Award plans give you 100+ choices

Wherever you want to go, your path starts here with multiple award plans to choose from.

Austin Community College offers 100+ degrees and certificates grouped into 10 broad career areas of study. An associate degree includes 60 credits of coursework and can take approximately two years to complete if you attend full time. Certificates have fewer credits so they take less time to complete.

University transfer awards

In general, if you plan to transfer to a university to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you should complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree. These broad degrees set you up for entering a university as a junior.

Career-technical awards

If you plan to enter the workforce as soon as possible, you should pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate. These provide direct-employment skills for entering a specific industry upon graduation. The applied science associate degree can transfer to universities offering the Bachelor of Applied Science degree.

Continuing Education awards

Our Continuing Education Division offers you a broad range of noncredit options that can help you jump-start into a new career or enhance your current skills. Many of the entry-level job programs allow you to experience a career and build your resume while you continue your studies.

Degree & Certificate Options

Bachelor of Applied Science

The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree is available in the following two majors: Cybersecurity and Software Development.

The BAS in Software Development provides students with a credential that leads to a career in software development. The program provides in-class, online, and competency-based opportunities to learn the science of coding combined with the creative problem-solving that drives software innovation.

The BAS in Cybersecurity prepares students for careers in network security in all industries. The program provides cybersecurity training that employers are looking for to safeguard company networks and data.

Bachelor of Applied Technology

The Bachelor of Applied Technology (BAT) degree is available in the following two pathways: Manufacturing Engineering Technology Bachelors – Associate of Applied Science Pathway and Bachelor of Applied Technology in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Bachelors – Associate of Science in Engineering Pathway.

The BAT degree pathways prepare students to support, collaborate, and lead high-tech manufacturing and engineering operations.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing 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

Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university or college as a junior with the intention of declaring a major in the liberal or fine arts.

Associate of Arts in Teaching

Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university as a junior with a specific teaching major: Early Childhood-Grade 6, Grades 4-8, or Grades 8-12.

Associate of Science

Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university or college as a junior with the intention of majoring in the sciences, math, or engineering.

Associate of Applied Science

Prepares you to enter a specialized career field. You can transfer this degree to universities offering the Bachelor of Applied Science, or check with your program department to learn about possible transfer partnerships in your field.

Certificates - Levels 1 & 2

Prepares you to enter a specialized career/technical field or upgrade your skills for job advancement. Most certificate awards are structured to allow you to move on to a higher level certificate or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. You do not need to meet TSI requirements to enroll in a Level 1 Basic Certificate.

Enhanced Skill Certificate

Pursued after completion of an AAS, prepares you for a career field with more specialized training.

Advanced Technical Skill Certificate

Pursued after the completion of a related bachelor’s or associate degree. Prepares you for a specialized career field.

Occupational Skills Awards

Prepares you to enter a high-demand career field with minimal training.

Continuing Education Certificates and Occupational Skills Awards

Workforce training that leads to job entry but does not count toward a college degree. In some cases, proven competencies may be awarded college credit.