General Education, Basic Studies and ESL
General education and basic studies courses are an important component to a Bates education. You can start now on prerequisite courses if you're on a waitlist for a career education program. Completion of general education requirements for degrees and certificates can complement your industry-specific skills training.
General education courses develop competence in communications, computation and human relations that are necessary to succeed in the workplace and the broader community for professional and personal growth and development. They also provide a foundation for your future educational efforts.
Basic studies courses prepare students to be successful in their general education courses.
No matter where you start in your academics, we can help you reach your goals.
- General Education and High School Schedule (PDF)
- Academic Booklist (PDF)
- Washington 45 Transfer Courses (PDF)
Allied Health Courses
Bates offers several paths for those needing to take prerequisite course for entry into various health field, including our Practical Nurse program. We also offer courses as part of our Pierce County Allied Health program that are aligned on the same calendar as other Pierce County community colleges.
ESL, ABE and GED Courses
Our English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Development (GED) preparation courses help those who need to improve math, reading and writing skills.
These classes transition into general education courses as your skills improve. Adults can start in some career education programs while enrolled in ABE or ESL classes. GED preparation classes help students prepare to take the required five tests for high school equivalency.
Bates offers ABE, GED and ESL classes at the Downtown and South Campuses, and at these off-campus locations:
- Tacoma Goodwill (GED), 714 S. 27th Street, Tacoma
- Salishan Family Investment Center (GED, evening), 1724 E. 44th Street, Tacoma
For more information, call 253.680.7274.
