Workforce Career and Technical Education Programs
Industry partners tell us our ability to offer innovative programs that match students with employer needs through career-focused education is more important than ever. Our quest to be a transformational and relevant educational force for our students and the region is an institutional priority. Seattle Colleges offers more than 130 career and technical education (CTE) programs, ranging from short term certificate programs, to associate and applied bachelor’s degrees. Our eight areas of study align with industry and training needs:
- Arts, Design & Graphics
- Business & Accounting
- Culinary, Hospitality & Wine
- Education & Human Services
- Health & Medical
- Skilled Trades & Technician Training
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math – STEM
- Social Sciences, Humanities & Languages
Learn more about any of our programs.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs of one to seven quarters in length prepare graduates for employment in a wide variety of professional and technical careers. Requirements include satisfactory completion of an approved program of study with a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. For admission to a certificate program, an applicant must be at least 18 or be a high school graduate.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree prepares students to compete for employment through development of technical and related skills needed for success in a particular occupational field.
"Stackable" Educational Programs
Several of our certificate and associate programs allow students the opportunity to continue on a pathway to a higher certificate or degree. These programs are specifically designed to build or “stack” sequential skills and credits. On completion of each step, students can return to the workplace with added skills or they can continue building additional skills at the next level in the stackable program. Taken together, these programs lead to a sequence of increasing skills, potential job advancement, and/or cumulative credits toward a higher certificate or degree.
Apprenticeships
Seattle Colleges trains more than 3,000 apprentices and journey-level workers annually in more than 50 different trades. Our specialty training centers provide classroom and laboratory space with training equipment focused upon specific trade training needs. Apprenticeship programs offer immediate employment while training at family-wage jobs.
Each apprenticeship program offers certificate options. The variety of certificates plus an associate degree option provide students with the flexibility to reach their personal goals. With the completion of only a few classes outside of their apprenticeship training, apprentices can earn an AAS-T degree in Multi-Occupational Trades, which is transferable into any of Washington State's Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree programs, as well as programs at colleges that have an AAS-T articulation agreement with Seattle Colleges.
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degrees
Seattle Colleges offers bachelor's degrees that create educational pathways, build on two-year technical degrees, and expand career opportunities. Compared to traditional bachelor’s degrees, B.A.S. degrees incorporate more applied, hands-on learning focused on a particular industry, and include strong internship components. They often offer credit for prior learning and workplace experience. Learn more about our B.A.S. programs.