Programs of Study: Overview
Shoreline Community College provides credit-bearing programs in the following areas:
- Transfer: For students who intend to continue their studies at a college or university
- Professional-Technical: For students interested in pursuing a certificate or degree that leads to employment
- High School Programs: For students seeking high school completion or to complete college credits while in high school
- Transitional Studies: For students seeking basic skills, completing a high school degree, and/or preparing for college-level work
Transfer Programs
Shoreline Community College is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), as well as by several discipline-related bodies. The College has completed numerous evaluation processes and has been recognized for performance, integrity, and quality. This is important information for students who plan to transfer credits to other colleges.
Academic courses will usually be accepted by other institutions offering the same (or similar) courses. However, each institution has its own transfer policy and transferability should never be assumed. Students should be aware that courses with “Pass” grades may not satisfy requirements in their major field. Students are responsible for knowing transfer requirements and policies, and they are urged to consult with the institution to which they plan to transfer.
Many transfer institutions expect students to be “major ready” by the time they transfer. This means that students need to declare their majors shortly after transfer and carefully plan which courses will meet their distribution requirements, as well as meet the admission requirements for a particular field of study. For example, students who wish to major in business will need to include additional math, economics, and accounting sequences in their coursework. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their community college advisor, as well as an advisor from their transfer institution, to verify their choices.
In most cases, universities will accept 90 credits from transfer. Shoreline is a member of the Inter-College Relations Commission (ICRC), and our AA-DTA, AS-T, and MRP degrees comply with ICRC recommendations for transfer degrees within Washington. Colleges and Universities participating in ICRC use common course numbering. Courses that include an ampersand ‘&’ are considered equivalent and transferable between these schools.
Transferring to Another Institution
To transfer successfully to another institution, students are encouraged to:
- Consult with an advisor to determine the best program or degree options for their academic and career goals, and develop an educational plan.
- Obtain a current catalog or visit the website of the receiving transfer institution to determine both admission and graduation requirements for the college or university, as well as admission and graduation requirements for the major or professional program.
- Confer with an admissions officer or academic advisor at the school where you want to transfer for information regarding admissions requirements, graduation requirements, and transfer policies.
- Check a quarter or two before graduation to ensure all requirements will be met before transferring.
Direct Transfer Agreement
An agreement has been developed between Washington State Community and Technical Colleges and participating baccalaureate institutions called the direct transfer agreement (DTA). The DTA Associate degrees are recognized as fulfilling most, if not all, of the general education requirements at the baccalaureate institution. Students who complete a DTA will normally be granted junior standing upon admission. Students should check with their intended transfer institution for further details regarding any additional general education, major prerequisites, and admission requirements.
The baccalaureate (four-year) colleges and universities in Washington State listed below subscribe to the Inter-college Relations Commission’s (ICRC) Guidelines for Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA). This list is subject to change. See your advisor for updated information and details of transfer.
Bastyr University
Central Washington University
City University
Cornish College of the Arts
Eastern Washington University
Gonzaga University
Heritage University
Northwest Indian College
Northwest University
Pacific Lutheran University
Saint Martin’s University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
The Evergreen State College
University of Washington
University of Washington Bothell
University of Washington Tacoma
Walla Walla University
Washington State University
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Washington State University Vancouver
Western Governors University - Washington
Western Washington University
Whitworth University
Major Related Program Agreements
To prepare students for transfer into specific academic majors, community colleges and baccalaureate institutions in Washington State developed Major Related Programs to provide consistency in prerequisite courses required for admission to common majors. Major Related Programs (MRP) follow either the AA-DTA or AS-T guidelines.
Currently, Shoreline Community College recognizes Major Related Programs in Business; Construction Management; Pre-Nursing; Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering; Computer and Electrical Engineering; and Mechanical/Civil/Aeronautical/Industrial/Material Science Engineering.
First-Year Experience Seminar
The First-Year Experience Seminar (FYES) engages students in acquiring general skills that will support their success throughout their college career. The outcomes of the seminar focus on:
- learning how to use college resources effectively;
- gaining skills in self-management such as self-reflection, motivation, organization, time management, and self-care;
- practicing college success strategies to prepare for class, meet course requirements, study effectively, and apply multicultural understanding; and
- constructing a plan to meet your educational, personal, and career goals.
