Computer Science
Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA)This pathway meets requirements for the Associate of Computer Science DTA/MRP. Completion of this degree prepares you to transfer into a computer science major at a four-year college or university, which opens doors to a variety of software development careers in the tech sector including specializations like cybersecurity, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.
Students in this pathway develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, analytical techniques, and computational tools to solve computer science problems. Students will practice written communication and software design concepts.
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP (CSACSAA) | Part time : 9 | 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)
- Visit potential transfer universities and meet Computer Science transfer advisors.
- PHYS& 114 or high school physics 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 (such as computer science club), TRIO, Equity & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Apply to LSAMP.
- 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.
- Visit North's Transfer webpage for transfer information.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Check out internship opportunities through Handshake.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs such as lab aid.
- Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor.
- Attend STEM Career Fair.
- Attend Engineering Mentor Night.
- Attend transfer events at North and universities of interest.
- Update your education plan and Natural World Lab plan with your assigned advisor.
- Consider becoming a Computer Science tutor with the Student Learning Center.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
- Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Contact Computer Science departments at potential universities.
- Check out internship opportunities through Handshake.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Explore possible Computer Science internships.
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
- Apply for the Associate of Science - Direct Transfer Agreement (AS-DTA) degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
- Check in with university for transfer plan.
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 Computer Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include:
- Opportunities include:
- Software Programmer/Engineer/Developer
- Systems Manager
- Web/Game/Cloud/Mobile Developer
- Systems Analyst
- UX Designer
Areas of specialization may include:
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Machine Learning
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit www.bls.gov/oes.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete the Associate of Computer Science DTA/MRP, additional education opportunities include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at North Seattle College or another college or university.
Other options include: Informatics, Applied Computational Math, Computer Engineering or a related field with additional coursework. Talk with your advisor to customize your educational plan.
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. Computer Science graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. Once you complete the associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
Additional Information
View our Transfer Resources to learn how to plan your transfer to a 4-year college. For specific course prerequisites, visit our Prerequisites for Computer Science and Software Systems Programs page.
Area of Study
Science, Technology, Engineering, and MathProgram Contact
Program Coordinator
Bill Barry
email
(206) 934-7006
Location
IB 2429
Math & Science Division Contacts
(206) 934-3746
(206) 934-3748 (fax)
Mailing Address
NSC Math & Science Division
9600 College Way N
3N2429
Seattle, WA 98103
Dean
Alissa Agnello
Advising Contact
Contact the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Study advisor.
Phone: (206) 934-3658