Associate in Arts, DTA - Interdisciplinary Writing 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 Interdisciplinary Writing Studies Specialization aims to help students build and strengthen their unique voices, harness the energy of language, and make intentional writing choices that empower them to express themselves and promote change. This specialization offers students real-world writing experience and academic preparation for transfer to a wide variety of four-year college or university programs. This degree is also a great choice for students who know they want to transfer but haven't yet decided on an area of interest. This specialization prepares students to transfer to a four-year college as a junior and pursue a diverse range of degrees and careers, including meaningful and fulfilling work in media, education, business, government, publishing, non-profit, law, public relations, communications, and arts sectors. Courses are designed to help students develop the capacity to critically examine power and privilege within print and digital texts; produce effective, audience-centered texts; and develop an inclusive, respectful, and multicultural worldview through engagement with faculty, peers, and locally and nationally recognized writers. 

Graduates are prepared to transfer to bachelor’s programs with junior standing to most Washington State baccalaureate institutions, having satisfied most or all lower-division general education requirements. Students planning to transfer out of state should consult with their intended institution to ensure course transferability.

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. Some universities or education programs may require additional prerequisites, a minimum GPA, or a competitive application process.