Transfer Planning

Planning to transfer to a four-year college or university?

This section provides information for students who plan to transfer to a college or university in the State of Washington to complete a baccalaureate degree. It highlights different transfer degree areas and includes contact information for faculty advisors at Olympic College who can help map out education plans and transfer programs of study. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution where they plan to transfer before finalizing their education plans.

Advising Notes and Recommendations

• Consult a faculty counselor if you have not decided on a future major.
• Check with your intended transfer college or university advisor for specific admissions and major requirements. With careful planning, you may be able to fulfill both admissions and major requirements with your degree.
• Not all courses are offered every quarter. A faculty advisor can help you plan course sequence and schedule.

NOTE: The Associate in Arts/Direct Transfer Agreement (AA/DTA) is a general transfer degree. It is not usually associated with a specific major. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university are responsible for contacting the appropriate advisors at the institution to determine which additional classes they may need to take while attending OC. The educational plan to complete the AA/DTA and any additional classes should be made in consultation with the appropriate OC Faculty Advisor.

Baccalaureate Institutions in Washington that Subscribe to the ICRC Guidelines

Most students who plan to transfer will complete the Associate in Arts/Direct Transfer Agreement (AA/DTA) or Associate of Science (AS). These degrees are designed to meet statewide guidelines endorsed by the InterCollege Relations Commission (ICRC) to ease transfer. The following 22 baccalaureate institutions subscribe to ICRC Guidelines:

• Bastyr University
• Central Washington University
• City University
• Cornish College of the Arts
• Eastern Washington University
• Gonzaga University
• Heritage College
• Northwest University
• Pacific Lutheran University
• Saint Martin’s University
• Seattle University
• Seattle Pacific University
• The Evergreen State College
• Trinity Lutheran College
• University of Washington
• University of Washington Bothell
• University of Washington Tacoma
• Washington State University
• Washington State University Tri-Cities
• Washington State University Vancouver
• Western Washington University
• Whitworth College

Many of these institutions apply provisos such as minimum grades, and foreign language or other course requirements in accepting the transfer Associate degree. Check with the admissions office at the baccalaureate institution for clarification and up-to-date information.

Common Course Numbering

All Washington state community and technical colleges are using a Common Course Numbering (CCN) system. The system identifies courses that are equivalent at community colleges throughout the state to make it easier for students to transfer between two-year colleges. Courses with an ampersand (&) after the prefix code are part of the Common Course Numbering system. Many courses without an “&” also transfer between two-year and four-year colleges.

Agreements by Other Colleges or Institutions to Accept Credits from Olympic College

In addition to the colleges subscribing to ICRC guidelines, Olympic College has entered into formal agreements with the following institutions for transfer:

Brandman University

The Evergreen State College: Direct technical transfer for Chemical Dependency Counseling ATA and Organizational Leadership; and The Upside Down Degree for Accounting Technology, Business Management, Early Childhood Education, Legal Office Professional, Medical Assisting, Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Computer Information Systems, and Leadership and Occupational Studies.

University of Washington – Tacoma: Politics, Philosophy, and Economics Program

University of North Dakota: Engineering

Olympic College is also part of a statewide agreement with Western Governors’ University – Washington.

Reciprocity among Washington Community and Technical Colleges

Washington community and technical colleges (CTCs) offer reciprocity to students transferring within the CTC system who are pursuing an AA or AS degree. Students who have fulfilled entire areas of their degree requirements at one college will be considered to have met those same requirements if they plan to complete the same degree when they transfer to another community or technical college in Washington. These degree requirements include Communication Skills, Quantitative Skills, or one or more Distribution Area requirements. Students must initiate the review process and must be prepared to provide necessary documentation. For complete information, students should contact an evaluator in Registration and Records.

Washington 45

A student who completes courses selected from within the general education categories listed here (Washington 45 list) at a public community, technical, four-year college or university in Washington State will be able to transfer and apply a maximum of 45 quarter credits toward general education requirement(s) at any other public and most private higher education institutions in the state.

