Lone Star College-University Park: Programs and Courses for Academic and Career Success
Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) offers a wide array of programs and courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for academic advancement, career success, and personal enrichment. From associate degrees and certificates to university partnerships for bachelor's and advanced degrees, LSC-University Park provides adaptable study routes to meet diverse student needs.
Comprehensive Education Programs
LSC-University Park is dedicated to providing comprehensive educational opportunities that cater to a broad spectrum of students, including those with disabilities.
Occupational and Life Skills Associate (OLSA) Program
The Occupational and Life Skills Associate (OLSA) program is a four-year comprehensive post-secondary education opportunity specifically designed for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. This program aims to provide these students with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead fulfilling and independent lives.
Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) Degree Program
For aspiring educators, the Education Department at LSC-University Park offers an Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree program. This program is designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and practical experience needed to become well-prepared teachers. Completing the AAT at LSC-University Park increases the likelihood that all 60 credit hours will transfer to universities in Texas.
Specialized Career Training and Skill Enhancement
LSC-University Park offers a variety of certificate programs designed to prepare students for specialized career fields or to upgrade their skills for job advancement. These programs are structured to allow students to progress to higher-level certificates or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
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Business Administration Programs
The Lone Star College-University Park Business Department offers programs designed to develop varied business skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, utilizing technology, performing research, decision-making, and effective communication.
The AAS Business Administration degree is a three-part program, with the AAS awarded upon completion of all three parts. Students can also pursue the Business Administration Level 2 Certificate upon completion of the Business Operations Level 1 Certificate. Courses are taught by diverse, highly qualified faculty members and offered in face-to-face and fully online formats.
Education Department: Preparing Future Educators
The Education Department at LSC-University Park provides a rich learning environment for future teachers, emphasizing hands-on experience and real-world application.
Key Courses and Curriculum Features
The LSC-University Park Education Department offers courses including Introduction to the Teaching Profession (EDUC-1301) and Introduction - Special Populations (EDUC-2301), both of which are International Studies-designated courses.
EDUC-1301 incorporates projects so that students can share with a variety of individuals what they have learned about the Texas New Teacher Competencies. EDUC-2301 utilizes LSCS’s extensive library resources and gives students a chance to work on collaborative teams and produce a group presentation about a specific special needs topic.
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Service Learning and Field Experience
All education students at LSC-University Park participate in service learning, which provides hands-on learning experiences with local PK-12 schools and students. Some courses require 16 hours of service-learning/field experience.
During their scheduled class time at the beginning of the semester, students attend service-learning orientations in which various local schools share helpful information about their programs. Next, students choose a grade level that they want to volunteer with during the semester and stay with that classroom and supervising teacher for approximately six to eight weeks, volunteering for approximately three to four hours each week.
Enrichment Opportunities
Students are able to volunteer in the Teachers2B Club, which is an academic organization. This registered student organization provides numerous enrichment opportunities such as: helping with HEB’s Literacy Program, visiting various Colleges of Education and hearing from current education leaders in the fields.
Focus on High-Need Areas
LSC-University Park instructors have high expectations and help you to exceed minimum state requirements. The program prepares students for high-in-demand teaching jobs in areas such as: secondary math/science, EC-12 special education and bilingual education. The program also offers opportunities to explore unique science and special education sites to better prepare for certifications in these high-need areas.
Faculty Expertise
Students in the Teaching program will work with award-winning and highly trained professors who have over 30 years’ experience in Texas public and private schools. Instructors are fully certified as Texas teachers and administrators and have many years’ experience teaching teacher education courses for Lone Star College.
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University Partnerships for Advanced Degrees
The Lone Star College - University Centers have closely collaborated with a select group of university partners to offer students the opportunity to earn their bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees closer to home. LSC offers adaptable study routes in collaboration with its trusted partners.
All partners offer online study routes, allowing students to choose the program format that suits them best. Transfer students can potentially gain additional benefits from this close set of partners, including application fee waivers, transfer scholarships, and joint admission.
Additional Programs and Resources
LSC-University Park offers a variety of additional programs and resources to support student success.
General Education Courses
General Education courses will transfer, providing a solid foundation for further academic pursuits.
Learning Framework: 1st Year Experience
Learning Framework: 1st Year Experience (EDUC-1300) is required for many Lone Star College programs.
Research Opportunities
LSC-University Park offers all students the opportunities to pursue specialized research projects to increase their learning and meet certain scheduling needs with an emphasis on international studies.
Drama Department
The Lone Star College-University Park Drama Department provides cultural enrichment through theatrical productions.
Leadership and Faculty
Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., was named President of Lone Star College-University Park in December 2024. He had previously served as the campus’ interim president since June 2023. With more than 20 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Dempsey is a committed and innovative leader dedicated to fostering an environment where every student can achieve their academic goals. Prior to his role at LSC-University Park, he served as vice president of instruction at Lone Star College-CyFair where he played a key role in enhancing instructional programs and fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
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