Communication Studies
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) degree with a concentration in Communication Studies. Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers in sectors including non-profit, business, government, entertainment, and education. It also allows you to transfer into a Communication Studies or related major at a four-year college or university. Students in this pathway develop skills in verbal communication, analysis and research, multicultural awareness, computer and technical literacy, audience analysis, group communication and collaboration, interpersonal communication, leadership and facilitation. Competencies in these areas consistently rank at the top of employer wish lists.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) | Full time : 6 | 90 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies Math (if needed)
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies English (if needed)
- Apply for Financial Aid and other funding before your first quarter. Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North if applicable.
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- Make an informed choice on the number of units to take each quarter.
- F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle 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 UnitsA 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, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats 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 meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish here.
- Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling and career services.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Check out campus life: Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Create an education plan with your assigned advisor.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Visit North's Transfer webpage for transfer information.
- Update your education plan with your assigned advisor.
- Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
- Attend "Making Learning and Teaching Visible" campus event every spring.
- Attend campus lectures and forums from the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences division.
- Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
- Contact Communication Studies departments at potential universities.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Apply for the AA-DTA degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
- Explore possible Communication Studies internships.
- Check in with university for transfer plan.
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
- Attend on-campus graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2024-25.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North'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 Communication Studies pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Advertising Executive
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Editor
- Education, Teacher or Corporate Trainer
- Human Resources Specialist
- Journalism, TV production, Radio
- Marketing Executive
- Media Planner/Social Media Manager
- Meeting/Event Planner
- Public Relations Specialist
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/.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete the associates degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Communication/Communication Studies, Media & Communications, Journalism, or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Communication studies graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact a North 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 Communication 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
Scott Ku, Communication Studies Faculty, scott.ku@seattlecolleges.edu
Advising Contact
Contact the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Languages Area of Study advisor
Phone: (206) 934-3658