits
  • US Cultures – 5 Credits

Degree Worksheet

The AA-DTA degree requirements can be found in the Seattle Colleges District Catalog.

• New Associate in Arts (AA-DTA) (effective Fall 2025)
• Associate in Arts (AA-DTA) (prior to Fall 2025)
• Areas of Knowledge Distribution Requirements Course List

Important Notes

Requirements for the Associate in Arts DTA (AA-DTA) will change in Fall 2025, adding a requirement of HDC 101: Orientation to College Success, a 2-credit course. Students enrolled in the degree program before Fall 2025 will not need to take HDC 101 if they complete the degree within 5 years. Students should contact their advisor or retention specialist with any questions about degree requirements.