Texas A&M University-Central Texas (A&M-Central Texas), located in Killeen, Texas, is an upper-level, regional institution serving Central Texas.  A&M-Central Texas offers junior- and senior-level coursework needed to successfully complete baccalaureate degrees and all coursework leading to the completion of graduate (master’s and specialist) degrees. A&M-Central Texas was established on September 1, 1999, as Tarleton State University-Central Texas, and became a stand-alone university on May 27, 2009, one of 11 universities within the A&M System. A&M-Central Texas became a separately accredited institution in June 2013 through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), retroactive to January 1, 2013. 

A&M-Central Texas traces its roots back to 1973, when the American Technological University (ATU) was formed. In September of 1973, more than 30 years before it would become known as A&M-Central Texas, ATU opened it doors, marking an historical effort on behalf of the citizens of this region to establish an upper-division institution in Central Texas. While the early curriculum placed a great deal of emphasis on technological programs--offering baccalaureate degrees in subjects such as general technology, computer science, and industrial technology--ATU progressed toward the liberal arts as it grew, adding degrees in counseling, psychology, criminal justice, and social work.  This led ATU to officially change its name to the University of Central Texas (UCT) in September 1989. ATU experienced a concurrent growth in enrollment, from approximately 550 student in 1988 to more than 1000 in 1997. In October of 1998, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) supported a proposal from Tarleton State University to facilitate a university system center in Central Texas.  UCT gifted more than $7 million in assets to Tarleton State University to facilitate the formation of this new institution.

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $6.3 billion. Through a statewide network of 11 universities and seven state agencies, the Texas A&M System educates more than 153,000 students and makes more than 22 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. 

History of Name Changes

University Calendars

Date	Day of Week	Event
1973 - 1989		American Technological University
1989 - 1999		University of Central Texas
1999 - 2009		Tarleton State University-Central Texas
2009 - Present		Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Geographic Service Area and Student Population

A&M-Central Texas is located on 672 acres of beautiful land at the intersection of State Highway 195 and State Highway 201 in Killeen. The land was transferred to The Texas A&M University System from the U.S. Army in the summer of 2009. The university’s service area includes Central Texas.  In addition to classes on the main campus, classes are also offered at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Hutto, Texas, and through the RELLIS Academic Alliance at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan.  The university provides a wide range of flexible course schedules, including online, hybrid, evening, and weekend classes.

Full-time faculty, advisors, and support staff are available to assist students with admission, financial aid, degree plans, and career planning.  As an upper-level institution, A&M-Central Texas has developed agreements with Central Texas community colleges that enable a seamless transfer without the loss of credits. In addition, A&M-Central Texas faculty and staff actively engage in dialogue with representatives from area community colleges to monitor instructional need and to ensure appropriate access to educational opportunity at all levels.

The student population at A&M-Central Texas is diverse and growing. The institution currently serves over 3,000 students, and more than 10,000 students have graduated with a baccalaureate or graduate degree since 2009. 

A&M-Central Texas is a member of ArmyIgnitED, a virtual gateway for soldiers on active duty who may request Tuition Assistance (TA) online for classroom, distance learning, and eArmyU online college courses. ArmyIgnitED is used by soldiers as a one-stop shop to pursue and manage their postsecondary educational goals, by Army Education Counselors to provide educational guidance, and by colleges to deliver degree and course offerings and to report soldiers' progress.

Newly admitted A&M-Central Texas students are required to complete an application for admission and meet with an academic advisor to review degree plans. For current students, registration is available online. The university offers programs to assist students with academic advising, special needs, tutoring, counseling, and career services.