Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

South Seattle College is accredited to offer associate and bachelor degrees by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

The Sustainable Building Science Technology (SBST) Bachelor in Applied Science program begins each Fall quarter (exceptions to Fall quarter start date are made on a case-by-case basis and require the approval of the Faculty Coordinator). The program is designed to be completed within 6 quarters. SBST is a cohort so that all SBST students will be in the same peer group for the duration of the program.

All core SBST classes will be delivered in a hybrid, online and face-to-face, format to minimize interference with work schedules. Students must be able to meet in-person one weekend per month to participate in the program.

Some of the general education requirements for this degree are not offered every quarter therefore, it is imperative that each student works with BAS Programs Manager to ensure a quality plan for finishing the program. Students admitted to the SBST program are expected to take at least ten credits of SBST core classes each quarter and to complete the general education requirements as they progress.

Journey workers and those who have an associate's degree or another post-secondary degree, with a minimum of two years professional work experience are encouraged to apply to this program. Current workers in the industry with some college should also contact the BAS Programs Office to find out how they could become eligible to apply.

Students not officially accepted into the program may take up to 15 SBST credits with prior faculty approval. Once admitted to the program, those classes will be applied towards the individual's degree.

Students completing the Sustainable Building Science Technology BAS degree will be able to:

1. Understand all operation and systems unique to sustainable buildings (old and new).
2. Analyze, define and validate solutions.
3. Deliver industry specific solutions from analysis.
4. Utilize effective communication forum and techniques to facilitate all aspects of sustainable building management.
5. Develop and lead a team of various personalities and skills.
6. Work in a team and know how to collaborate, build functional work groups and take responsibility for outcomes.
7. Anticipate, identify, troubleshoot, analyze, and solve problems and lead a project.
8. Understand accounting, budgeting, real cost/return on investment, cost effectiveness and life cycle cost.
9. Measure, diagnose and understand building system interactions and summarize results in order to compare to standards or specifications.
10. Understand and analyze building profiles and identify opportunities for improving performance.
11. Calculate, develop and understand codes and standards for construction of sustainable energy efficient buildings.
12. Understand components and drive the process of quality construction including safe work environments, documentation, contractors/sub-contractors, building options and inspection.
13. Demonstrate working knowledge of building science, building physics, operating principles and their relationships to each other across disciplines.
14. Prepare project budget, cost estimate, cost benefit analysis.
15. Demonstrate proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPointappropriate software programs for written communication, numerical calculation, and presentations; and other widely accepted software with specific intention of acquiring the ability to collect and analyze commonly available instruments, such as power analyzers, thermal imager, and HVAC equipment.
16. Create and maintain a professional environment based on values and ethics.
17. Use computer programs used in building industries and quality assurance to make fact based decisions.

SBST classes are scheduled quarterly according to the SBST Sequence. General education requirements may vary according to your individualized plan. Your program advisor will help you design a program of study that will help you get the most benefit from each course.

South knows that its students are busy and often need to work while attending school. The SBST BAS class schedule is conducive to the working student's lifestyle as classes are primarily offered online with some required face-to-face weekend sessions. Specific class times and dates are provided quarterly. Please check with the BAS Programs Office Manager for the latest information.

Admission to the SBST degree program is competitive. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission as the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of available enrollment spaces. Preference is given to earlier applications. You can apply online here.

Please note, the admissions process is different for international students, so contact the Center for International Education at (206) 934-5360 before applying to the BAS program.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $35.00 to apply to the program. See the Applied Baccalaureate Tuition page for current rates.

Yes! Students pursuing the SBST program will be eligible for Federal, State and institutional grant funds, such as the Pell Grant, WA State Need Grant, South Seattle College Grant, Educational Opportunity Grant, WA State Employee Tuition Waiver, and work study. To determine whether you are eligible for financial aid you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. Find out more information about financial aid by visiting the financial aid web page or calling (206) 934-5317.

Yes! Please see the Foundation Office webpage.

Due to the hybrid nature of this program, there are certain restrictions in place for international students. Please contact the International Programs Office at (206) 934-5360 to further discuss your options and eligibility for the SBST BAS program.

The internship component requires 500 hours of work experience prior to graduation. Students will be required to work with their faculty advisor to secure an internship site and complete the required paperwork. You may be able to earn credit for prior learning and/or work experience for some of these courses. When you are admitted to the program, your program advisor will review your transcripts, discuss your work experiences with you, and explain the options available.

You may be able to earn credit for prior learning and/ or work experience for some courses. Students have a number of different options to do this such as, challenging a course by successful completion of a challenge exam or demonstration of certification in a relevant area. When you are admitted to the program, your program advisor will review your transcripts, discuss your work experiences with you, and explain the options available.

All students must earn a minimum of an associate's degree before they can graduate from the BAS program. If you are within 25 credits of finishing an associate’s degree or another post-secondary degree you may be eligible for provisional admission. Additionally, you may need to make up some lower-divisiongeneral education credits; however, most students in this situation should be able to complete their coursework within six6 quarters. Contact the BAS Programs Office for more information.

You are still eligible to apply if you plan to complete your associate degree by the time classes begin at the start of each Fall quarter. Contact the BAS Programs office for more information.

Please contact the SBST Program Manager:

Sheila Roe
Sustainable Building Science Technology, Program Manager
South Seattle College — Georgetown Campus
6737 Corson Ave. S., C222B
Seattle, WA 98108
Sheila.roe@seattlecolleges.edu
206.934.6783