Possible Transfer Areas:

• Accounting Technology
• Anthropology
• Art
• Astronomy
• Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Communication Studies
• Computer Information Systems
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Dramatic Arts
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Electronics
• Elementary Education
• Engineering
• English
• Foreign Languages
• Geography
• Geology
• History
• Human Services
• Marine Science & Oceanography 
• Mathematics
• Music
• Nursing
• Organizational Leadership/Resource Management
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Political Science
• Pre-Law
• Pre-Nursing
• Pre-Professional Health Occupations
• Psychology
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Supportive Health Occupations
• Technical Design
• Other Transfer Opportunities

Accounting Technology

Associate in Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T)

The AAS-T in Accounting Technology is intended to provide for workplace readiness with an option to continue on in a bachelor of accounting program. Using both a manual as well as automated approach, the program provides for a comprehensive review of the accounting cycle for all types of business (service, merchandising and corporation), and infuses a breadth of accounting fields, including payroll accounting, fund (or governmental) accounting, and preparing taxes for an individual and a business.

See the Accounting Technology AAS–T Degree for course listings and other details.

Anthropology

Associate in Arts (AA)

Anthropology is the study of humankind. It is a holistic discipline that is divided into four subfields: Archaeology, Cultural, Linguistics, and Biological. Four-year programs typically require Anthropology majors to take course work in each of the subfields.

Potential Careers

Students who intend to major in Anthropology at a four-year institution should complete the requirements for an Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Good writing skills are essential and should be developed. Most undergraduate programs require at least one statistics course. Competence in one foreign language is also required for some undergraduate and most graduate programs.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

In addition to taking the above recommended courses, students can design a course of study to supplement the subfields of anthropology they are interested in. Contact the anthropology advisor for further information.

Art

Associate in Arts (AA)

Fundamental to the development of fine art is the spirit and process of exploration. The Art curriculum encourages the process of discovery as it applies to perceptual and conceptual issues basic to the creative process. The purpose of the integrated transfer curriculum is to provide a catalyst for students to widen their artistic awareness and versatility.

Potential Careers

Students who complete the Associate in Arts Degree requirements and include many of the courses listed below will have a firm foundation in the fundamentals of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, which will support the creation of a portfolio. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Astronomy

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 2)

Astronomers are sometimes called astrophysicists. They use the laws of physics and mathematics to learn about the nature of matter and energy throughout the universe, which includes the sun, moon, planets, stars, and galaxies. In addition, astronomers apply their knowledge to solve problems in navigation, space flight, and satellite communications. They also develop the instruments and techniques needed to observe and collect astronomical data. Many astronomers work in colleges and universities where they do research and teach astronomy. Some work in observatories, planetariums, and museums where they help to explain what is known about the universe to the public. Others are employed by government agencies, such as the U.S. Naval Observatory or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A few work for companies in the aerospace industry.

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 2) Degree requirements. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Atmospheric Science/Meteorology

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 2)

Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere. It offers the opportunity of investigating the forces that shape weather and climate and how human activities can affect climate through the introduction of pollutants into the atmosphere. An interest in the physical sciences and mathematics are the essential elements for a career in meteorology. Courses in earth sciences can also provide a valuable insight into the atmospheric environment. It is very important to become familiar with the use of computers and their application to problem-solving, writing and communication. In the simplest of terms, high school students should take every mathematics, physics and computer course that is available. They should also develop basic skills in written and spoken English to communicate scientific knowledge.

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 2) Degree requirements. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Biology

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 1)

Life scientists study living organisms, their structure, evolutionary development, behavior and life processes. Biologists are also interested in the relationship between animals, plants, microorganisms and their environments. The number and variety of plants and animals is vast, and life processes varied and complex; therefore, specialization is required early in upper division work.

