Associate in Arts, DTA - Environmental Sustainability Specialization

The Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) is a statewide transfer degree recognized by all Washington State public baccalaureate institutions and many private colleges. It provides students with a broad foundation in the liberal arts and is designed to support a seamless transition into bachelor’s degree programs.

The Environmental Sustainability Specialization prepares students for advanced study in sustainability, with a focus on transferring as an Environmental Sustainability major to the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). This interdisciplinary field is designed for students interested in environmental issues and their impact on human social and economic systems, without requiring a science-intensive background. The curriculum integrates natural and social sciences to explore sustainability from multiple perspectives.

Upon transfer to UWT, students may choose one of four areas of emphasis:

• Environmental Policy and Law

• Environmental Communication

• Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability

• Environmental Education

Environmental Sustainability majors are expected to demonstrate strong skills in communication, writing, and computer literacy. Additional prerequisite coursework may be required depending on the chosen emphasis.

Students planning to transfer to institutions other than UWT should consult with an environmental sustainability advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and transfer alignment.

Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with an academic advisor to develop an education plan that meets both degree requirements and the specific admission criteria of their intended transfer institution. Many courses required for this specialization have prerequisites or are offered only once or twice a year. Some universities or education programs may require additional prerequisites, a minimum GPA, or a competitive application process.