We Are On Indigenous Land
South Puget Sound Community College is located on the ancestral lands of the Steh-Chass band of the Squaxin Island Tribe and Nisqually Indian Tribe, who have long been stewards of the region’s waters, plants, and animals. The southernmost point of the Salish Sea, these lands were—and still are—a place of gathering, trade, and community for many Coast Salish peoples. We recognize that all who are not Salish peoples are visitors here. We commit to join these peoples to share their history, build relationships, increase representation, and restore the living world around us.
South Puget Sound Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance inquiries: Executive Director of Human Resources, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA, 98512, 360-596-5361. SPSCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting Access Services at 360-596-5306 or access.services@spscc.edu.
Parking is always free on all SPSCC campuses. Visit spscc.edu/maps-locations or scan QR code for directions, campus maps, tour dates, and more.
Olympia Campus Bowen Center Brewing &
Lacey Campus SPSCC in Yelm
Steps to Enroll
1 Apply
Did you know SPSCC offers open enrollment? That means you’re accepted as a student as soon as you apply! Submit a free admissions application online..
2 Activate Your Student Accounts
When your application has been processed, you’ll receive an acceptance email with your ctcLink ID. Use your ctcLink ID to activate your two student accounts: your ctcLink account and your ClipperID.
3 Plan to Pay
Fill out the FAFSA or WASFA to apply for financial aid (grants and loans) and learn about funding and payment options. List SPSCC as your school on the FAFSA by using school code 005372.
4 Get Placed
Take a Guided Self Placement for English and math or submit test scores or transcripts to get placed in the correct classes.
5 Get Registered
Complete the Pathway Selection Survey and New Student Orientation (NSO) to learn about resources, meet advisors, and pick your Pathway and register for your classes.
$ Pay Tuition & Fees
Finally, don’t forget to pay tuition and fees online or in person by the deadline. You can be dropped from classes you registered for if you don’t pay on time. Payment plans are available.
Transition Studies Students (ESOL, High School Diploma (age 18+), and GED) and International Students (coming to SPSCC from another country) follow a different admission and enrollment process. Visit spscc.edu/ admissions for more specific information on how to get started!
360-596-5440 outreach@spscc.edu NEED
spscc.edu/admissions/steps
Funding & Costs
The cost to attend SPSCC varies based on your residency status, credit load, and other factors. Annual tuition & fees are about $4,805 plus $900 for books and supplies for a full-time Washington State resident who takes 15 credits per quarter.
Complete the FAFSA or WASFA
Completing the FAFSA or WASFA is your first (and most important) step to getting free financial aid funding.
Visit spscc.edu/admissions/financial-aid to find out what financial awards, grants, and loans you can receive from the federal or state government.
Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships and grants provide financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, helping you cover your educational expenses.
Worker Retraining
Worker Retraining is a state-funded program to help recently unemployed or military-discharged students retrain in a new field to re-enter the workforce. Students who qualify may be eligible to receive funding for tuition & fees, books, transportation, childcare, or tools.
Veteran Benefits
Our Veteran & Military Services connects you with peers and resources to support your success at SPSCC. Knowledgeable staff serve as a liaison between you and the Department of Veteran Affairs for instruction, advising, and funding support.
Explore more funding options like student jobs, work study, third-party payments, loans, and more at spscc.edu/admissions/funding
Hey, High Schoolers!
Are you a current high school student? Dual Credit programs allow you to take college classes at your high school or at SPSCC tuition free! Visit spscc.edu/programs/high-school-dual-credit to learn more.
Terms to Know
Transfer
Students who earn credits at SPSCC before applying and enrolling at another college or university will be able to transfer their credits (or sometimes a degree) to that institution.
AA & AS
Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and other Associate Degrees are 2-year degrees designed to prepare a student for earning a bachelor’s (4-year) degree. Some AA and AS degrees are also Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degrees, which ensures the degree will be accepted if the student transfers to a public 4-year university in Washington State.
DTA
Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degrees are a convenient and affordable way to pay for college. After completing an AA-DTA degree at SPSCC, students can transfer to a public 4-year university in Washington as a college junior. Most private Washington schools, and many public colleges out-of-state, will also accept a DTA degree.
AAS
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees are generally designed to provide direct workforce skills and are not transferable.
AAS-T
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degrees are professional-technical degrees with a core of general education courses commonly accepted in transfer. These are specifically associated with one single 4-year college or university for transfer.
BS
Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees build on the education and training from a 2-year associate degree. Students must complete specific prerequisites to enroll in bachelor’s degree programs.
Certificate
Certificates are awarded after completing a shorter program (90 credits or less) that concentrates on a specific expertise rather than an entire course of study. Certificates are not transferable.
