Programs of Study: Overview
Shoreline Community College provides credit-bearing programs in the following areas:
- Transfer: for students who plan to continue their studies at a four-year 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 life skills, completing a high school degree, and/or preparing for college-level coursework
Transfer Programs
shoreline.edu/programs/transfer-programs.aspx
Shoreline Community College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and by several discipline-related institutions. Additionally, we are a member of the Inter-College Relations Commission (ICRC), and the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).
Our Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA), Associate in Science - Transfer (AS-T), and Major Related Programs (MRP) degrees comply with the ICRC’s guidelines for transfer degrees within Washington State. All member colleges of the SBCTC use common course numbering. Course numbers with an ampersand (‘&’) are considered equivalent and transferable between these colleges.
- Courses taught at Shoreline Community College are generally accepted by other colleges or universities offering similar courses. However, each college or university has its own transfer policy, so the transferability of a specific course is not assumed or guaranteed. Additionally, courses completed with pass grades (P/NP) may not meet the requirements of a student’s field of study.
- Colleges and universities will accept up to 90 credits from transfer in most cases, and many expect students to be “major-ready” by the time they transfer. Students who are “major-ready” declare their majors shortly after transfer and carefully plan which courses will meet their distribution requirements and the admission requirements for their field of study.
Students are responsible for understanding transfer requirements and policies. We recommended that they meet with an advisor at Shoreline Community College and an advisor from their transfer college or university for guidance and to review their options.
Transferring to Another Institution
Students are encouraged to take the following steps to transfer to another college or university successfully:
- Get a current course catalog or visit the website of the college or university to which they plan to transfer. This will help students determine the general admission and graduation requirements, as well as the specific requirements for their major or field of study.
- Meet with an advisor to determine the best program or degree options for their academic and career goals and to develop an educational plan.
- Meet with an admissions officer or academic advisor at the college or university they intend to transfer for information about admissions requirements, graduation requirements, and transfer policies.
- Verify all requirements one or two quarters before graduation to ensure they are fulfilled before transferring.
Direct Transfer Agreement
shoreline.edu/articulation-agreements/default.aspx
Community and Technical Colleges in Washington State and some four-year colleges and universities created the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) to make it easier for students to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in Washington State. This agreement means that an Associate Degree under the DTA fulfills most or all of the general education requirements at the four-year college or university.
Students who complete a DTA usually start as juniors after they transfer. We recommend students talk with the college or university to which they plan to transfer for details about admission, general education, and major requirements. They should also meet with an advisor at Shoreline Community College for the latest information about transferring.
The four-year colleges and universities in Washington State listed below follow the Inter-College Relations Commission (ICRC)’s guidelines for the DTA. This list may change.
Major Related Program Agreements
Community and Technical Colleges and four-year colleges or universities in Washington State developed Major Related Programs (MRP) to prepare students for transfer into specific academic majors and to provide consistency in prerequisite courses required for admission to common majors. MRPs follow guidelines for the Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science - Transfer (AS-T) transfer degrees.
Shoreline Community College currently has MRPs in Bioengineering & Chemical Engineering, Business, Computer and Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Management, Aeronautical/Civil/Industrial/Manufacturing/Materials Science Engineering, and Pre-Nursing.
Inter-College Reciprocity Agreement
shoreline.edu/apply-and-aid/registration/inter-college-reciprocity.aspx
Community and Technical Colleges in Washington State have a policy for transferring courses between schools. This policy makes sure that students transferring to another college or university are not penalized because of different requirements. This applies to the Associate in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) and Associate in Science - Transfer (AS-T) transfer degrees.
Students can transfer courses that fulfill requirements in Communication Skills, Multicultural Studies, Quantitative Skills, or Distribution from one college to another. These courses will count towards the same requirements at the new college, even if they do not have exact matches or were earned through prior learning credit.
Students are responsible for starting the process and collecting all the necessary documents for course transfers. They need to follow these steps to be eligible.
- Apply for admission to Shoreline Community College.
- Complete coursework at another college or university that meets requirements in Communication Skills, Multicultural Studies, Quantitative Skills, and Distribution for the transfer degree.
- Maintain a cumulative college-level Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher at the previous college or university.
- Meet the residency requirement at the previous college or university.
- Provide all necessary documentation to our Enrollment Services Department.
Transcripts from Shoreline Community College will show which requirements were met through course transfers. They will also include the name of the previous college or university where the courses were taken.
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.
- students who are transfer or freshman-entry have the right to expect comparable standards for regular admission to programs and comparable program requirements.
