Austin Community College (ACC) offers college-level awards in the form of degrees and certificates in a variety of programs. Refer to the Semester Credit Hour (SCH) Requirements information in this catalog for information on the number of credit hours required to earn each award offered at ACC. Consult with an Area of Study advisor to determine the type of award that is best for you.

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) This degree provides graduates of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in that program of study. ACC currently offers a BAS in Software Development.
Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) This degree provides graduates of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Applied Technologies programs, Associate of Science Engineering program, and other applicable programs the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in that program of study. ACC currently offers a BAT in Manufacturing Engineering Technology.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) This degree is specifically designed to prepare graduates of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and nursing diploma programs, who already hold a Registered Nursing (RN) license, with additional skills in management, leadership, theory, and research to succeed and be promoted within the nursing profession.
Associate of Arts (AA) & Associate of Science (AS) These degrees are specifically designed to allow for the transfer and application of credits earned at ACC to the bachelor degree requirements of most public colleges and universities. In addition, completion of an AA or an AS degree at ACC also guarantees completion of the state-mandated core curriculum and the acceptance in transfer of a minimum of 42-semester credit hours toward the general education requirements in a bachelor’s degree at all state supported higher education institutions in Texas (see the Fields of Study section of this catalog for exceptions). The AS degree differs from the AA degree primarily in the amount or level of mathematics required for degree completion so students will be prepared to transfer as a junior majoring in the sciences, math, or engineering. Students may earn two AA or AS degrees as long as 12 credit hours of coursework are unique between the two transfer degrees. The unique course work requirement is waived for students who first earn a General Studies degree.
Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) This degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to a Texas public university as a junior with a specific teaching major. ACC currently offers the following three AAT degrees: Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8, and Grades 8-12.
Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) This degree, offered in technical programs, is designed to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. While the AAS is not focused on transfer, ACC has formal agreements with partner universities that allow transferability of courses in some ACC programs. Additionally, within many of the technologies, short-term certificate programs are offered, which can be completed in less than two years, that also prepares students for employment. Certificates may be awarded before or at the same time as the AAS in the same program of study.

In general, if you plan to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you should plan on completing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in your program of interest. These degrees are broad and set you up for transferring to a university with junior (Year 3) status.

If you plan to enter the workforce as soon as possible, you might want to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Certificate in your program of interest. These are typically focused on preparing you for careers in a specific industry upon graduation.

Refer to the Graduation section of the catalog for information on graduation requirements, award limitations, and other related information.

For more information on the types of degree and certificate choices at ACC, visit Award Descriptions.

See the Degrees & Certificate Listing by Award Type section of this catalog to view a current listing of degrees and certificates offered at ACC.

See the Online Degrees & Certificates section of this catalog for information on ACC Online flexible distance education options.

See the Z-Classes & Z-Degrees section of this catalog for information on degrees that can be completed entirely with zero textbook cost classes.