Potential Careers

Students may choose to complete either the Associate in Arts or Associate of Science (Track 1) Degree requirements.

As part of your degree, include these courses in your educational plan:

At some institutions, to satisfy the prerequisite for upper division biology credits, a year of general chemistry must also be completed.

Biotechnology

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 2)

Biotechnology is a fascinating field which is at the cutting edge of science using living cells and materials produced by cells to create pharmaceutical, diagnostic, agricultural, environmental, and other products to benefit society. People working in this field make groundbreaking discoveries that fight disease, improve food production, clean up the environment and make manufacturing more efficient and profitable. Because of the various levels of occupations associated with biotechnology, students have several options. Associate degrees are available at a number of community colleges in Washington State that focus on the technical side of biotechnology. Bachelor’s and graduate degrees are also available that prepare students for careers in biotechnology associated with research and development and quality control.

Because of the different educational pathways open to students, students should complete the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 2) Degree requirements if they plan to transfer to a four-year institution or check with a faculty advisor concerning the professional/technical options available at other Washington State Community Colleges. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Business

Associate in Business (AB-DTA/MRP)

Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program

The mission of the Associate in Business (DTA/MRP) program is to prepare students to transfer to four-year institutions for their final two years of undergraduate study in a business-related field.

Early in the program, students should check with their intended transfer university/college advisor for specific admissions and business program requirements for course choices where options are listed for Humanities, Natural Science, Social Science, and electives.

Potential Careers

See the Associate in Business–Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program Degree for course listings and other details.

Chemistry

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 1)

Chemistry is the science that studies matter, its properties and composition, and the laws that govern the formation of matter from the basic elements. The breadth of the subject area is enormous and chemists can be found working on such diverse problems as the development of new plastics and fibers, drug preparation, pollution control, the isolation and identification of plant and insect hormones, medical research, nuclear chemistry, and the analysis of geological materials.

Potential Careers

Students should complete the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 1) Degree requirements if they plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

As part of your degree, include these courses in your education plan:

Communication Studies

Associate in Arts (AA)

The Communication Studies program at Olympic College is the study of various forms of human communication in culturally diverse contexts. The program focuses on the basic skills and critical thought needed to transfer to four-year programs. Studies in communication and culture help us focus on how people negotiate their identities and voices in relationships and society. Courses also expose students to cutting edge theory and technology in preparation for careers in the fast-growing communications fields. The program provides a firm foundation for students seeking a transfer degree to apply toward studies in communication or other social science and humanities fields. The department provides a foundation for understanding how rhetoric, persuasion, and messages shape the world around us. Ultimately, studies in communication help students succeed in an increasingly multicultural, mediated and ever-changing world.

There are six tracks available for study in the Communication Studies program at Olympic College. These tracks are designed to aid in the direct transfer of A.A. credit from Olympic College to three types of Communications programs in the Washington State four-year University system. Selected Communication Studies students also have the opportunity during their time at Olympic College to earn course and valuable professional experience through internships, both locally and nationally. These tracks are:

• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Rhetoric and Culture
• Popular Culture and Media Studies
• Relational and Organizational Communication
• Public Advocacy

POTENTIAL CAREERS

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Computer Information Systems

Associate in Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T)

Computer Information Systems Specialists work with businesses, governments, and other organizations that use computer hardware and software every day. They provide day-to-day support for users. They make sure all parts of a computer system work to meet the organization's goals. They use their strong communications skills to help and work with a variety of people within an organization.

Students can tranfer to the Evergreen State College Upside Down Degree Program with a Computer Information Systems Specialist AAS–T Degree. Students planning to transfer should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution before finalizing their education plan.

See the Information Systems Specialist AAS-T Degree for course listings and other details.

Computer Science

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 2)

Students who obtain a four-year degree in computer science will obtain a foundation that permits them to adapt to new technologies and new ideas in software design, in the solution of computing problems, and in the use of computers to address emerging challenges.

