Course Descriptions Information
Course Entry Requirements
Most college-credit courses have one or more skill requirements in reading, writing, or mathematics. (For example, English Composition I requires proficiency in reading and writing.) Proficiency is determined by state-required Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment test to determine college-readiness in reading, writing, and math. Proficiency (or exemption) may also be proved with an official transcript from another college. Students must meet proficiency (or exemption) requirements of all courses. Other requirements, such as course prerequisites or instructional program approval, must also be met. Visit with an academic advisor, counselor, or faculty member for more information about course requirements and prerequisites.
Course Types
The following course types are indicated at the end of each course description in the catalog course descriptions listing:
T—Transfer/Academic Courses: Designated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for transfer among community colleges and state public four-year colleges and universities as freshman and sophomore general education courses. There is no guarantee, however, that a course which “transfers” will apply to a specific major or degree at a four-year college or university.
W—WECM Courses: Designed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as workforce education (technical) courses offered for credit or Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). WECM credit courses are designed to transfer among state community colleges, however, they are not designed to automatically transfer to public four-year college and universities. Continuing education courses do not transfer to semester hour programs or to other colleges.
D—Developmental Courses: Developmental courses offer a review of a specific academic skill to prepare students for college credit course work. Students can improve their academic success by taking the appropriate reading, writing or math course. Developmental courses do not count toward graduation and do not fulfill any degree requirements at Austin Community College.
C—Certificate Only Courses: Certificate courses/programs are designed for the person who is not planning to complete a college degree but wants to learn a marketable skill and secure immediate employment. These courses do not apply to any associate or higher degree program.
Course Numbering System
Austin Community College has adopted the Texas Common Course Number system, which facilitates the identification of courses that transfer among public institutions. As the system is phased in, some disciplines identify courses using the current system (which features a four-letter rubric, e.g. ENGL) and some continue to use the old system (which features a three-letter rubric, e.g. ENG). Courses in both systems are identified by a four- character number (e.g. ENGL 1301).
Under the new common course numbering system, the first digit indicates the level at which the course is taught (e.g. 1=freshman, 2=sophomore). The second number indicates credit-hour value and the third and fourth numbers indicate sequence of the course. For courses using the old system the first digit indicates the level at which the course is taught and the fourth digit indicates the credit-hour value. Developmental courses, which are not transferable and therefore not part of the Texas Common Course Number system, have nevertheless adopted a four-character rubric, though they continue to use the old numbering system.
The three figures in parentheses after the title of each course in the course descriptions listing indicate the number of semester credit hours for the course, the number of lecture hours each week and the number of laboratory or activity hours each week, respectively.
Skills Legend
A : Reading and Special Approval;
B : Reading and Math;
D : Reading, Math, and Special Approval;
E : Reading and Writing;
G : Reading, Writing, and Math;
I : Reading, Writing, and Special Approval;
J : Writing and Math;
K : Writing and Special Approval;
N : Math, Writing, and Special Approval;
O : Reading, Writing, Math, and Special Approval;
P : Special Approval;
R : Reading;
S : Math;
Y : Math and Special Approval;
Z : Writing;
# : Capstone
Allied Health Sciences
In the health sciences areas, more complete or in-depth course descriptions are available from the individual programs.
Honors
Honors courses are available in many discipline areas. For specific offerings, consult the Schedule of Classes. Additional information is available at austincc.edu/honors or call 512-223-2171.
View current and past course descriptions here.
For more information, including a listing of discipline programs and course rubrics, visit https://catalog.austincc.edu/course-descriptions/.