Education

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements with a concentration in Education. 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. ...

This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements with a concentration in Education. 

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. 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.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) 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!
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
PSYC&100
General Psychology
5 units
HUM105
Intercultural Comm
5 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an educational 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.
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
MATH&131
Math for Elementary Educat 1
5 units
AME201
Diversity and Social Justice
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan with your assigned advisor. 
  • Attend a resume building or career workshop. 
  • Connect with potential universities (virtually or in person) and determine application deadlines. 
  • Research and apply for scholarships.
MATH&132
Math for Elem Ed 2
5 units
PSYC&200
Lifespan Psychology
5 units
Foreign Language I
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational 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.
BIOL&100
Survey of Biology
5 units
SOC150
Race & Ethnic Relations In US
5 units
Foreign Language II
Choose a course
5 units
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.
CMST&220
Public Speaking
5 units
ENGL231
Children's Literature
5 units
SOC105
Society of Black Americans
5 units
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.
ENGL&256
World Literature III
5 units
HEA160
Human Wellness & Fitness
5 units
PHIL110
Introduction to Social Ethics
5 units

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

  • Educator
  • Principal
  • School District Administrator
  • Instructional Designer
  • Researcher
  • Standardized Test Developer
  • Education Consultant
  • Para Educator
  • Student Activities Coordinator
  • Childcare Operator
  • Family Support Specialist
  • Admissions Counselor

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

Future Education Opportunities

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.

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

Education and Human Services

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