2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Overview: Degrees and Certificates


Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree is a 180-credit baccalaureate degree specifically designed to build on professional-technical associate degrees that provide workplace skills, such as Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degrees. BAS degrees include a professional core of courses from the AAS-T degree, general education credits, and upper-division courses. BAS degrees are pathways to the baccalaureate level with upper-division coursework, in applied fields, that provide expanded career opportunities for graduates and meet the needs of employers in the community.

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees focus on the underlying principles of various fields of study so that as the industry and world change, graduates can adapt their knowledge, innovate, and solve problems without having to return to school. A BS degree is not only an essential stepping stone to many professions but also a strong foundation for pursuing graduate studies.

Associate in Arts Degrees

Associate in Arts degrees are designed to provide students with a broad background during their first and second year of study so that they can transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. Our degrees follow guidelines set by the state’s Intercollege Relations Commission. Our associate degree curriculum is designed to give students a general education that transfers to four-year universities for bachelor’s degrees.

Associate in Science-Transfer Degrees

Associate in Science-Transfer degrees are designed to prepare science and engineering majors for transfer to a four-year school with standing as a junior. All of our Associate in Science-Transfer degrees adhere to guidelines developed under the guidance of the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Most coursework is in mathematics, science, and engineering, but the curriculum includes additional general education requirements.

Direct Transfer Agreement

For those who qualify, the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) gives students priority admission and general education for most Washington state universities. Students must have the AA degree, be a Washington state resident, and meet the minimum GPA for their chosen university. Students who complete this path and are accepted at a four-year university will be ready for their junior year at all public and participating private colleges.

Major Related Programs

Major Related Program (MRP) pathways are transfer associate pathways outlining the appropriate courses in order for students to be well prepared to enter a major upon transfer. Major Related Program (MRP) pathways follow one of the two Washington statewide transfer agreements: the Associate in Arts DTA format or the Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T) format.

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degrees

Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degrees are built upon the technical courses required for job preparation; however, they also include a college-level general education component, a common structure for all such degrees. The general education courses for the degrees are drawn from the distribution requirements lists for the Associate in Arts or the Associate in Science-Transfer degrees. AAS-T programs are designed to prepare graduates for jobs requiring two years of training and for bachelor’s programs that accept AAS-T degrees.

Associate in General Studies Degree

The Associate in General Studies degree grants students academic recognition for an individually designed program of coursework. This coursework is designed for students not planning to transfer to a four-year school.

Associate of Technical Arts Degrees

Associate of Technical Arts degrees are designed to provide professional and technical training to prepare students for specific jobs or to improve existing skills. All of our career programs have advisory committees of professionals in related fields to help ensure that our curriculum evolves with changes in business and industry. Advisory committee members and faculty members work together to link education and employment and help students succeed.

Certificates

Certificates are shorter programs and are designed to provide specialized training and skills in a number of interest areas.

Certificates of Completion

Certificates of Completion (COCs) are professional-technical programs of less than 20 credits. The courses are targeted to help students gain skills in a specific area. COCs are not eligible for financial aid; however, some COCs may be eligible for veteran’s benefits. In addition, some COCs can be applied to certificates (programs of 20 or more credits) or degrees. If interested in a COC, please inquire at the appropriate instructional department or academic advising.

High School Diploma

Diplomas are granted for successful completion of high school diploma programs at the college. Students can earn a high school diploma through four different programs: Adult High School, Edmonds Career Access Program (EdCAP), HS+, and International High School Completion. Each program has separate admission and completion requirements. Successful completion of any one of the four programs will earn a student a high school diploma authorized by the state of Washington. Students may also earn a diploma through rules set in State House Bill (SHB) 1758 . In addition, General Equivalency Degree (GED) preparation classes  are offered for students needing an alternate credential to a high school diploma.