- Students have the right to seek clarification about their transfer evaluation and may request the reconsideration of any aspect of that evaluation. Shoreline Community College will follow established practices and processes for reviewing its transfer credit decisions in response.
- Students who encounter other transfer difficulties have the right to seek resolution; each college or university 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 their 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.
- Students assume full responsibility for meeting the new requirements when they change a major or degree program.
- Students who complete the general education requirements at any public four-year college or university in Washington State will have met the lower division general education requirements at another public four-year college or university when they transfer.
College and University Rights and Responsibilities
- Colleges and universities have the right and authority to determine program requirements and course offerings in agreement 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).
Source: Washington Council for High School College Relations’ Intercollege Relations Commission Handbook.
Interdisciplinary Studies
Shoreline Community College’s Interdisciplinary Studies allow students to discover, explore, and connect while fulfilling graduation requirements in an alternative way.
These courses combine two or more subjects into a single class focused on a common theme, taught by 2 or more instructors who offer diverse perspectives. Courses in Interdisciplinary Studies vary in structure: some integrate three or more disciplines into a full-time, 15-credit course load, while others offer 5, 8, or 10 credits.
The Honors College
thehonorscollege@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5336
shoreline.edu/honors
The Honors College offers students with a 3.0 GPA or higher, or a recommendation from an instructor, the opportunity to take smaller classes with the same group of students. Students choose from a list of Honors Courses that count towards their graduation requirements.
- Students can join the year-long Honors Research Track, which provides an opportunity to conduct in-depth research into a topic of the student’s choice. As part of the Research Track, students complete a Literature Review, work with a mentor, and have the chance to present at the University of Washington Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- The Honors College also offers dedicated academic advising, transfer support, leadership opportunities through the Honors Student Council, and an Honors Lounge.
Applications to the Honors College are accepted year-round with no application fee. However, there is a quarterly fee of $295 which helps support the operating costs of the Honors College. This fee is covered for students enrolled in Running Start on free or reduced lunch, as well as for Veterans. Additional financial aid may also be available.
Professional-Technical Programs
shoreline.edu/programs/prof-tech-programs.aspx
Shoreline Community College’s professional-technical programs are designed for students who want to gain specialized knowledge and skills to enter a specific occupational field or enhance their existing skills while employed.
While the primary goal of these professional-technical programs is gainful employment after completion, some graduates choose to transfer to four-year colleges or universities to continue their studies. The receiving college or university will determine if the credits earned in the professional-technical program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
The Associate in Applied Science-Transfer degree is a professional-technical degree with a core of general education courses commonly accepted for transfer. While professional-technical degrees are generally not designed for transfer to other colleges or universities, several four-year colleges and universities have specific bachelor’s degree programs that accept the AAS-T degree.
Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS)
The Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences degree primarily prepares students for employment in professional or technical fields. Shoreline Community College offers AAAS degrees in a variety of fields. While it is generally not intended for transfer to four-year colleges or universities, some AAAS degrees are transfer-eligible. This degree requires a minimum of 90 credits and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Certificate of Proficiency (CP)
Shoreline Community College awards Certificates of Proficiency to students who complete a professional-technical education program of 45 to 89 credits. Each program consists of at least three quarters and has specific requirements. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for the entire program, and some programs require a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course.
Certificate of Completion (CC)
Shoreline Community College awards Certificates of Completion to students who complete professional-technical programs of 20 to 44 credits. These programs consist of one to three quarters and have specific requirements. Some programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall and/or a grade of 2.0 or higher in each course.
Short-Term Certificate of Completion (CC-ST)
Short-Term Certificates of Completion consist of 19 or fewer credits and typically span at least one quarter. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher for the entire program.
High School Programs
High School Completion
(206) 546-4559 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/high-school-programs
High School Completion allows students to earn an official high school diploma from Shoreline Community College by completing classes. An 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 enrolled in Running Start or who are sixteen years or older and complete an associate degree from Shoreline Community College may receive an official high school diploma even if they have not met the high school graduation requirements. Students can indicate on their graduation application if they would like to earn their high school diploma.
Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO)
(206) 546-7844 • ceco@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5100
shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/center-for-education-career-opportunities
The Center for Education and Career Opportunities (CECO) offers 16 to 21-year-olds without a high school diploma the chance to return to school to earn their high school diploma and/or General Education Development (GED) and go on to college, technical training, and/or employment. We offer services to support students “to and through” a post-secondary education, with paid internships, relational case management, behavioral health services, and fiscal support services.
