ACC, SWT collaborate to expand students’ high-tech horizons

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Austin Community College and Southwest Texas State University have joined forces to expand educational opportunities for students in the field of semiconductor manufacturing.

ACC President Richard FontZ( and SWT President Jerome Supple recently signed an articulation agreement that will ensure students in ACC’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program can transfer credits into bachelor’s degree programs at SWT.

Students will be able to transfer up to 66 credit hours toward Bachelor of Science in Technology or Industrial Technology degree programs. That’s about half of the 132 hours needed to graduate.

Continuing their education to a four-year degree gives students a better chance of moving into management or other higher-level jobs in the semiconductor industry.

An articulation agreement provides students a clear understanding in advance of what courses will transfer and how best to prepare for the four-year program. The agreement takes effect immediately, so students interested in pursuing a four-year degree can begin planning for it right away.

“We are very happy that ACC and Southwest Texas have been able to work together to provide additional opportunities for our students,” said Mike Midgley, dean of computer studies and advanced technology at ACC.

Robert Gratz, vice president of academic affairs at SWT, said the newest collaboration between the two institutions is particularly exciting. “This program meets a real need by making it easier for students who have completed the ACC program to gain more advanced skills as they prepare for greater responsibilities in new professional areas,” Gratz said. “This newest agreement provides another important resource for the Austin area semiconductor industry and for related technology industries. We look forward to many future opportunities to build an even stronger partnership with ACC.