All Degrees & Certificates
Certificates
Accounting Clerk
Baking and Pastry Arts
Basic Automotive Technology
Basic Machining Technologies
Business Operations Coordinator
State Early Childhood Education (series)
Computer Support I
CPA Requirement
Entrepreneurship
Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)
Leadership Skills
Medical Coding & Billing
Office Coordinator
Paralegal Plus Post-Bachelor Certificate
Parenting Skills
Basic Welding
Flux Cord Arc Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Associate in Arts -
Direct Transfer Agreement
Art, Media & Performance
Communications & Writing
International Issues & Global Relations
Government, Public Administration & Law
Justice, Equity, Diversity & Identity
Languages & Linguistics
Music
Social Services & Education
Direct Transfer Agreement
Associate in Biology
Associate in Business
Associate in Computer Science
(Tracks: General, Cybersecurity & Network Administration, and
Software Development)
Associate in Nursing
Associate in Pre-Nursing
Associate in Applied Science
Accounting
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
Automotive Technology
Business Administration
Cybersecurity and Network Administration
Dental Assisting
Early Childhood Education
Information Technology Computer Support
Information Systems
Machining Technologies
Medical Assisting
Welding Technology
Office Administration Specialist
Paralegal
Software Development
Associate in Applied Science - Transfer
Culinary Arts
Craft Brewing & Distilling
Early Childhood Education
Associate in Science - Transfer
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
Engineering & Physics
General Science
Physical Science
Bachelor of Science
Computer Science
Explore all of these programs, degrees, career pathways, and more at spscc.edu/programs
Running Start
Save a lot of money
Start your 4-year university experience debt-free! Earning an AA at the same time as your high school diploma and transferring to a university as a junior saves you and your at least family $10,000.
Be independent
Work on or off campus, pick your own schedule, or get more sleep. Running Start students enjoy being more independent than their high school peers and learning with students of all ages and backgrounds. You can even study abroad!
Succeed academically
Running Start students successfully complete more than 85% of their courses at SPSCC. Join more than 1,300 other Running Start students who are focused on their educational goals.
Get ahead in the summer
Summer Running Start gives you the chance to complete required courses and stay on track for your high school and college goals in a shorter 8-week quarter.
The Running Start program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn tuition-free college credits in-person or online. Some students even graduate high school with an associate degree! This program is open to high school enrolled and homeschooled 11th and 12th graders. Visit spscc.edu/running-start to learn more!
Transition Studies
Transition Studies programs prepare you to enter college level courses or the workplace by teaching ESL, basic math and computers, or helping you complete your high school diploma or GED®. Most programs have class options in Olympia, Lacey, Yelm, and online.
Adult Basic Education
ABE classes help you build English and math skills to prepare for pre-college and college level course work. Classes are $35 or less per quarter.
High School+
High School+ is a self-paced high school completion program for people age 18 or older. Earn a high school diploma instead of a GED®. Classes are $35 or less per quarter.
I-BEST
I-BEST programs allow you to build English and math skills while taking college level classes. Classes are taught by two teachers to provide extra support.
ESOL
ESOL has six levels of classes to help speakers of others languages improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Classes are $35 or less per quarter.
Basic Computer Skills
Learn the computer skills to be successful at college with a low-cost, noncredit digital literacy course. Classes are $35 or less per quarter.
GED® Prep
GED® Preparation Classes classes help students prepare for GED® testing.
GET STARTED 360-596-5317 | transitionstudies@spscc.edu spscc.edu/programs/transition-studies
Arts & Communications
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university where you could study arts, communication, media, and much more.
Whether you want to direct a film, join a theater group, write for an online publication, or paint your masterpiece, you begin by choosing our Arts & Communications Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AA-DTA: Art, Media & Performance
AA-DTA: Communications & Writing
AA-DTA: Music
Key:
AA = Associate in Arts
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
After earning a transfer degree, you can go on to major in:
Art
Communication Studies
Drama
English
Film
Music
Philosophy
Automotive, Welding & Machining
This pathway prepares you to go to work, advance your industry value, and reach your career goals quickly.
Work with leading-edge tools and equipment to solve problems and get creative across several growing trades. Auto technician, machinist, or welder —set a target on your career via our Automotive, Welding, & Machining Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AAS-T: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
AAS: Automotive Technology
AAS: Welding Technology
Certificate: Basic Automotive Technology
Certificate: Basic Welding
Certificate: Flux Cord Arc Welding
Certificate: Gas Metal Arc Welding
Certificate: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Certificate: Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Certificate: Basic Machining Technologies
AAS: Machining Technologies
Key:
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
AAS-T = Associate in Applied Science - Transfer
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go to work in the fields of:
Automotive Technology
Machining Technologies
Welding Technology
Business, Finance & Office Administration
This pathway prepares you to head straight to work or transfer to a university, depending on your goals.
Learn how to organize, plan, and manage in the fast-paced world of business. From small businesses to Fortune 500 environments, your future as an accountant, advertising executive, or administrative assistant begins in our Business, Finance & Office Administration Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AAS: Accounting
Certificate: Accounting Clerk
Certificate: CPA Requirement
DTA: Associate in Business
Certificate: Entrepreneurship
AAS: Business Administration
Certificate: Business Operations Coordinator
AAS: Office Administration Specialist
Certificate: Office Coordinator
Certificate: Medical Coding & Billing
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go directly to work or continue on at a university in the following areas:
Accounting
Business
Business Administration
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Office Technology & Administration
Key:
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
Cultural Studies
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university where you could study anthropology, justice and equity work, linguistics, and much more.
