Computer Science DTA/MRP

Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA)

This pathway meets all Computer Science Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) requirements.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 ...

This pathway meets all Computer Science Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) requirements.

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.    

Please note: South also offers a Computer Science pathway within the AS Track 2 degree. Please work with an advisor to determine the best degree for you and to create an Education Plan just for you.   

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA) Full time : 6 90

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at South Seattle 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 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, 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
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. 
  • Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and WorkSource career services
  • Visit the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects. 
  • Visit the Tutoring Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online. 
  • Get involved on campus! Check out some of the resources, clubs and activities available to you through Student Life and TRiO, RST, and more! 
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an Education Plan with your advisor. 
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities. 
  • Attend transfer workshops and/or a transfer fair. Find more information on our Transfer Resources page. 
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options. 
  • Visit South’s transfer webpage for transfer information. 
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your Education Plan with your advisor. 
  • Attend transfer workshops, including a personal statement workshop. 
  • Write your personal statement
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff at South to learn more about your pathway and future opportunities. 
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships. 
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options. 
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships. 
  • Explore internships in your major/career. 
  • Apply for graduation for your degree. 
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in with your university for transfer planning. 
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association. 
  • Attend commencement ceremony. 

More Information

Tuition and Funding

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 South's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

  • Computer Programmer 
  • Database Administrator 
  • Software Developer 
  • Systems Manager 
  • Web Developer 
  • Software Engineer 
  • IT Architect 
  • Network Administrator 
  • Systems Analyst 
  • Security Analyst 
  • Information Researcher 
  • Mobile Application Developer 
  • UX Designer 
  • Game Designer 
  • Cloud Engineer 

A bachelor’s degree or higher degree is often required for the careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term: 

Local Occupational Information from the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County 

National Occupational Information from the O*Net Resource Center (to simply enter a search term, visit O*Net’s keyword search tool). 

Future Education Opportunities

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 BS computer Science at North Seattle: https://northseattle.edu/bs-computer-science  

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. 

 

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.

Area of Study

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Program Contact

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

Email: southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-7943  

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

Email: advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-5387  

Advising Contact

If you are already registered for classes or a returning student, please see your primary advisor to create an educational plan. If you need assistance getting connected to the appropriate advisor, visit the Advising Center website.  

Emailadvisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
Phone: 206-934-5387