Currently, the First-Year Experience Seminar can be taken as part of Human Development 101: College Orientation & Success or embedded within certain introductory classes.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Shoreline’s Interdisciplinary Studies allow students to discover, explore, and connect, while fulfilling graduation requirements in an alternative way. These courses integrate two or more subjects into one class that focuses on a common theme. Two or more instructors team teach these Interdisciplinary Studies courses, so students get to explore issues or problems through multiple perspectives. Interdisciplinary Studies courses come in many forms. Some courses may combine three or more disciplines, giving students a full-time load. Other courses may provide students with ten, eight, or five credits.
The Honors College at Shoreline
5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5336 • shoreline.edu/honors
The Honors College at Shoreline Community College offers unique curriculum, opportunities to work directly with faculty on projects of interest, and a community of scholars where students can share ideas. Students will receive additional guidance to prepare for successful transfer to preferred four-year colleges or universities. Students will also have the option of participating in a special research track of honors courses that will prepare them to think critically and communicate effectively regarding a special topic of their choosing. Admission to the program is selective and assesses the holistic student, to include previous academic performance, character, and determination. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis from both new and continuing students. Students interested in applying can do so by filling out a Shoreline Community College application, as well as an Honors application at: shoreline.edu/honors.
Inter-College Reciprocity Agreement
Washington State Community and Technical Colleges have developed a policy for reciprocity of transfer coursework among colleges. The colleges recognize that students transfer among colleges and it is important to ensure that students are not penalized by the differences in the specific requirements imposed by individual campuses within the general guidelines of the transfer degrees (AA-DTA and AS-T) in the state.
If a student transfers an individual course that meets a Communication Skills, Quantitative Skills, Multicultural Studies, or Distribution requirement at the sending college for a specific transfer degree, that course is considered to have met that requirement at the receiving college for a similar transfer degree, even if this course does not have an exact equivalent and even if the course credit is awarded through prior learning credit.
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the reciprocity process and to gather appropriate documentation as needed. To be eligible for reciprocity, students need to have:
- Applied for admission to Shoreline Community College;
- Completed course work at another institution that meets the Communication Skills, Quantitative Skills, Multicultural Studies, or Distribution requirement in the AA-DTA or AS-T degree;
- Maintained a cumulative college-level GPA of 2.0 or better at the previous college.
- Met the previous college’s residency requirement;
- Continued to pursue a transfer degree (AA-DTA or AS-T) at Shoreline Community College; and
- Provided all necessary documentation to Enrollment Services.
Transcripts from Shoreline will include notation of requirements met by reciprocity. Notations will include the name of the previous institution.
Transfer Rights and Responsibilities
Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Students have the right to clear, accurate, and current information about their transfer admission requirements, transfer admission deadlines, degree requirements, and transfer policies that include course equivalencies.
- Transfer and freshman-entry students have the right to expect comparable standards for regular admission to programs and comparable program requirements.
- Students have the right to seek clarification regarding their transfer evaluation and may request the reconsideration of any aspect of that evaluation. In response, the college will follow established practices and processes for reviewing its transfer credit decisions.
- Students who encounter other transfer difficulties have the right to seek resolution. Each institution will have a defined process for resolution that is published and readily available to students.
- Students have the responsibility to complete all materials required for admission and to submit the application on or before the published deadlines.
- Students have the responsibility to plan their courses of study by referring to the specific published degree requirements of the college or academic program in which they intend to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- When a student changes a major or degree program, the student assumes full responsibility for meeting the new requirements.
- Students who complete the general education requirements at any public four-year institution of higher education in Washington, when admitted to another public four-year institution, will have met the lower division general education requirements of the institution to which they transfer.
College and University Rights and Responsibilities
- Colleges and universities have the right and authority to determine program requirements and course offerings in accordance with their institutional missions.
- Colleges and universities have the responsibility to communicate and publish their requirements and course offerings to students and the public, including information about student transfer rights and responsibilities.