Potential Careers

Olympic College offers courses to prepare students to complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at a four-year institution. Careful planning is essential. The courses required to major in computer science vary, depending on the institution and the program chosen. At some institutions, admission into the Computer Science major is highly selective. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Students may choose to complete either the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 2) Degree requirements.

As part of your degree, include these courses in your education plan:

Criminal Justice

Associate in Arts (AA)

The field of Criminal Justice is composed of an assortment of institutions and practices in which society seeks to control and respond to criminal behavior. A degree in Criminal Justice can prepare students for entry into a variety of careers including law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, victim services, and criminal justice investigation.

Potential Careers

The Associate in Arts Degree with emphasis in Criminal Justice is for students interested in transferring to a four-year college or university. Students should expect to take a variety of social science courses in order to understand the integral relationship between crime, justice, and society. Additionally, students are encouraged to develop valuable skills that will enhance their ability to work and interact with diverse populations and in a variety of settings. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Dramatic Arts

Associate in Arts (AA)

The Department of Dramatic Arts educates and prepares students for careers in all of the contemporary vehicles of drama—including live theatre, film, television and video as well as the new emerging media forms. Our goals are to provide students with the practical skills and artistry necessary to develop and refine their creative talents within their chosen disciplines—acting, directing, scriptwriting or production design—and to offer the major introductory courses of the first two years of a Baccalaureate Program in Dramatic Arts.

The department is committed to serving the authentic needs of the modern dramatic artist of the 21st Century by integrating the study of theatre, film and video under a single institutional umbrella. Our curriculum encourages and inspires the student artist to stretch and expand the fabric of his or her talent through a structured, process-oriented professional program that stresses self-discipline, self-discovery, self-expression and self-actualization. Through the mastery of specific skills and techniques, our students’ talents and creative instincts are nurtured and accelerated until their artistic potential flourishes.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Early Childhood Education

Associate in Arts (AA) or

Associate in Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T)

Potential Careers

The Associate in Arts Degree with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education provides a broad background in general education as well as study in early childhood education. It is designed for students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

The Olympic College Early Childhood Education Program is based on the Washington State Core Competencies for Early Childhood and School Age Care Professions. A copy of the Core Competencies can be found at www.del.wa.gov/publications/partnerships/docs/CoreCompetencies.pdf.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

See the Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science–Transfer Degree for AAS-T course listings and other details.

Education

Associate in Arts (AA)

Potential Careers

The courses listed below generally meet the pre-teaching requirements of the four-year colleges and universities in the State of Washington; however, it is imperative that the student become familiar with the specific requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Students should complete the Associate in Arts Degree.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Electronics

Associate in Technical Arts (ATA)

The Electronics ATA Degree is directly transferable to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) programs in Washington State, including Western Washington University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University and Old Dominion. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Elementary Education

Associate in Elementary Education (Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program)  (AEE-DTA/MRP)

For students preparing for an elementary education major at one of the following participating institutions: CWU, EWU, WSU, WWU, City University, Gonzaga, Heritage, PLU, SMU, SPU, WWC, or Whitworth.

Students should work closely with an advisor at the planned baccalaureate institution to choose courses. See the Associate in Elementary Education (AEE-DTA/MRP) Degree for course listings and other details.

Engineering

Potential Areas of Engineering Focus

The Engineering Transfer Program graduates students who are prepared to excel in any four-year Engineering Program in the country.

Degrees Available:

Engineering

Associate of Science (Track 2) for transferring outside the State of Washington

For transfer to an engineering school in the State of Washington, students should use the appropriate Associate of Science (Track 2) Major Related Program Pre-Engineering Degree listed below.

