Get your first two years of college done the easy, affordable way at Pierce College.
A university transfer degree from Pierce College satisfies the first two years of coursework required at four-year colleges and universities, but at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, you'll enjoy smaller class sizes, individual attention from instructors, and the convenience of a campus close to home.
Completion of any of the two-year degrees listed below allows transfer to any public four-year college in Washington. It is also possible to tailor your degree for transfer to the school of your choice.
Get a jumpstart on a bachelor's degree and beyond at Pierce College today!
For a detailed explanation of the university transfer process at Pierce College, as well as online and other transfer resources, see the Step-by-Step University Transfer Process.
Degrees Offered
Below you can find the associate and university transfer degrees offered at Pierce College You can find more indepth information in the catalog.
To help keep track of your credits, also download the Associate of Arts Worksheet and the Educational Planner Worksheet.
Associate's Degrees
- The Associate of Arts (AA) is for liberal arts transfer students. It is also sometimes known as the DTA Associate degree. These degrees can be tailored to your university of choice.
- The Associate of Science (AS) is for science transfer students and is offered on two tracks, depending on the field of study.
Direct Transfer Degrees
Direct transfer associate's (DTA) degrees are also available in specific fields. These degrees satisfy the lower division general education (core) requirements and lower division degree-related requirements of four-year institutions.
- Business
- Biology
- Education
- Health Science
Understanding Transfer Requirements
Transfer requirements vary by university, so it's helpful to choose your transfer destination early. Review the requirements for your intended four-year school (transfer guides from several local universities are available on our Web site), as well as the requirements specific to your planned major. Then, meet regularly with your Pierce College advisor to ensure you're on track with those requirements.
Remember, your Pierce College advisor is here to help you get the courses you need to achieve your goals. They will work closely with you throughout your time at Pierce.
Also, check our transfer news sections from Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup for the latest events and information.
The Higher Education Coordinating Board defines policy for courses accepted for transfer at Washington's public colleges and universities. Admissions deadlines and requirements for public four-year colleges and private four-year colleges are available on our Web site, but students are asked to double-check those requirements with the university to ensure accuracy.
For more information, talk to your faculty advisor, visit a Pierce College advising center, or speak to an admissions officer from the four-year institution to which you plan to transfer.
Requirements for All Transfer Degrees
While Pierce College allows students to earn more than 90 credits, some four-year institutions may allow no more than 90 credits to apply to your chosen field of study. Be sure to check with the four-year institution to determine their specific policy. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their courses are acceptable for transfer.
College preparatory courses, as well as those numbered below 100, are not acceptable for transfer.
Alliance Benefits for Students and Alumni
Pierce College has partnered with Capella University to provide reduced-cost online degree options to students and alumni.
Earn your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a number of fields at Capella University and receive a 10 percent tuition discount. Capella will also waive their $75 application fee.
To learn more, visit the Capella University Web site at www.capella.edu/pierce. Or, call a Capella enrollment counselor at (888) 642-0289.
