Education
Associate in Arts DTA
Two-year Degree
90 Units
This pre-major pathway prepares you to transfer at the junior level to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree in education, elementary education, early childhood education, or a related field. Educators ask questions such as: How do classroom dynamics impact learning? Are there new ways to engage students? Do learning styles affect test scores? If you enjoy working with children and want to nurture their growth and development, this pathway could be for you. This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements with a concentration in Education.
Education is one of those professions that is as much a calling as a career. Few jobs offer the opportunity to have such a significant, positive impact on others. After all, who doesn’t have a favorite teacher (or two or three) that influenced their lives? Fast-moving and always changing, the field of education is best suited for someone who welcomes challenges and looks for variety in their work. An educator’s job never stops; you can never truly know where your influence on others will begin or end and choosing this as a career means that you are dedicated to continually helping others grow intellectually and socially.
In this pathway, you’ll complete the requirements to transfer at the junior-level into an education program at a four-year college or university. You’ll also gain general content knowledge in subjects you may later choose to teach such as English, mathematics, history, economics, physical science, life science and the arts. Whether you want to become a K-12 teacher, own/operate a childcare center or family childcare home, work with school-age children, or serve as a family support specialist, this pathway will help provide the preparation you need to pursue a rewarding career in education.
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 Education 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 elementary education, early childhood, education studies, human development or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
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.
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.
South Seattle College offers several associate degrees designed for transfer students. Please review our transfer degrees page to find the degree requirements for your chosen pathway.
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 and is constrained by 6 quarters, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some classes listed may require a pre-requisite class. 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:
- Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships. Visit the Benefits Hub.
Quarter 1, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 |
| HUM 105 | Intercultural Communication | 5 |
Quarter 2, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 102 | Composition II | 5 |
| MATH& 131 | Math for Elementary Education 1 | 5 |
| AME151 or AME201 or other AME course | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 3, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH& 132 | Math for Elementary Education 2 | 5 |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
| CMST& 101 | Introduction to Communication | 5 |
Quarter 4, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL& 100 or BIOL 128 or BIOL& 160 | Choose a course | 5 |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| ART 111, ART 221, DRMA 125 or MUSC 126 | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 5, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| CHEM 117, ASTR&100, GEOL&101 or CHEM&121 | Choose a course | 5 |
| ENGL 231, ENGL 232, ENGL&111, ENGL&112, or other literature course | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 6, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ECON& 202 or POLS& 202 or GEOG& 100 | Choose a course | 5 |
| HIST&214, HIST&146, or other US History | Choose a course | 5 |
| AME 201 or WMN 200 or HEA 150 | Choose a course | 5 |
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: LASDTAA
- Degree: AA-DTA
- Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Arts DTA
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 24.0101
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
To update degree or certificate information please start with how to make edits to academic program data.