Talent: Universities and Colleges
There are eight public and private universities and colleges in the Austin region that provide an ample supply of well-educated workers. Within a 200 mile radius, there are another 67 four-year colleges and universities. Visit www.austinchamber.com/DoBusiness/GreaterAustinProfile/education.html to view the list.
University of Texas Austin— Transforming lives for the benefit of society.
UT Austin is the largest institution of The University of Texas System. The University of Texas at Austin is a major research university home to more than 48,000 students, 2,700 faculty and 19,000 staff members.
Annual research funding reached $497 million in 2006-07 and more than 400 patents have been awarded to the university since its inception. In science and engineering doctor's awarded, the university ranks 7th in the nation and first in Texas. UT Austin has more than 100 research units with some recently created to lead discovery in emerging areas of science (see more under the Research tab on this website).
UT Austin Department of Biomedical Engineering
UT Austin College of Natural Sciences
UT Austin College of Pharmacy
Is a joint venture among the UT Austin Department of Biomedical Engineering and segments of the UTMD Anderson Cancer Center and the UT Health Science Center at Houston. The Department fosters an environment unique to the Biomedical Engineering community and excels in both fundamental research and its translation to clinical applications. The mission of the Department is to educate undergraduate and graduate students in the fundamentals of engineering and science as they relate to medicine, and to perform multi-disciplinary, disease-oriented research at the molecular and cellular levels. Key research areas include Cellular and Molecular Imaging, Cellular and Bio-Molecular Engineering and Computational Biomedical Engineering. A new $55 million, 148,000 square foot facility is under construction on the UT Austin campus and is scheduled for completion in mid-2008.
The College of Natural Sciences is the second largest college at The University of Texas at Austin, with 9 departments and schools, over 8,000 students, and 33 research units. The college is committed to providing a high-quality, research-based science education. Students in the college choose from majors in areas as diverse as biology/pre-med, chemistry, molecular biology, mathematics, ecology, computer science, child development, nanotechnology, and nutrition. UTeach and the Dana Center for Mathematics and Science Education are nationally recognized science education programs.
In addition to well-equipped classrooms, laboratories and offices, the Pharmacy Building provides a Student Computer Laboratory and a computer teaching lab including pharmaceutical technology laboratories with facilities for product development, pilot manufacturing, sterile production and quality control, and stability testing. The University Health Services Pharmacy, located in the Student Services Building one block away, also serves as a teaching laboratory for fourth-year pharmacy students, while providing comprehensive pharmaceutical services to the student community.
Texas State University
Texas State's 28,132 students choose from 110 bachelor's, 88 master's and seven doctoral degree programs offered by the following colleges: Applied Arts, McCoy College of Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science, University College and the Graduate College.
Texas State students come from around the globe. More than 29 percent of Texas State students are ethnic minorities. In fact, Texas State is ranked among the top 20 universities in the nation for the number of degrees we grant to Hispanic undergraduates. Texas State's main campus is in San Marcos, a growing community of nearly 50,000 people about halfway between Austin and San Antonio.
Since 2005, Texas State has also offered bachelor's and graduate-level courses in Round Rock, Texas, at the Round Rock Higher Education Center (RRHEC) campus, located north of Austin. More than 1,500 students are enrolled at the RRHEC.
Texas State University College of Science
Texas State Center for Coatings and Bio-Based Technology
Texas State Center for Nanophase Research (CNR)
Texas State Nanomaterials Application Center (NAC)
Texas State University Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP)
Texas State Round Rock Higher Education Center
The College of Science prepares undergraduate and graduate students for careers in the natural and physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and technology. The College is committed to nurturing the talents of young scientists by immersing students in a robust curriculum and applied learning experiences in laboratory research, field study, and cutting edge technology. Composed of 185 faculty in six departments and the new Bruce and Gloria Ingram School of Engineering, the College of Science offers a broad spectrum of educational resources, cross-disciplinary training, and career preparedness for our majors.
