Associate of Arts and Associate of Science Degrees
Students who successfully complete the degree requirements will be eligible to receive the Associate of Arts degree or the Associate of Science degree from Lone Star College. The general Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees will not list a specific major but will be called associate of arts or associate of science.
Field of Study
Field of study curricula were mandated in Senate Bill 148 of the 75th Texas Legislature (1997). The field of study curricula will satisfy the lower division requirements for a bachelor’s degree in a specific academic area at a general academic teaching institution. The student will receive full academic credit toward the degree program for the block of courses transferred, which will meet that institution’s lower division requirements for the degree program in the field of study into which the student transfers. Check with the transfer institution for general education and degree program requirements.
A student who transfers from one institution of higher education to another without completing the field of study curriculum of the sending institution shall receive academic credit in the field of study curriculum of the receiving institution for each of the courses that the student has successfully completed in the field of study. The field of study curricula that have been approved are: Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Music and Speech Communication.
International Studies
The International Studies Area of Concentration (AOC) is an introduction for freshman/sophomore college students to global studies with an emphasis on the 20th and 21st centuries. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive an AA degree with an AOC in international studies.
By taking a diverse set of courses with a world view, students will broaden their perspectives and gain an appreciation and awareness of the global community. Students desiring to work toward a major in international studies can complete the requirements for the Associate of Arts degree and the AOC hours for international studies. A total of 60 credit hours must be completed to earn an AA degree, including 42 hours of core classes and 18 additional elective credit hours selected by the student.
Texas Tuning Agreements
The following Associate of Science Degrees adhere to the Texas Tuning Agreements that are designed to facilitate transfer for students attending community colleges who intend to complete specific bachelor’s degrees at identified Texas public colleges and universities. These agreements create shared understanding of subject-specific knowledge and transferable skills that students must demonstrate upon completion of degree programs. The “Fine Tuning” (or course alignment) processes involve identifying a set of lower-division courses for a given discipline area and aligning the learning outcomes across institutions in the state to provide a basis for voluntary transfer compacts and articulation agreements.
Associate of Arts in Teaching
This Associate of Arts in Teaching degree is for students interested in acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of education. Courses within the program align with State Board for Educator Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards. The degree plan satisfies the core requirements for baccalaureate programs at four-year institutions that lead to initial Texas teacher certification.
Field experiences are an integral part of become a professional teacher. Courses that are field-based require outside classroom time for observation and experiential learning in Texas Education Agency (TEA) accredited schools.
Honors College
The Honors College is an academic program designed to meet the needs of high-achieving students by providing challenging coursework across a broad range of disciplines. Various graduation distinctions are available for students who pursue Honors College opportunities. More details about The Honors College are available at LoneStar.edu/HonorsCollege.
Honors College Chancellor’s Fellows pursue a two-year, full-time course of study requiring a minimum of 27 honors credit hours toward completion of an associate of arts or associate of science degree. The curriculum includes a six-hour course taken during the first semester, as well as additional required honors courses.
During this two-year plan of study, Fellows take courses that engage and challenge students inside and outside the classroom through small classes and close interaction with dedicated faculty. With an extensive Honors co-curriculum-from leadership training to undergraduate research opportunities to cultural events-The Honors College provides an advanced academic environment preparing graduates for the most competitive university programs and careers.
