Ethnic Studies
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)
This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Ethnic Studies. Students in this pathway develop skills in data analysis, research design, oral and written communication, group communication and collaboration, and become adept in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Completion of this program allows students to transfer at the junior level into an Ethnic Studies program at a four-year college or university. It also opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including international relations/law, non-profits, museums/zoos, education, government, health care, tourism, and business.
Many of the courses on this pathway contribute to the Equity and Social Justice Emphasis. Students who receive the required number of Equity and Social Justice courses will receive a notation on their transcript. Please see an advisor to learn more about the Equity and Social Justice Emphasis.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) | Full time : 6 | 90-93 |
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
- Consider pursing an Equity & Social Justice Emphasis
- Explore Service Learning options
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
90-93 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
- Explore Learning Communities options
- 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
- Explore Learning Communities options
- 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
- Explore Learning Communities options
- Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
- Research and contact Ethnic 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
- Explore Learning Communities options
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships
- Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities
- Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university
- Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed)
- Explore Learning Communities options
- 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
- Explore Learning Communities options
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 Ethnic Studies pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Child advocacy
- Health advocacy
- Education
- Community Organizing
- Human rights
- Disability rights
- Environmental justice
- Human services
- Law and criminal justice
- Healthcare
- Business
A variety of organizations value employees with this education:
- National, State, and Local Government
- Youth Programs
- Community Organizations
- National Park Service
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- International organizations
- Think tanks
- Religious institutions
- Law firms (and law schools)
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
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this Associate degree degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Ethnic Studies, Anthropology, Communication, Gender Studies, History, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Studies, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, Social Welfare, Sociology, or other related field.
- A Bachelor of Applied Sciences (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges
- A Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies at the University of Washington
Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Ethnic 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 Ethnic 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
Social Sciences, Humanities, and LanguageProgram Contact
For more information, contact
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division
206.934.4164
AHSS.Central@seattlecolleges.edu
Advising Contact
- Advising hours and services
- Schedule phone and Zoom appointments: Starfish, Email, and phone
- AdvisorCentral@seattlecolleges.edu
- 206.934.4068
- Location: Broadway Campus BE1102D