CECO does not have any tuition costs or fees.
High School+/GED Exam Preparation
(206) 705-8725 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5209
Shoreline Community College offers students enrolled in Adult Basic Education (ABE) the opportunity to earn credits toward an official high school diploma in Washington State. Credits can be awarded by documenting prior academic records, and work experience, and by meeting competency requirements in academic areas through these classes. Some students may also use these classes to prepare for the General Education Development (GED) exam.
Tuition for either program is $25 per quarter and a tuition waiver is available for low-income earners.
Running Start
(206) 546-6906 • runningstart@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5229
shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/running-start
Students in their junior or senior year of high school may be eligible to participate in Running Start at Shoreline Community College, allowing them to earn college credit while completing their high school graduation requirements. Students must provide proof of placement into English 101 to participate. Additionally, students may be required to provide proof of placement for math courses or courses with math prerequisites.
Students enrolled in Running Start who meet Shoreline Community College’s requirements for associate degrees will be awarded such a degree. They may also submit a request to receive an official high school diploma.
Career and Technical Education Dual Credit Agreement
(206) 546-7629 • 2100 Building, Room 217
shoreline.edu/placement/cte-dual-credit-program.aspx
Classes under the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit Agreement are offered at many high schools and skills centers across Washington State in partnership with community and technical colleges. These classes combine academics with technical skills to help students prepare for further education and careers. Students can earn both high school and college credit for completing the same class; they will then receive a transcript from Shoreline Community College, and their high school grades will count towards their college Grade Point Average (GPA).
Students must register in the Statewide Enrollment and Reporting System (SERS) while enrolled in a CTE class in high school to participate.
Transitional Studies
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
(206) 705-8725 • abe@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5209
shoreline.edu/transitional-studies/adult-basic-education
Adult Basic Education offers low-cost classes in reading, writing, and mathematics designed to help students improve their skills to prepare for college. Students in these classes also have the opportunity to earn credits toward an official diploma in Washington State. These classes, along with student support services, provide navigation and guidance to help students plan their academic pathways and prepare for success in their college courses.
Tuition is $25 per quarter and a tuition waiver is available for low-income earners.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
(206) 705-8725 • esl@shoreline.edu • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5205
shoreline.edu/transitional-studies/esl
English as a Second Language offers low-cost classes in the English Language designed to help students improve their skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and grammar. These classes, along with student support services, provide navigation and guidance to help students plan their career or academic pathways. Students can advance from ESL to classes in ABE, advance to college-level classes, enroll in different professional-technical programs, or receive job training. Classes are offered in the morning, afternoons, evenings, and online.
Tuition is $25 per quarter and a tuition waiver is available for low-income earners.
Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST)
(206) 546-6930 • 5000 Building (FOSS), Room 5101
shoreline.edu/transitional-studies/ibest
Shoreline Community College’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) helps students enrolled in our ABE, ESL, or Transitional Studies earn college certificates in high-demand fields. These programs provide a starting point for students who want to work or those who want to pursue a professional-technical program. There are only a few prerequisites, and students can choose from certificates in Automotive General Service Technician (AGST), Biomanufacturing, Business, Manufacturing/Machinist, Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC), and Phlebotomy.
A high school diploma is not required, and adults over age 21 can earn dual credit toward a high school diploma while they participate in I-BEST. Additionally, financial aid is available to help pay for tuition and books.
Continuing Education
(206) 546-6966 • continuing-ed@shoreline.edu • 1500 Building
shoreline.edu/continuing-ed
The Continuing Education Department at Shoreline Community College is an open learning community that offers affordable non-credit courses and events for people interested in short-term opportunities for personal enrichment and professional development.
Personal Enrichment
Our Continuing Education Department offers many fun and flexible classes for personal enrichment taught by experienced instructors. Students who take these classes can explore a new hobby, meet a personal goal, or find their next passion project. Classes are held online or on campus, on evenings and weekends, to accommodate different schedules.
We partner with Shoreline Community College’s Athletics, Automotive, and Music Departments as well as community organizations, such as Shorelake Arts Council and Dandylyon Drama, to offer a variety of specialized programs and classes.
Professional Development
Our Continuing Education Department partners with Ed2Go to offer online, non-credit professional development classes throughout the year. These classes are led by expert educators, are affordable, convenient, and are designed for working adults. Students can prepare for industry certification or start a new career in as little as six months with hundreds of offerings monthly.
