Philosophy

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 Philosophy. Students in this program develop skills in problem solving, analytical thinking, communication, information management, writing, reading and interpretation of text. Drawing connections between philosophical questions, ...

This two-year pathway is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement degree with a concentration in Philosophy. Students in this program develop skills in problem solving, analytical thinking, communication, information management, writing, reading and interpretation of text. Drawing connections between philosophical questions, other disciplines, and lived experiences expands students' capacity for insight, problem-solving, and decision-making regarding actions. These skills are widely adaptable to a range of careers, valued by many employers, and applicable to students' public and private lives.

Completion of this program allows students to transfer at the junior level into a Philosophy program at a four-year college or university, as well as opening doors to a variety of careers in sectors including non-profit, business, government, entertainment, and education.

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

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

Quarter 1
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
  • "> To-Do List 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
  • ">
    18 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • 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
    ENGL&101
    English Composition I
    5 units
    PHIL&101
    Introduction to Philosophy
    5 units
    HDC101
    Orientation to College
    3 units
    INFO101
    Information Resources
    5 units
    Quarter 2
    Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and
    other scholarships"> To-Do List Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and
    other scholarships">
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    ENGL&102
    Composition II
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Individuals/Cultures/Societies
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quarter 3
    Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
  • "> To-Do List Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs
  • Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines
  • Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
  • ">
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • 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
    PHIL102
    Contemporary Moral Problems
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quantitative/SymbolicReasoning
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quarter 4
    To-Do List
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • Create long-term educational plan with your assigned advisor
    • Research and contact Philosophy departments at potential universities
    • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
    • Attend transfer day at prospective university
    • Write your personal statement for university applications
    Natural World Lab Science
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Individuals/Cultures/Societies
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quarter 5
    To-Do List
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    • 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
    • Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed)
    Natural World
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Elective
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Elective
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Quarter 6
    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.
  • "> To-Do List 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.
  • ">
    15 UNITS
    To-Do List
    Natural World
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Elective
    Choose a Course
    5 units
    Elective
    Choose a Course
    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 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

    A Philosophy pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:

    • Law
    • Medicine
    • Technology
    • Artificial intelligence
    • Business
    • Publishing
    • Education
    • Public policy

    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, additional education opportunities include, but are not limited to:

    A Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, Law, Medicine, Literature, Physics, Public Policy, Education, or a related field at a four-year college or university.

    Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Philosophy graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a Central 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 Philosophy 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 Language

    Program Contact

    For more information, contact
    Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division
    206.934.4164
    AHSS.Central@seattlecolleges.edu

    Advising Contact