Austin Community College (ACC) has approved a new associate’s degree in architecture that will guide students toward university architectural programs, the college announced on its website.
The program is already fully enrolled and will serve 30-45 students annually once it is fully operational.
Previously ACC had offered only an Associate of Applied Science degree for students who were seeking a workforce credential and direct job entry, but the new degree “will focus on creating a transfer pathway for those seeking a bachelor’s degree or higher,” the announcement says.
Assistant Department Chair Erlene Clark commented, “This a growing industry, but the pipeline into a career is limited… Our goal is to provide new opportunities that better meet students where they are – whether that’s going straight into the workforce or continuing on to become a registered architect.”
The U.S. Department of Labor projects demand for architects will grow 8% from 2018 to 2028.
The cost for two years (60 credits) at ACC is $5,100, which is significantly cheaper than tuition at four-year schools. The new associate of science degree will provide transfer opportunities through the college’s existing transfer agreements with:
- Texas Tech College of Architecture;
- Prairie View A&M University;
- Texas A&M University;
- University of Houston;
- University of Texas at Arlington; and
- University of Texas at San Antonio.
