Social Services & Education Degree (AA-DTA)

Program Description

This degree is a direct transfer agreement. 

Can you think of a teacher or professor that made a big impact on your life? Do you want a job that is in-demand and as fulfilling as it is challenging? If you understand the increasing importance of education and are considering becoming an educator yourself, exploring education at SPSCC is a good first step to earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

General education introduces students to the content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge – communication, the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences, mathematics and the social sciences – and helps them develop the intellectual skills that will make them more effective life-long learners. The College’s general education program intended to meet the transfer requirements of the four-year colleges and universities as outlined in the Intercollegiate Relations Commission Handbook.

Career Opportunities

  • Teacher
  • Healthcare Social Worker
  • Child, Family, and School Social Worker
  • Education Administrator

Degree Planning

In planning this degree students need to work closely with their advisor or a counselor as although the Associate in Arts Degree transfers to four-year colleges and universities in Washington State, it may not meet specific department requirements. (For example, business, engineering, education, etc.)

To earn an Associate in Arts degree all courses taken must be:

  • At college level (numbered 100 or above).
  • A minimum of 75 of the 90 credits required for the degree must be from the General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement. Copies of the list are available on line at https://catalog.spscc.edu/distribution-requirements/aa-as-dt-degrees/.
  • A maximum of 15 credits will be allowed for courses numbered 100 or above that are not on the General Education list.
  • A class can only count once toward General Education requirements. For example, MATH 205 Linear Algebra will satisfy either Quantitative or Natural Science course requirements, but not both.
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above in all college-level courses required.
  • Although this degree is a general transfer degree, South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for recommended courses and course sequences.

Core Requirements

  • Must satisfy the diversity requirement.
  • CCS 101 Pathways to Success (3 credits)
  • Communication Requirement (10 credits total)
    • ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
    • Communication Distribution Course (5 credits)
  • Quantitative Requirement (5 credits total)
    • 5 credits from the quantitative General Education Distribution
  • Humanities Requirement (15 credits total)
    • 15 credits from 2 discipline. No more than 5 credits in performance/skill courses. No more than 5 credits of foreign language at the first year level.
  • Social Science Requirement (15 credits total)
    • 15 credits from 2 disciplines
  • Natural Science Requirement (15 credits total)
    • 15 credits from 2 disciplines. Must include 1 lab science
  • Electives (27 credits total)
    • 15 credits from the General Education Distribution (AA) or Specified Electives Lists. No more than 3 PE activity credits are accepted in transfer.
    • 12 credits 100 level and above