| |
Jun 07, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
2026-27 Catalog
Associate in Computer Science (DTA/MRP)
|
|
 Return to: Degree & Certificate Programs
The Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP degree is designed for persons interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to study computer science. Students who successfully complete degree requirements recommended for their institution of choice will be prepared to transfer to a Washington State College or University. This industry offers a wide range of careers, like software engineer, data scientist, game developer and more. With this degree you’ll be prepared for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program with key courses in programming and math, plus 40 credits of general education courses within your 90 credit Associate degree.
|
Requirements
Importance of Advising. Advising is an important part of completing a degree. Each student should meet with an advisor as early as possible. Students are responsible for checking the transfer requirements of the college or university they plan to attend; advisors can help with this. General Requirements
- 95 Credits Total: Complete at least 95 credits of courses numbered 100 or higher
- 2.0+ Cumulative GPA: Earn at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Note: Computer Science programs are competitive and may require a higher cumulative GPA, or a higher GPA in specific courses.
- 25% of Total Credits at Highline: Complete at least 25% of your 95 total credits at Highline. This is the “Residency” requirement.
- 75+ Credits Fully Transferable: At least 75 credits must be designated as fully transferable. All Distribution Area and PE Activity courses are fully transferable.
- Maximum 15 Credits CR/NC: You can choose to have a course graded as CR/NC, but no more than 15 credits of CR/NC courses can apply to your degree
- Maximum 3 Credits PE Activity: All PE courses are either “Activity” or “Theory” courses. You can only use 3 credits of PE Activity for your degree.
For more information, refer to the Associate Degree and Certificate Requirements page. Communications Skills: 15 credits
Complete the required 10 credits of English and 5 credits of Communication Studies courses. Courses used to meet the Communication Skills requirement cannot apply to other requirements. Note: ENGL& 102 is the best choice for most students. ENGL& 235 is for specific pathways; talk to an advisor before taking it. Complete one of the following:
Complete one of the following:
Quantitative Skills: 5 credits
Complete the Quantitative Skills course below. The course used to meet the Quantitative Skills requirement cannot apply to other requirements. Diversity and Globalism: 3 credits
Complete 3 credits from the Diversity & Globalism Course List . This course can apply to another requirement, so choose one that will also meet a Distribution, PE or Elective requirement. Physical Education: 3 credits
Complete at least 3 credits of Physical Education (PE). These credits will apply to the Elective requirement. Note: All PE courses are either “Activity” or “Theory.” PE Activity courses will apply under the “transferable” section of the Elective requirement. PE Theory courses apply under “any courses 100-level or higher” section because they are considered restricted. Distribution Areas
A complete list of Humanities, Social Science, and Natural Science distribution courses can be found on the Distribution Areas page. Humanities Distribution: 10 credits
Complete the following:
- 5 credits from Humanities Area 1
- 5 credits from Humanities Area 2
Note: - Gonzaga University requires 15 credits from Philosophy (Intro to Ethics), Literature, and Humanities (Art, Music, Theatre, etc.).
- Some colleges and universities require two years of high school world language or fluency in more than one language. If a student doesn’t have either, they need two quarters of a college world language. Students can take the first in Humanities Area 1 and the second as an elective.
Social Science Distribution: 15 credits
Complete the following:
- 5 credits from Social Science Area 1
- 5 credits from Social Science Area 2
- 5 credits from Social Science Area 1 or Area 2
Note: - UW requires completion of a diversity course that explores how social systems create different life outcomes for different people, how to recognize and work with the differences, and how to improve on the systems. For courses that meet this institutional requirement, please speak with an advisor from the campus you wish to attend.
- Gonzaga requires History (World History, Western Civilization, or U.S. History); and Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, or Anthropology 101.
Natural Science Distribution: 15 credits
Note: - Gonzaga requires one year of ‘major-level’ biology, chemistry, or calculus-based physics.
- WSU Vancouver requires one year of calculus-based physics or science courses selected from a list of options; talk with a CS advisor to ensure transfer.
Complete the following:
- 10 credits of Natural Science courses with labs (L)
Complete one of the following:
- Any 5-credit Natural Science with lab
Computer Programming: 15 credits
Electives: 20 credits
Complete 20 credits of electives. At least 5 credits must come from transferable coursework. Transferable courses include: The remaining 15 credits may come from any courses 100-level or higher. The courses listed below are just suggestions. Students do not need to choose from this list. Electives can include prerequisites like pre-calculus or physics preparation. They can also be major or general education courses specific to the student’s target transfer school. Note: At least 3 credits of electives will be PE. PE Activity courses (up to 3 credits) are fully transferable electives, but PE Theory are not (they are restricted). |
Return to: Degree & Certificate Programs
|
|