Summer Camps
Summer Camps for youth are scheduled on the campus of Shoreline Community College in July and August every year. Offerings include arts, drama and film, science, sports, and technology camps that serve a variety of ages.
Modes of Class Instruction
(206) 546-6966 • elearning@shoreline.edu • 4000 Building, Room 4228
shoreline.edu/elearning-services
Shoreline Community College offers classes in many modes of instruction to meet the needs of all our students. Students can view the mode(s) of instruction available for each class within the quarterly class schedule.
In Person Classes
In Person Classes meet face-to-face. These classes take place at scheduled times at the College’s physical campus or another specifically designated location.
Currently, we offer two types of in-person classes.
- In Person: students attend class in a classroom on campus or designated location on specific days and times. They do not need access to a computer or the Internet.
- In Person (Web Enhanced): students attend class in a classroom on campus or designated location on specific days and times. They use Canvas for online coursework and need computer and Internet access.
Hybrid Classes
Hybrid Classes offer students a mixture of on-campus and online learning options. Students come to campus, or a designated location, for regular face-to-face classes less often than if enrolled in a fully in-person class. Instead, more of the classes’ content will be delivered online. Students will have access to class materials anytime, anywhere in Canvas.
Online Instruction
Shoreline Community College’s online learning options provide quality education through Canvas, a web-based learning management system, allowing students to study at their convenience. Several degrees and certificates can be obtained completely online and are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Online classes have specific start and stop dates, regular assignments, and project deadlines. They cover the same material as traditional, in-person classes but are more reading and writing-intensive. Students receive lessons and coursework and submit completed assignments completely online.
Attendance may not be required at specific times but students will need to spend 5 out of every 7 days in the online classroom and should plan to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on coursework for most 5-credit classes. They interact with their instructors and classmates through online discussions and email from their homes or workplaces. Some classes may require proctored exams.
Currently, we offer the following types of online classes.
- Online Asynchronous: students complete their classes completely online in Canvas with no required meeting days or times. They complete assignments and coursework online in Canvas by the posted deadlines, but they can work on the content when it fits their schedule.
- Online Asynchronous with In-Person Activities: students complete their classes mainly online in Canvas but are also required to attend a few activities on campus, like orientation or exams.
- Online Scheduled: students attend live classes online via Zoom with their classmates on specific days and times. They complete their assignments and coursework online in Canvas.
- Online Scheduled with In-Person Activities: students attend live classes online via Zoom with their classmates on specific days and times. They complete their assignments and coursework online in Canvas and are also required to attend a few activities on campus, like orientation or exams.
- Flexible (Optional F2F or Online): students attend class on specific days and times, and they can choose to come in person or join the class online via Zoom. They complete assignments and coursework online in Canvas. The instructor will always teach in person.
Experiential Learning
Study Abroad
(206) 546-4627 • studyabroad@shoreline.edu • 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9302
shoreline.edu/international/study-abroad-study-away
Shoreline Community College’s study abroad and study away programs provide opportunities for students to learn about the culture in the place of study while encouraging self-discovery and shaping the role students will play in their future communities. The College offers 10-week (one academic quarter) programs sponsored in association with the Washington State Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA) to countries such as Costa Rica, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
Shoreline Community College also partners with organizations around the globe to give students in professional-technical programs the opportunity to study abroad within their field. These 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 and scholarships may be available to support students who participate in these programs.
Internships
(206) 546-5821 • careercenter@shoreline.edu • 9000 Building (PUB), Room 9203
shoreline.edu/job-career-services/career-center
Internships are short-term jobs or projects that help students and new professionals gain real-world skills. Some programs at Shoreline Community College have optional or required internships, called 290 courses (like FILM 290 or BIOL 290), or work experiences that are part of the program, such as in Automotive or Nursing.
Students interested in internships can talk to our Internship Coordinator or check with their specific academic program to find out which programs offer internships and how to apply for one.
Individual Projects
Guidelines for Individual Projects
Individual Projects let students earn credits by studying a topic in their main academic or career area with help from an instructor. These credits do not count toward general or distribution degree requirements.
Students must first complete a basic course in the related field and get approval from the instructor. They should also talk to their advisors and check if the college or university they plan to transfer to will accept the credits from the Individual Project as electives.
Individual project credits
Instructors who offer individual project credits must submit a written contract to the division dean. This contract should include the details of the project, the resources to be used, the materials or activities the student will complete, and the specific methods used for the evaluation and grading of work.
For 3 credits: students must complete 99 project hours and enroll before the end of the second week (tenth 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.
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