Public & Social Services Change Lives.

Austin Community College Public & Social Services division offers career paths for students ready to make a difference serving their communities. Students who are interested in fire science, social work, or criminal justice should explore these options.

Emergency Response & Disaster Management

• State-of-the-art public safety training facility
• Firefighter Academy
• Texas Peace Officer Training

Social Services

• Associates of arts (AA) in Social Services
• Associates of arts (AA) in General Human Services
• Associates of arts (AA) in Addiction Counseling and the Advanced Certificate in Addiction Counseling

Paralegal Training

• Classes taught by licensed attorneys
• Flexible evening and weekend courses
• AAS Associate of applied science (AAS) and advanced technical certificate training programs

ACC Public & Social Services – Start Here

• Apply to ACC
• Meet virtually with your advisor to map out your educational plan
• Register for classes
• Apply for financial aid and tuition exemptions if eligible

• American Sign Language-Interpreter Training

  • Help connect the world between signed and spoken language with American Sign Language. The Austin Community College program prepares you to develop interpreting skills for a wide range of settings and a knowledge of Deaf culture. Dedicated faculty composed of native ASL-users prepare you for multiple certificates, associate degree, and a credit transfer agreement with Gallaudet University’s Interpreting Program.

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• Criminal Justice

  • Take on the big responsibility of protecting and serving the community with Austin Community College’s Criminal Justice Program. Through hands-on training at the Public Safety Training Center at Hays Campus, you’ll learn practical and accessible training in the guidelines, procedures, and assorted skills to prepare you for emergencies, communication, crime prevention, investigation, and report writing. You must meet with the department chair prior to registration.

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• Emergency Management

  • Preparing for a crisis has never been more important. As one of the only programs of its kind, Austin Community College’s Emergency Management Program provides you skills and knowledge to reduce the loss of property and life. You’ll learn to design and implement an emergency plan, develop effective oral and written skills, and practice skills that could make a difference in a time of need.

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• Fire Protection Technology

  • Become a professional firefighter with Austin Community College’s Fire Technology Program. We offer certificate and degree options to help you gain entry-level firefighter skills or advance your leadership credentials. Our state-accredited regional training academy is a rigorous but rewarding 16-week program that prepares you for the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s certification exam in basic fire suppression. If you’re interested in a firefighter career, you can apply for ACC’s Fire Academy.

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• Human Services

  • Provide crucial support to families, individuals, and communities through Austin Community College’s Human Services Program. You’ll learn the theory and solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges for direct-service employment. With an associates degree in several specializations as well as certificates, you’ll be prepared for both entry-level employment and career advancement.

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• Paralegal

  • Become a critical part of the legal world through Austin Community College’s Paralegal Program. Faculty made up of working attorneys help you develop the comprehensive skills needed to be successful through research, draft, and document legal matters. Courses also are offered on nights and weekends to prepare you to function as a working paralegal. This program also offers an advanced technical certificate for those who have a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree.

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• Social Work

  • Support our most vulnerable populations with a career in social work. The Austin Community College program prepares you to help address the needs of individuals, families, and communities through a variety of perspectives, broad-based learning, and field experiences. Completing your associate degree opens doors to the workforce and provides transferable credits to complete a bachelor’s degree.

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• Firefighter Academy

  • The Austin Community College Fire Training Academy is a state-accredited regional training program that prepares you for an entry-level position as a professional firefighter. Graduates of our training academy are located throughout Central Texas and beyond - making a difference in the communities they serve.

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