The CCBT is a self-supporting center funded by contracts, grants, gifts, and industrial partnerships. The mission of the center is to be a leading academic organization that provides scientific knowledge for understanding and expanding the technology of coatings and of sustainable raw materials as they relate to paints, coatings, polymers, cement additives, and fibers.
The CNR covers a broad range of research endeavors. One of the major focuses is in the area of polymer/clay nanocomposites. The research in this area encompasses synthesis, characterization, and surface modification of platy nanoparticles, production of polymer nanocomposites via in situ polymerization, melt compounding, and super critical carbon dioxide processing, and molecular modeling of these systems. New areas of research include self assembly of molecules on nanoparticles, interaction of nanoparticles with biological molecules, and nanowires for electronic applications.
The Nanomaterials Application Center brings researchers and emerging technology companies together to expedite commercialization of products. Currently, five startups are closely involved with NAC. One of these has Texas Emerging Technology Funding and another is in the approval process. NAC brings researchers and facilities from within the Texas State University System as well as from other universities working in related areas. While the primary focus is nano-science and nano-engineering applications, the areas of investigation also include the impact on nanotechnology on people and the environment. NAC with the McCoy School of Business provides the resources required for startups to succeed in developing a complete and comprehensive focus for becoming a successful business, which will create employment opportunities.
Research is the principal source of technological innovations and economic expansion for our state and country. The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at Texas State University-San Marcos promotes externally funded research, public service, instruction, training, and other projects. OSP is the central source of information for major government agencies, foundations, and corporations which support research and other sponsored programs.
The RRHEC (Round Rock Higher Education Center) combines the efforts of Texas State University-San Marcos, Austin Community College, and Temple College at Taylor to offer educational opportunities in North Austin and Williamson County. These three great colleges in Texas provide workforce training and development, as well as academic certificate programs. You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree or an Associate's degree.
St. Edwards University
St. Edward's University is an independent Catholic university that welcomes qualified students of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs and serves a culturally diverse student body.
The university's undergraduate programs achieve a balance among the humanities, the sciences and the professions. These programs seek to make graduates competent in a chosen discipline and to help them understand and appreciate the contributions of other disciplines. Graduate and professional development programs prepare individuals to further their life goals and to take advantage of more challenging employment opportunities. Graduates in all programs should be prepared, through training in critical and creative thinking as well as moral reasoning, to analyze problems, propose solutions and make responsible decisions. They should be able to express themselves articulately in both oral and written form. They are encouraged to develop an understanding of the human person that is derived from reason and open to faith.
St. Edward's University School of Natural Sciences
The School of Natural Sciences strives to help our students understand and be able to value their physical, social, academic, and cultural worlds. Through our programs in natural sciences, computer sciences and mathematics, we provide students with knowledge, skills, and experience that prepare them for careers as scientists, mathematicians, or practitioners in a related profession. Our mission is rooted in the University's Mission Statement, which calls for a balance among the humanities, sciences, and the professions. The School of Natural Sciences strongly promotes research and scholarly activities among students and faculty, which in turn provides the ultimate active learning environment for the students and teaches them to be life long learners. We offer programs that provide students with knowledge, skills, and experience to prepare them for careers in biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, computer science, computer information science, forensic chemistry, mathematics or related professions. The School also offers courses such as Science in Perspective, Mathematics for the Liberal Arts, and Environmental Studies, which contribute to the General Education curriculum.
Concordia University Texas
The Board of Regents of Concordia University has taken visionary steps to relocate the campus to 440 acres in Northwest Austin. Approximately 250 acres is located in a nature preserve and the remainder is designated for the University, which is scheduled to open at the new location in Fall 2008. The University will locate its current academic programs and administrative offices into six buildings totaling 195,000 square feet that are already existing on the property. New construction will include a gym, athletic fields and student housing.
Concordia University Texas is a private, coeducational institution of liberal arts and sciences offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Founded in 1926, Concordia also offers an Accelerated Degree Program for part-time students and adult returning students. Degrees relating to the Life Sciences include Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management and Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Concordia is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod; all faiths are welcome.
