Students who earn a workforce degree at Austin Community College now have the option to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree in business without transferring to a university campus.

The Associate of Applied Science to Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science Degree Program allows students who complete an A.A.S. degree at ACC to seamlessly transition to a bachelor of applied arts and science (B.A.A.S.) degree in business at Concordia University Texas. The program is available beginning fall 2017.

“Many of our students who must balance work and family commitments rely on the convenience and affordability of ACC,” says ACC President/CEO Dr. Richard Rhodes. “This program provides a way for them to earn another valued credential while still attending our ACC campuses.”

ACC students who have completed or have almost completed their two-year A.A.S degree can apply for automatic admission to the B.A.A.S. program. They spend a third year at ACC fulfilling Texas core curriculum requirements. During their fourth year they take Concordia courses taught by the university’s instructors on ACC campuses. The Concordia courses are block-scheduled, meaning classes are grouped and scheduled together at a certain time, such as morning, evening, or weekends. Online options also will be offered.

Students in the program pay ACC tuition for the first three years of the program, and pay Concordia’s tuition the final year. Financial aid and payment plans are offered all four years of the program.

Dr. Lynette Gillis, Concordia associate vice president for graduate studies, says the business competencies emphasized in Concordia’s program, such as critical thinking, leadership, ethics, and spirituality in the workplace, will enhance the applied skills students learn at ACC and prepare them for in-demand jobs.

“Students are not the only ones who gain from the partnership between Concordia and ACC,” she says. “The benefit to our community and region is invaluable.”

Students in the program will have access to facilities, faculty, tutoring, advising, libraries, and other resources at both institutions.

For more information, visit concordia.edu/acc, or contact Dwayne Shorter, Concordia admissions specialist, at 512-313-4634 or dwayne.shorter@concordia.edu.

Tags: 3+1 B.A.A.S., Concordia. 3+1