AA-DTA: What is it?

Direct Transfer Agreement

The AA-DTA, known as the direct transfer degree, is an agreement between Washington state community colleges and baccalaureate institutions. The credits earned in the AA-DTA transfer as a package to most baccalaureate colleges and universities in Washington, generally satisfying all of the lower division general education requirements and granting junior standing; it does not guarantee admission.

Requirements

The AA-DTA requires a minimum of 90 quarter credits in college level courses numbered 100 or above with a cumulative college level GPA of 2.0 or higher. Each individual course must have a minimum grade of 1.0. There are three categories of requirements: 20 credits of general education core requirements, 45 credits of discipline-specific distribution requirements, and 25 credits of electives. You should select courses to explore your academic interests and begin preparing for an academic major within the AA-DTA degree guidelines.

Where do I Start?

Talk with an advisor at Shoreline. Shoreline advisors can provide guidance about which courses to take and how to prepare for different majors.

Understand the AA-DTA requirements. Review this Degree Planning Guide and make sure you understand what it takes to complete your degree at Shoreline. (AA-DTA Planning Guide PDF)

Prepare for a major. When you transfer, you will likely enter as a junior. You should consider what major you would like to prepare for there while you are here. Use Shoreline’s Major Preparation Sheets to learn more about different majors and which courses will prepare you for those majors.

Understand admissions requirements. School admission requirements, deadlines, and application details vary. Check the website of your chosen school or schools and search for “Transfer admissions” to find their specific requirements. At many schools, you must apply to the school and then apply separately to the major.

Understand graduation requirements. All four-year programs have specific requirements to graduate and some schools require up to two years of a world language to graduate. Once you have decided upon a major or majors, visit the website of the departments where you will be applying; contact advisors at the four-year school to learn more.

Where can I Transfer?

The AA-DTA makes it possible for students to transfer to a number of public and private colleges and universities in the U.S. with junior standing. Washington State institutions that subscribe to the Direct Transfer Agreement are listed below.

Public Institutions

Central Washington University
Eastern Washington University
The Evergreen State College
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University

Private Institutions

Bastyr University
City University
Cornish College of the Arts
Gonzaga University
Heritage College
Northwest University
Pacific Lutheran University
Saint Martin’s University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle University
Walla Walla University
Western Governors University
Whitworth University

What do I need to take?

Below is a summary of the categories of required courses for the AA-DTA. In selecting your classes, consult your Major Planning Sheet for recommendations related to pursuing a particular major.