Computer Science

Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP

Two-year Degree

93 Units

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.

Get Started

College Application Steps

Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).

College Tuition

Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.

Save money at South. Taking your first two years of coursework and prerequisites at a community college will save you thousands of dollars.

Financial Aid

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Program Information

The Computer Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities.

Examples include:

Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.

A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include: 

  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, informatics, or a related field at a four-year college or university. 
  • A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges including the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at North Seattle College.

South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. See our Transfer Resources page for more information about transfer-planning.

Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an education plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.

93 Units

Basic Requirements

Complete 3 courses. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5
ENGL& 102 Composition II 5
MATH& 151 Calculus I 5

Areas of Knowledge

Complete 15 units from each distribution area:

  • Individuals, Cultures, & Societies (ICS)
  • Natural World (NW)
    • Complete three engineering-specific Natural World lab courses. Students may complete MATH&152 in place of a third lab course.
  • Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA)
Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
Individuals, Cultures, & Societies 15
Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts 10
Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts or VLPA Studio Class 5
Natural World Choose a course 6
Natural World Choose a course 6
Natural World Choose a course 6

Computer Science Requirements

Complete 10 units. 1.0 minimum grade.

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
CSC 142 Computer Programming I 5
CSC 143 Computer Programming II 5

Computer Science Electives

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
University Specific Course Choose a course 5
Transferrable Elective Choose a course 5
Transferrable Elective Choose a course 5
Transferrable Elective Choose a course 5

Units

The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.

Before you begin:

Quarter 1, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5
MATH& 151 Calculus I 5
Individuals, Cultures, & Societies 5

Quarter 2, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
MATH& 152 Calculus II 5
CSC 110 Introduction to Computer Programming 5
Individuals, Cultures, & Societies 5

Quarter 3, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
MATH& 163 Calculus 3 5
ENGL& 102 Composition II 5
Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts 5

Quarter 4, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
PHYS& 221 Engineering Physics I 5
CSC 142 Computer Programming I 5
Foreign Language or VLPA Choose a course 5

Quarter 5, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
PHYS& 222 Engineering Physics II 5
CSC 143 Computer Programming II 5
ENGL& 235 or VLPA Choose a course 5

Quarter 6, 15 Units

Click course row to read description.
Course Course Title Units
PHYS&223 or MATH Choose a course 5
Individuals, Cultures, & Societies 5
Elective Choose a course 5

Program data from ctcLink:

  • Academic Plan: CSACSAA
  • Degree: CS-DTA_MRP
  • Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP
  • Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
  • Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 11.0701

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.

Welcome Center
RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.

Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387

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