Environmental Studies
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)
This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Environmental Studies. Environmental studies students receive a foundation in the natural sciences but focus more of their studies on the social sciences, policy studies, environmental design, and the humanities. This program provides a broadly integrated understanding that includes, among others, the business, economic, social, and political facets of environmental challenges with a focus on policy, law, and sociality aspect of these challenges.
Completion of this program prepares students to transfer at the junior level to an environmental studies program or related field at a four-year college or university. This program also prepares students for careers in the non-profit sector, government agencies, environmental planning, sustainability advising, green business, environmental education, environmental journalism, and related areas.
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
- Attend New Student Orientation
- Explore careers and majors: workshops, counseling and Career Exploration Center
- Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college
- Transfer previous college credits to Central if applicable
- Take the Math and English placement if needed
Step 1: Apply and register at Seattle Central 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 and college placement, 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
- Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
- Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
- Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
- Apply to the Ready Set Transfer (RST) Academy
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities
- Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
- Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
- Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
- Attend the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium
- Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
- Research and contact Environmental Studies departments at potential universities
- Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
- Attend transfer day at prospective university
- Write your personal statement for university applications
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
- Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
- Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
- Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
- Apply for graduation for the AA-DTA degree
- Check in with university for admissions status
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join Seattle Central Alumni Association
- Attend graduation fair and 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 2026-27.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit Central'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
An Environmental Studies pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Environmental Educator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Nature Conservation Officer
- Environmental Attorney
- Sustainability Specialist
- Environmental Fundraiser
- Policy Analyst
- Fish & Game Warden
- Environmental Restoration Planner
- City and Regional Planning Aide
A Bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/. To discuss additional careers options, speak with faculty once you begin classes or contact the Career Exploration Center. CareerServicesCenter@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.4383 Environmental Consultant
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges. BAS degrees are typically terminal degrees. See an Advisor for more information.
Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Environmental Studies graduates from Central 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. You can use the College Navigator search engine found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Environmental Studies programs in Washington state or around the country.
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 MathProgram Contact
For more information, contact
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Business Division
206.934.3858
STEMB.Central@seattlecolleges.edu
Advising Contact
New Students: Please contact our South Outreach Team by calling 206.934.5179 or by email atSouthOutreach@seattlecolleges.edu.
Current Students:Please make a Transfer Planning Appointment with theAdvising Department.
For more information about transfer events and opportunities, please email Helen Tupufia Enguerra, Student Success Specialist.