- Colleges and universities have the responsibility to communicate their admission and transfer-related decisions to students in writing (electronic or paper).
* From the Washington Council for High School College Relations’ Intercollege Relations Commission handbook.
Professional-Technical Programs
Shoreline’s professional-technical programs are designed for students who intend to gain specialized knowledge and skills to prepare to enter a specific occupational field, or enhance existing skills while already employed.
Although the primary purpose for Shoreline’s professional-technical education programs is gainful employment after program completion, some graduates decide to transfer to four-year colleges to continue studying in their chosen fields. The college or university to which the student is transferring will determine if the credits earned in the professional-technical program may be counted toward a baccalaureate degree at that institution.
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) is a professional technical degree with a core of general education courses commonly accepted in transfer. In general, professional-technical degrees are not designed for transfer to other colleges or universities. However, several four-year colleges and universities have specific bachelor’s degree programs that accept the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.
Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS)
The AAAS degree is designed primarily to prepare students for successful employment in a professional or technical area. This degree is not intended to transfer to a four-year college or university, however there are some transfer-eligible AAAS degrees. This degree requires a minimum 90 credits and a minimum 2.0 college level GPA. Shoreline offers AAS degrees in a variety of fields.
Certificate of Proficiency (CP)
The college awards a CP to a student who completes a professional-technical education program between 45 and 89 credits. Each program consists of at least three quarters and has specific requirements. Students must achieve a minimum average GPA of 2.0 or better for the entire program, and some programs require a 2.0 GPA in each course.
Certificate of Completion (CC)
The college awards a CC to each student who completes a professional-technical education program requiring between 20 and 44 credits. These programs include between one and three quarters of study and have specific requirements. Some programs require a 2.0 GPA in each course.
Short-Term Certificate of Completion (CC-ST)
Short-term training programs consist of 19 credits or fewer. These programs generally include at least one quarter of study. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 or better for the entire program.
High School Programs
High School Completion
(206) 546-4559 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/high-school-programs
Students may be able to earn a high school diploma from Shoreline by completing classes through this program. A Shoreline advisor will evaluate students’ high school transcripts and advise them on the classes they need to complete their diploma.
College-Issued High School Diploma
(206) 546-4559 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
Students who are Running Start or are sixteen years or older and complete an associate degree (transfer or professional-technical) from Shoreline may receive a high school diploma even if they have not otherwise met the high school graduation requirements. The student must provide the college a written request to receive a high school diploma.
Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO)
The Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO) program offers out-of-school youth a chance to go back to school without charge in a fresh environment. Individualized support services are provided to meet students’ educational and career goals, with high school and more, college and more, and career and more. The program is available to 16- to 21-year-olds who left high school prior to earning a diploma. Funding is provided in partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Lake Washington Institute of Technology. The CECO program is coordinated with King County and is composed of both Secondary (high School) and Post-Secondary (College) pathways.
CECO - Post-Secondary
(206) 546-7844 • 5000 Building (FOSS), First floor
https://www.shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/ceo/
Through CECO Post-Secondary, students enhance life skills, learn college success strategies and pursue the educational goal of their choice. Students may pursue an associate degree to prepare for either a career or further studies at a four-year college. Many students also simultaneously work toward a GED certificate, high school diploma or professional-technical certificate. The program provides tuition, books, supplies, transportation assistance, and tutoring. Additional support services may be available on an individual basis.
CECO - Secondary
(206) 533-6733 • 2900 Annex, Second Floor
https://www.shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/lcn/default.aspx
The CECO Secondary program serves youth who want to attain their GED and go on to college and/or employment. The program also provides assistance with placement, internships, and employment. The site has a GED and basic skills classroom, a computer lab, employment services, case management, and career and educational planning. Secondary enrolls students on a weekly basis. Services include individualized instruction, internships, and computer software and hardware skills.