Biological & Chemical Engineering

Associate of Science (Track 2 Major Related Program 2) for transferring within the State of Washington

Computer & Electrical Engineering

Associate of Science (Track 2 Major Related Program 3) for transferring within the State of Washington

Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, Industrial, Materials Science Engineering

Associate of Science (Track 2 Major Related Program 1) for transferring within the State of Washington

Students should work closely with an Olympic College engineering faculty advisor (see list below) to determine the specific courses that are required to transfer to the university of their choice within their chosen discipline.

English

Associate in Arts (AA)

The English discipline seeks to help students acquire an understanding of, and proficiency in the English language and the elements of style by offering courses in basic composition and creative writing. In addition, the curriculum offers students who plan to transfer with an English major a general survey of American and English literature, as well as in-depth analyses of specific periods, authors, and genres. This curriculum is designed to enable students to examine the richness and variety with which the human imagination expresses itself in the written arts.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Foreign Languages

Associate in Arts (AA)

The Foreign Language discipline is designed to satisfy the requirements for:

• Students transferring to a four-year institution, and
• Students planning to acquire a basic practical knowledge of American Sign Language, French, German, Japanese, Korean, or Spanish.

Potential Careers

The courses center around the acquisition of a basic vocabulary to express familiar and daily situations, a functional use of grammatical patterns, and a knowledge of cultural aspects of the countries whose language is being taught.

The objective of the curriculum is to develop the four basic skills of language training: Listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing, through audio-visual and audio-lingual methods.

Students wanting to transfer to a baccalaureate institution should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Geography

Associate in Arts (AA)

Geography is the study of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment. There are two main branches of geography: human geography and physical geography. Human geography is concerned with the spatial aspects of human existence, including population, culture and economic activities. Physical geographers study patterns of climates, land forms, vegetation, soils, and water. Geographers also study the linkages between humans and natural systems.

Potential Careers

Students preparing for a career in Geography should plan to transfer to a four-year college. Students planning to major in physical geography should prepare themselves in a broad range of Natural Sciences. Students preparing to major in human geography should prepare themselves in a broad range of Social Science and Humanities. All students should consider courses in Geographic Information Systems.

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree requirements. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Geology

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 1)

Geologists study the structure, composition, and history of the Earth. Their concerns include locating water, fuels, and minerals resources; determining appropriate land usage; and diagnosing natural hazards such as floods, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

Potential Careers

Students preparing for a professional career in Geology should plan to transfer to a four-year college, and then to attend graduate school for a Master’s Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Students may choose to complete either the Associate in Arts or Associate of Science (Track 1) Degree requirements.

As part of your degree, include these courses in your education plan:

History

Associate in Arts (AA)

History is the study of human development and change, current affairs with the perspective of past events, and the rich cultural, political, and institutional legacy of the past that provides the framework for a better understanding of our world.

Potential Careers

Students who intend to major in history at a four-year institution should follow the distribution for an Associate in Arts Degree, preparing themselves to transfer by completing a broad range of Social Sciences and Humanities courses. Good writing skills are essential and should be developed. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Human Services

Associate in Arts (AA)

The field of Human Services is broadly defined, uniquely approaching the objective of meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations. The Human Services profession is one which promotes improved service delivery systems by addressing not only the quality of direct services, but also by seeking to improve accessibility, accountability, and coordination among professionals and agencies in service delivery.

Potential Careers

For more Human Services information, click here.

The Associate in Arts Degree with emphasis in Human Services is designed for students transferring to four-year colleges and universities. The curricula focus is on developing a strong foundation of theory and skills.

