At Highline College we offer over 100 professional-technical degrees and certificates to help jump-start your career in today's competitive workplace. Whether you have a job or need help finding the career that's right for you, Highline can help.
Depending on the program, you'll earn a certificate or an associate degree and be ready to enter your chosen career field. Since most of these programs are designed to help you with your career, they're not designed to transfer to a four-year college. But some transfer opportunities are available. One of our advisers can help you decide what's right for you.
Are you working now? We offer day, evening and weekend courses, so you can find what works with your schedule.
Community college grads out-earn bachelor's degree holders (CNNMoney)
Employment surges for community college grads (USA Today)
Study highlights widening gap between college grads and those without degrees (Seattle Times)
You will find Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees in a variety of fields. The AAS degree will prepare you for successful employment in a professional or technical area. Some AAS degrees have pathways to Bachelor of Applied Science degrees or other bachelor's degree options. The main goal of AAS degrees is to prepare graduates for careers in high-demand areas.
You will find a few professional-technical programs where you can earn an Associate of Applied Science–Transfer (AAS–T) degree. The AAS–T is built upon the technical courses required for job preparation but also includes a college-level general education component, which is common in structure for all such degrees.
Now you can earn a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at Highline in four programs: Cybersecurity and Forensics, Global Trade and Logistics, Respiratory Care, and Youth Development. These programs build on Highline's strong AAS degree programs and will help you gain skills and knowledge and put you on the path to higher wages and promotion.
You can earn a Certificate of Completion (CC) by completing a professional-technical education program requiring a minimum of 45 credits. Each program consists of at least three quarters and has specific requirements. Students must complete at least one-half of the required credits at Highline with a 2.0 minimum overall GPA.
Short Certificates range from 5 to 44 credits and are part of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Some AAS degrees include several stackable Short Certificates. Short Certificates are focused on specific skills relevant to the profession.
1Apply to Highline: If you've never attended Highline before, apply for admissions here. If you're a returning Highline student, get started here.
2Plan Ahead for Expenses: Apply for financial aid here with college code #003781. You'll find a wealth of information at Financial Aid, including deadlines and much more. Helpful hints: Other funding sources include Workforce Education Services and WorkFirst. Be sure to check the Financial Aid Portal regularly for financial aid status and awards.
3Activate myHighline: Your myHighline account is your key to Highline. You will use it to participate in classes, take MyMathTest, receive school communication, pay for parking and more.
4Assess Your Starting Point: Some programs require placement. Program placement can be determined using high school transcripts, GED scores, placement tests you’ve already taken or by testing. Visit the Placement Center website for more information.
5Get Oriented: If this is your first time attending college, you are required to participate in orientation. Visit Advising Center for details. Interested in a campus tour? Email the Outreach Department.
6Decide on a Program of Study: What career choices are good for you? What are you interested in studying? Advisers are available on a drop-in basis or by e-advising to support you with educational planning and course selection. Bring college transcripts if you have them.
Take a look at a comparison between Highline and four-year public and private colleges.
Social Sciences, Human Services, Law & Philosophy
Lawyers and psychologists are some professionals in Social Sciences, Human Services, Law & Philosophy. A desire to help others and good communications skills are essential in this area.
Certificates of Achievement
(19 credits or less)
Certificates of Completion
(45 or more credits)
AAS (90 or more credits)
Applied Bachelor Degree