High School+/GED Test Preparation
(206) 705-8725 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5209
Shoreline Community College offers students enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses the opportunity to earn credits toward an official Washington State high school diploma. Credits can be awarded by documenting prior academic records, work experience, and meeting competency in academic areas through ABE courses. Some students may also use ABE courses to prepare for the GED (General Education Development) test. Tuition for either program is $25 per quarter and a low-income tuition waiver is available.
Running Start
(206) 546-4559 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
https://www.shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/running-start/
High school juniors and seniors may qualify to participate in the Shoreline Community College Running Start program and earn college credit while simultaneously completing their high school graduation requirements. To qualify for the program, high school students must provide proof of English 101 placement. If students would like to take any math courses, or any other courses for which math is a prerequisite, they may also need to show proof of placement.
Running Start students who satisfactorily meet the College’s Associate degree requirements will be awarded a Shoreline Community College degree and, upon written request, may be awarded a Washington State high school diploma from the College.
Career and Technical Education Dual Credit Agreement
(206) 546-7618 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
techprepcc.org
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit offers high school students the opportunity to prepare for professional-technical degrees and to complete college equivalent classes while still in high school. An agreement is prepared between the high school and college faculty that ensures that credits taken in high school and college are transferable between programs. Students who enter this program while attending high school will earn college credit towards a community/technology college certificate while completing high school requirements.
Students who complete a CTE Dual Credit class (with a grade of “B” or better) while attending high school, and have submitted a CTE Dual Credit application to CTE Dual Credit will receive a college transcript from either Shoreline Community College or another CTE Dual Credit member college: Bellevue College, Cascadia College, and Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
Transitional Studies
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
(206) 705-8725 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5209
Low-cost courses in reading, writing, and mathematics are designed to help students improve their skills to prepare for college. Students in ABE classes also have the opportunity to earn credits toward a Washington State high school diploma. These courses, along with student support services, provide navigation and guidance to help students begin planning their academic pathway and prepare for success in their college courses. Tuition is $25 per quarter. A low-income tuition waiver is available.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
(206) 546-4602 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5205
Low-cost English language classes are offered to help students improve their skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar. These classes are offered morning, afternoons, and evenings. Tuition is $25 per quarter. A low-income tuition waiver is available.
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) Programs
(206) 546-6930 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
Shoreline Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) opportunities help basic skills students and English language learners to earn college certificates in high-demand fields. Classes are all in-person and team taught to provide extra learning support. There are very few prerequisites. At Shoreline Community College, students can choose from certificates in Automotive General Service Technician, CNC Machining, and Nursing Assistant Certified. These programs provide a starting point for students who want to start working or those who want to continue to pursue a professional/technical degree. Financial assistance is available to help pay for tuition and books.
Continuing Education Programs
(206) 546-6966 • 1200 Building, continuing-ed@shoreline.edu
The Continuing Education program is an open learning community that offers affordable non-credit courses and events for those who are interested in short-term personal enrichment and professional development opportunities.
Personal Enrichment
Continuing Education offers a number of fun and flexible personal enrichment courses taught by experienced instructors. Classes are held online or on evenings and weekends to accommodate a variety of busy schedules. Students can explore a new hobby, meet a personal goal, or find their next passion project.
Professional Development
The Continuing Education program partners with Ed2Go to offer online professional development courses throughout the year. Courses are led by expert educators and are affordable, convenient, and geared to working adults. With hundreds of offerings starting monthly, students can prepare for industry certification or start a new career in as little as six months.
Summer Camps
Science, Sports, and Technology camps serve a variety of ages and begin each July.
ONLINE LEARNING
(206) 546-6966 • 1200 building • elearning@shoreline.edu • shoreline.edu/elearning
Online learning options provide quality education at times and places most convenient to students using Canvas, a web-based learning management system. These options include online courses (computer-based/ Internet), hybrid courses that blend online and on-campus learning, and web-enhanced face-to-face classes. In addition, several degrees and certificates can be obtained completely online. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Shoreline’s online programs.