Marine Science/Oceanography

Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS-Track 1)

Oceanography is an interdisciplinary field, and therefore requires training in many of the basic sciences.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts or the Associate of Science (Track 1) Degree requirements if they plan to transfer to a four-year institution. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Mathematics

Associate in Arts (AA)

In response to diverse student needs, the Mathematics Department provides a broad curriculum, varied instructional approaches, and supportive resources to help students learn mathematics. We foster success in learning and the value of achievement in mathematics, as well as the relevance, usefulness, appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

As part of your degree, include these courses in your education plan:

Music

Associate in Arts (AA)

The core of the Music curriculum for students who want to transfer and major in Music is found in the two-year musicianship theory, music history, and music literature classes. All students are encouraged to gain first-hand knowledge of music literature and to enjoy the experience of being part of a performing group. Individual instruction in music is also an important part of the Music curriculum.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Nursing

Please refer to the Olympic College Nursing degree section for information on nursing program options at OC. The Pre-Nursing or direct transfer in nursing degree plan can be followed if your goal is to matriculate to another college or university to pursue a generic BSN degree. Completion of the BSN degree will allow you to apply to take the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse. You are encouraged to contact the college or university nursing department where you plan to apply for any additional requirements.

Organizational Leadership & Resource Management

Organizational Leadership and Resource Management addresses leadership, supervision, and management competencies which allow those in leadership positions to effectively influence strategic planning, organizational performance, and individual performance and behavior. Individuals holding this degree understand how to enter any organization and immediately bring value by impacting people processes and maximizing organizational operations.

Potential Careers

Leadership & Occupational Studies

Associate in Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T)

Organizational Leadership & Resource Management

Associate in Applied Science—Transfer (AAS-T)

Physical Education

Associate in Arts (AA)

Potential Careers

Students planning to major in Physical Education should complete the Associate in Arts Degree and include the following courses in their education plan.

Option 1: Designed for those students who must complete anatomy/physiology during the sophomore year. This is determined by the school to which one plans to transfer.

Option 2: Designed for those students who plan to transfer to an institution where they are allowed to complete anatomy/physiology at the upper division level.

Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Physics

Associate of Science (AS-Track 2)

Physicists observe and analyze various forms of energy, the structure of matter and the relationship between matter and energy. Their studies have continued to broaden our understanding of the physical world and have enabled us to make increasing use of natural resources. Physicists have contributed to scientific progress in recent years in areas such as nuclear energy, electronics, communications, and aerospace.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer to a baccalaureate institution should complete the Associate of Science (Track 2) Degree requirements and should plan on taking one year of general chemistry, one year of engineering physics, one year of calculus and three quarters of 200 level mathematics. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Political Science

Associate in Arts (AA)

The study of the principles, organization, and methods of government.

Potential Careers

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Pre-Law

Associate in Arts (AA)

The Pre-Law curriculum is designed to give the student a broad background required for successful completion of the study and practice of law. Recommended courses listed below may be counted as part of the required courses for graduation.

Potential Careers

• Legal Clerk
• Paralegal
• Lawyer (specializing in a particular field)

Students wanting to transfer should complete the Associate in Arts Degree. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Nursing Major Related Program

Associate in Pre-Nursing (DTA/MRP)

The courses generally meet the pre-nursing requirements of the four-year colleges and universities in the State of Washington; however, it is imperative that the student become familiar with the specific requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned.

See the Associate in Pre-Nursing (DTA/MRP) Degree for course listings and other details.

Pre-Professional Health Occupations

(Pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary, etc.)

Associate in Arts (AA)

Olympic College offers a full two-year preparatory curriculum for students planning careers in the Health Occupations such as Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, and Medical Technology. Such students should anticipate an additional two years of work to obtain a Baccalaureate Degree and an additional one to four or more years of graduate work.

Potential Careers

Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan. Students should complete the Associate in Arts Degree requirements.

Psychology

Associate in Arts (AA)

Potential Careers

Students who intend to major in Psychology at a four-year institution should follow the distribution requirements for an Associate in Arts Degree.

Basic writing and mathematics skills are essential to most four-year programs. Since Psychology entails a wide range of philosophies and specialties, the specific courses taken within the AA program should be selected with the help of an advisor. While the specific courses recommended depend on the individual goal of the student, the courses listed below will serve as a useful guideline. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Social Work

Associate in Arts (AA)

Social Work is an interdisciplinary field that prepares graduates for work on behalf of individuals, groups and institutions in many cultures. The aim is to empower and improve the life circumstances of everyone touched by services ranging from individual psychotherapy all the way to international healthcare delivery systems planning. People of all ages and social circumstances receive the benefits of social work intervention.

Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan. Students should follow the distribution requirements for an Associate in Arts Degree.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Sociology

Associate in Arts (AA)

Potential Careers

Students who wish to become Sociology majors at a four-year institution should follow the distribution requirements for an Associate in Arts Degree. They should emphasize English to develop good writing skills. Mathematics skills are necessary to prepare the student for higher-level statistics courses for BA, MA, or Ph.D. Degrees. Competence in one foreign language is also required in almost all graduate programs. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Courses to consider when completing distribution requirements for an AA:

Supportive Health Occupations

Growing opportunities exist for employment in the Supportive Health Occupations such as Dental Hygiene, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Diagnostic Ultrasound, and Physician Assistant. Olympic College offers a preparatory curriculum for those seeking entry into these fields.

Potential Careers

Students may need to complete the Associate in Arts Degree requirements. Students completing the Olympic College curriculum should anticipate at least an additional two years of study, and can continue at a number of the state’s public and private institutions. Practical work experience in these fields also constitutes an important criterion for entry. Students should work closely with an advisor at the baccalaureate institution they plan to transfer to before finalizing their education plan.

Technical Design

Generally, Technical Design is a graphic communications program. Those students considering enrollment in advanced programs requiring graphic communication skills such as architecture, engineering, or design, can consider this program as a way to develop core skills, graphic communication skills, and portfolios necessary to be accepted into and be successful and competitive in university bachelors and masters programs. Students should refer to the Certificates of Recognition for their particular area of interest as a guide to which classes are recommended for specific transfer programs. They should also meet with a Technical Design advisor to discuss their strengths and weaknesses and to tailor a program to their particular needs and goals.

The Associate in Technical Design Degree is not transferrable to most bachelor programs. Students who intend to major in Technical Design at a four-year institution should follow the distribution requirements for an Associate in Arts Degree. Students considering transferring to other colleges or universities should verify their transfer requirements before finalizing their education plan.

Other Transfer Opportunities

Transferring with a Professional-Technical Degree

In addition to the subjects listed above, there are many other possible educational directions you may pursue after achieving your educational goals at Olympic college. For example, all Associate in Applied Science – Transfer (AAS-T) degrees are designed to transfer to at least one specific institution. Also, some colleges will accept professional-technical degrees in transfer, although usually with some limitations such as a higher GPA or minimum number of fully transferable credits. The Evergreen State College accepts the following Professional-Technical Degrees either as direct technical transfer or upside down degrees:

• Accounting Technology ATA
• Business Management ATA
• Chemical Dependency Counseling ATA
• Early Childhood Education AAS-T
• Information Systems Specialist AAS-T
• Leadership and Occupational Studies AAS-T
• Medical Assisting AAS-T
• Associate Degree—Nursing and Transition to ADN ATA
• Organizational Leadership & Resource Management AAS-T
• Physical Therapist Assistant AAS

Be sure to check with an advisor at your future college before finalizing your educational plan to make sure you do not end up retaking courses. If you plan to continue your education after completing a professional-technical degree (Associate in Technical Arts or Associate in Applied Science), it is generally better to select courses which are generally accepted in transfer whenever possible. For example, choose ENGL& 101, English Composition I, rather than BSTEC 150, Business English; and MATH&107, Math in Society, rather than BMGMT 140, Business and Personal Math. See the Associate in Arts Degree for more information on which courses are fully transferable. Even if a given degree is not considered transferable, courses will be evaluated individually by the receiving program.

Source: 2013-2014 Olympic College Catalog, 2012-2013 Olympic College Transfer Planning Guide "Blue Book"  (for Potential Careers information)