Concordia University Texas is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees.
Southwestern University - Georgetown
Southwestern's 700-acre campus is located in historic Georgetown, Texas, on the edge of the Texas Hill Country and just north of Austin - the state capital. Southwestern is a selective, four-year, independent, undergraduate national liberal arts college consisting of The Brown College of Arts and Sciences and the Sarofim School of Fine Arts. Liberal arts and sciences curriculum; pre-professional programs in engineering, medicine, law, business, education and theology. Southwestern is the first institution of higher learning in Texas, chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1840. It is affiliated with The United Methodist Church.
Southwestern University - Georgetown Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Southwestern University - Georgetown Department of Biology
Southwestern University - Georgetown Career Services/Internships
Provides a variety of educational experiences for students interested in studying chemistry within a liberal arts environment. Our students gain a strong foundation in the chemical sciences with a focus on an authentic research experience. Our well-equipped teaching and research laboratories and high-quality faculty allow us to successfully prepare our students for placement into top-tier graduate and medical schools. Three of our recent chemistry graduates were awarded highly competitive Graduate Research Fellowships from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Our department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and offers B.S. and B.A. degrees in chemistry and biochemistry as well as a minor in chemistry.
Provides students with the challenge and excitement of learning about living organisms and their relationships to their environment. The courses offered by the department cover a broad range of topics within three main subdivisions of biology: cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, and population biology. Many of the courses have a lecture component combined with a laboratory component. Laboratories are conducted in the Fondren-Jones Science Hall facility as well as at a 17-acre biological field station on the North San Gabriel River.
Career Services strives to build strong relationships with potential employers. The primary mission of Southwestern University Career Services is to assist students, throughout their tenure at the university and beyond, in developing, assessing, and implementing life-long career planning skills that support contributions toward the well-being of society. Employers are encouraged to take a closer look at Southwestern University students for hiring and intern needs. Contact Maria Kruger at 512.863.1671, for information on potential student internships.
Austin Community College (ACC)
As one of only 50 community college districts in Texas, Austin Community College provides access to high-quality education at affordable tuition rates. ACC offers university transfer curriculum, technical certificate programs, two-year associate degrees, and a highly diverse Continuing Education program. The ACC District provides instruction at seven campuses, nine evening centers, and a variety of business and community locations.
Austin Community College Workforce Training
Austin Community College Biotechnology Department
Austin Community College Bio-Link
Austin Community College Pharmacy Technician Department
Austin Community College Medical Laboratory Technology Department
The Austin Community College District is the primary trainer and re-trainer of the Central Texas workforce. The college is mandated by state law to offer a full range of educational programs and services including University transfer; Workforce training and retraining; Continuing Education; Access programs; Adult Education for Basic Education, GED, and ESL; Developmental Education in Reading, Writing, Math, and Study Skills; and Comprehensive student support services.
The Biotechnology Program at Austin Community College works with the local bioscience industry to train students in basic laboratory skills, math skills, genetic engineering, protein purification techniques, cell culture, quality assurance and quality control principles, regulations, bioinformatics, computer skills, ethics, documentation, and teamwork. The curriculum is kept up to date with an annual meeting with industry, visitation of industry sites, faculty externships, and input from adjunct faculty recruited directly from industry. The program has also been recognized by the Texas Skill Standards Board for its adoption and alignment with biotechnology state standards.
For information about job opportunities, training, and trends in the industry, please check out the Bio-link regional center page. Austin Community College is part of the Bio-link network and serves as a regional headquarter.
Pharmacy technicians assist in the preparation and dispensing of medications. A combination of lecture, on-campus laboratory and clinical training prepares graduates for a variety of employment opportunities in community and hospital pharmacies.
Medical lab technicians perform a wide range of routine laboratory procedures such as body-fluid analysis or blood typing. Graduates are eligible for work in hospitals, minor emergency centers, doctors' offices, clinics, and blood donor centers.