You’re passionate about diversity, culture, and human connection. Become an urban planner, translator for a literary publisher, archaeologist, language interpreter, or advocate for cultures around the world. Your future— and its limitless possibilities—starts by choosing our Cultural Studies Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AA-DTA: International Issues & Global Relations
AA-DTA: Justice, Equity, Diversity & Identity
AA-DTA: Languages & Linguistics
After earning a transfer degree, you can go on to major in:
Anthropology
History
Humanities
International/Intercultural Studies
Languages
Key:
AA = Associate in Arts
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
Food, Beverage Arts & Hospitality
This pathway prepares you to go to work, advance your industry value, and reach your career goals quickly.
Run a kitchen, manage a resort, prepare high-quality meals for a diverse set of patrons, or create microbrews in the Pacific Northwest’s booming craft brew and distilling industry. Whatever your goal, it starts in our Food, Beverage Arts, and Hospitality Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts
AAS-T: Craft Brewing & Distilling
AAS-T: Culinary Arts
Key:
AAS-T = Associate in Applied Science - Transfer
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go directly to work or continue on at a university in the following areas:
Baking & Pastry Arts
Craft Brewing & Distilling
Culinary Arts
Government, Public Administration & Law
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university or head straight to work, depending on your goals.
Be one of the people changing the world at the highest level—advocate for the under-privileged, participate in political bodies and movements, develop policy, or prepare for law school. Begin by choosing our Government, Public, and Nonprofit Administration Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AA-DTA: Government, Public Administration & Law
AAS: Paralegal
Certificate: Paralegal Plus Post-Bachelor Certificate
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go directly to work or continue on at a university in the following areas:
Criminal Justice
Paralegal
Political Science
Pre-Law
Key:
AA = Associate in Arts
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
Healthcare
Classes in this pathway give you key skills and real-world experience to graduate and reach your career goals quickly in many areas of Allied Health.
You understand the importance of health and peace of mind— whether you’re tending to a patient, studying diseases, providing dietary counsel, or documenting important medical information, our Healthcare Pathway will set you on a course to making a difference every day.
Degrees in this Pathway
AAS: Dental Assisting
Certificate: Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary (EFDA)
AAS: Medical Assisting
Certificate: Medical Coding & Billing
DTA: Associate in Nursing
DTA: Associate in Pre-Nursing
AS-T: General Science
DTA: Associate in Biology
After earning a degree, you can go on to major in:
Dental Assisting
Medical Assisting
Medical Coding & Billing
Naturopathic Medicine
Nursing
Nutrition
Physical Therapy
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
Key:
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
AS-T = Associate in Science - Transfer
Information Technology
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university or head straight to work, depending on your goals.
Put your passions to work in one of the most relevant and in-demand industries—Information Technology. Become a game developer, civil engineer, or cybersecurity expert and work in virtually any industry and in any country. Take your next step into our Information Technology Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AAS: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
AAS-T: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
DTA: Associate in Computer Science (Tracks: General, Cybersecurity & Network Administration, and Software Development)
AAS: Cybersecurity and Network Administration
AAS: Information Systems
AAS: Information Technology Computer Support
Certificate: Computer Support I
AAS: Software Development
BS: Computer Science
Key:
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
AAS-T = Associate in Applied Science - Transfer
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
BS = Bachelor of Science
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go directly to work or continue on at a university in the following areas:
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Technology
Computer Science
Cybersecurity and Network Administration
Information Systems
Information Technology Support
Science, Engineering & Math
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university where you could study engineering, math, biology, and much more.
You have a passion for exploration, research, and innovation. Study gene expression in a lab, manage electrical systems, design buildings, or chart the stars. While the possibilities are limitless, you begin by choosing our Science, Engineering, and Math Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AS-T: General Science
AS-T: Engineering & Physics
AS-T: Physical Science
DTA: Associate in Biology
After earning a degree, you can go on to major in:
Architecture
Astronomy
Biology
Botany
Chemistry
Earth
Science
Engineering
Geology
Math
Key:
AS-T = Associate in Science - Transfer
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
Oceanography
Physics
Science
Social Services & Education
This pathway prepares you to transfer to a university or head straight to work, depending on your goals.
You’re passionate about improving others’ lives—whether you’re educating young minds or observing human interaction, you can begin making a difference with our Social Services and Education Pathway.
Degrees in this Pathway
AA-DTA: Social Services & Education
AAS: Early Childhood Education
AAS-T: Early Childhood Education
Certificate State Early Childhood Education
Series:
Certificate: Leadership Skills
Certificate: Parenting Skills
After earning a degree or certificate, you can go directly to work or continue on at a university in the following areas:
Early Childhood Education
Education
Parent Education
Psychology
Social Work
Sociology
Key:
AAS = Associate in Applied Science
AAS-T = Associate in Applied Science - Transfer
DTA = Direct Transfer Agreement
Next Steps Workshops