Online (Internet) Courses
Online courses have start and stop dates, regular assignments and project due dates, but the classroom is online and most classes are fully asynchronous, meaning work can be done at a time and place most convenient for the student. Online classes have been developed with the same learning outcomes as traditional on-campus courses. Because courses are delivered at a distance in an online learning environment, they are reading-and writing-intensive. Even though attendance is not required at a specific time, students will need to spend time in the online classroom five out of every seven days and plan on a minimum of 10 to 15 hours of class work each week for most 5-credit online classes. Using a computer or mobile device and the Internet, students receive lessons and assignments and return completed coursework. Students communicate with their instructor and other class members through e-mail and online interactions from their home or workplace. Some online courses require synchronous online interaction, which requires attendance in an online classroom at a specific date and time. Students may be required to arrange to have an exam proctored a few times during the quarter.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses offer students a mixture of on-campus and online learning experiences, with regular on-campus meetings each week. In a hybrid class, students receive face-to-face, personal interaction with their instructor and other students. In addition, students have anytime/anywhere access to the course, on their own computer with Internet access or in Shoreline’s computer labs.
Web-Enhanced Courses
Many face-to-face courses require some Internet content and are called web-enhanced courses. These courses take place at the college’s physical campus. Online resources are used to enhance the on-campus instruction but do not reduce the requirement for on-campus classroom attendance.
Experiential Learning
Study Abroad
(206) 546-4627 • 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9302
studyabroad@shoreline.edu
shoreline.edu/international/study-abroad
Shoreline Community College is a regional leader in providing short- and long-term study abroad programs for two-year college students. In addition to 10-week (one academic quarter) programs sponsored in association with the Washington State Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA), Shoreline offers unique two- to four-week International Summer Institute study-abroad programs around the world. Recent opportunities have included programs in Bolivia, England, France, Guatemala, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Namibia, Mexico, China, Greece, Turkey, Honduras, and Thailand. The College partners with organizations around the globe to give students in professional-technical programs the opportunity to study abroad within their field. Shoreline study abroad programs cover a variety of instructional disciplines and feature credit-bearing courses that are transferable to four-year colleges and universities. Financial aid resources may apply to Shoreline study abroad programs.
Service Learning
(206) 546-4736 • shoreline.edu/service-learning
Service learning is a non-traditional model of teaching and learning that allows students to engage in meaningful community service opportunities that purposefully overlap with and enhance the academic learning that occurs in the classroom. Each service-learning course allows you to sharpen your leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while simultaneously taking action to meet real community-defined needs.
Service-learning courses typically bear 5 credits and require students to complete 15 hours of service throughout the quarter in addition to regular course work, although variations on this model may be offered. Course loads in fully-integrated service-learning classes are intentionally adjusted to account for the extra time students must commit to in order to complete their service. A wide range of academically-relevant service-learning opportunities are set up prior to the start of the quarter to ensure that placements are both interesting and accessible to students.
Internships
(206) 546-6930 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
Some programs offer or require an internship course, in which students apply what they have learned in their courses within a workplace setting. In our automotive cooperative dealership learning experience, students work as apprenticeship technicians for one quarter. Refer to the program planning guide or consult with a faculty advisor to learn more about these opportunities. Shoreline’s Workforce Education and Job Connections Center can also provide resources for seeking out internship opportunities.
Individual Projects
Guidelines for Individual Projects
Various locations, contact instructor or Division Office staff
Individual project credits are for individualized study. They consist of advanced study in students’ primary academic or career area of interest under the guidance of the division involved. Students initiate requests for individual projects with an appropriate faculty member. Students planning to participate in individual project credits must have completed a basic course in the relevant discipline.
Individual project credits may not be used to satisfy general or distribution degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisors and check on the elective degree requirements of their transfer institution to determine the applicability of individual project credits.
Individual project credits
Faculty offering individual project credits submit to the division dean a written contract, including details of the nature of the project, the resources to be used, the materials to be produced or activities to be completed by the student and the method of evaluation and grading that is to be used by the instructor.
For 3 credits:
Students must complete 99 project hours and enroll before the end of the second week (10th day) of the quarter.
For 2 credits:
Students must complete 66 project hours and enroll before the end of the third week of the quarter.
For 1 credit:
Students must complete 33 project hours and enroll before the end of the fifth week of the quarter.
|