Associate in Arts: Science Focus AA-DTA
The Associate in Arts: Science Focus AA-DTA (AA-DTA: Science Focus) is a direct transfer agreement degree that can prepare students for a number of science majors and transfer to a four-year college or university. This 90 credit degree is designed to fulfill many of the general education requirements for a most four-year degrees in arts and sciences, however, for certain majors or areas of study students may not be able to take all the courses necessary to transfer with junior standing. Work with your advisor or retention specialist to choose the best degree for your transfer plans.
Note: This degree was formerly titled ‘Associate of Science: General’ and is changing to Associate in Arts: Science Focus DTA (AA-DTA: Science Focus) in the 2025-26 academic year. Course requirements for the degree have not changed.
Program Pathways, Outcomes and Degree Requirements
Program Pathways
We offer a variety of program pathways to match your interests and enhance your AA-DTA: Science Focus degree. Each pathway is a suggested sequence of courses to help prepare you for the major listed at universities in Washington.
Basic Requirements – 15 credits
- ENGL& 101 and 102, English Composition I and 2 – 10 credits
- Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning (Q/SR), Choose from Math& 141, 142, 151, 152 or 163 – 5 credits
- Computer Science CSC 110 or higher – 5 credits
Area of Knowledge Distribution Requirements – 30 credits
- Visual, Literary & Performing Arts (VLPA) (Humanities and Arts) – 15 credits
Minimum 2 different subjects. No more than 5 credits of a world language at the 100 level and no more than 5 credits of a studio/performance class may be used in this category. - Individuals, Cultures & Societies (ICS) (Social Sciences) – 15 credits
Minimum 2 different subjects
Natural World (NW) (Natural and Physical Sciences) – 40 credits
Choose courses to prepare you for your intended major or program of study.
- Minimum 3 different subjects
- 10 credits lab science required
- One 2 quarter sequence of courses in the same NW subject
For courses that satisfy Areas of Knowledge Distribution Requirements, consult the current list, contact your advisor or retention specialist, or consult the class schedule.
Within the 90 credits required for the AA-DTA: Science Focus students must complete one of these special requirements:
- Global Studies – 5 Credits
OR
- US Cultures – 5 Credits
See the current list of courses that meet the special requirements, or consult the class schedule. Courses taken previously at North or at other Seattle Colleges which satisfy requirements there will fulfill requirements at North.
To earn this degree, students must:
- Complete at least 90 college-level credits (courses numbered 100 or above), including credits transferred in, with a minimum cumulative college level GPA of 2.0
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in courses at the degree awarding college
- Earn at least 15 credits at the degree granting college
- Have a minimum passing grade of 1.0 in all courses
- Apply to graduate
Other Notes:
- Courses may only be used only be used once in Basic & Distribution requirements.
- Sequences of courses should be completed at the same institution.
- Completion of degree does not guarantee admission to a university/major program nor that all university/major admission and general education requirements are met.
- Check with the college where you plan to transfer to ensure you meet all admission requirements, including but not limited to foreign language, English, lab science, math and social science.