Liberal Arts Programs

#Colleges offering Liberal Arts

Pick a college to see its full plan — every required course, which ones transfer to the school you want, and what’s open now.

Liberal Arts is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →

Degree requirements by college

Expand a college to see the courses required for graduation. Data sourced from each college's official catalog.

#Common Liberal Arts courses

• ENGL 99English Skills(80 sections)
• ENGL 201The Research Paper(35 sections)
• ENGL 98English Composition Corequisite Support(21 sections)
• ENGL 90English Fundamentals(17 sections)
• ENGL 95Academic Reading and Writing(17 sections)
• ENGL 97Beginning Grammar and Writing(14 sections)
• ENGL 117Accelerated Support for ENGL& 101 Success(14 sections)
• PHIL 102Contemporary Moral Issues(11 sections)
• ENGL 93English Language Learners Introductory College Reading and Writing II(10 sections)
• PHIL 110Ethics and Policy In Healthcare I(10 sections)
• ENGL 126Poetry Writing(9 sections)
• ENGL 188Special Topics In Academic Writing(9 sections)

Frequently asked questions

What is a liberal-arts degree good for?

Almost exclusively transfer. The liberal-arts AA isn't a career-track degree on its own; it's the first two years of a bachelor's, packaged so you can complete it at much lower tuition before moving to a four-year school. The major you eventually declare at the four-year (English, history, sociology, psychology, business, etc.) determines your career path.

Will all my liberal-arts credits transfer to a Washington four-year university?

If you complete the full associate of arts at a SBCTC college, yes — under Washington's statewide articulation agreement, the entire degree transfers as a block to any public four-year, giving you junior standing. Where students lose credits is by taking random courses outside the structured AA pathway. Talk to your transfer advisor early.

Can I save money by doing my first two years at community college?

Yes, often substantially. Washington community college tuition is typically less than half what a state university charges, and the credits transfer 1:1 if you stick to the structured AA. Two years of saved tuition often translates to $20–40k less debt at graduation.

How long does the liberal-arts associate take?

Two years full-time (60 credits). Many students complete it in three or more years on a part-time schedule — community colleges build their evening, weekend, and online sections around working students.

Compare Liberal Arts programs in other states

Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how Washington’s liberal arts programs stack up.

#Other programs in Washington

Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.