Beginning next spring, students will be able to earn an associates degree from Lone Star College–University Park by taking classes only one or two days a week. Courses offered over the weekend will allow students to achieve one of three associate of arts degrees in business, teaching or general studies.

"Through our weekend college, [students] can go to school just one day a week on the weekend and still take a full load of classes," said Mary Anne Figueroa, operations manager for LSC–University Park.

Students will begin with core curriculum such as English and history. The program is estimated to take approximately two years for those who take classes throughout the year along with summer and winter sessions. The program is primarily geared toward students who are already in the workforce, according to Diana Doughman-Massie, advising and admissions manager.

"We are breaking the mold and doing something different with these weekend classes," Doughman-Massie said. "For our campus, we have 1,600 students already registered for the spring semester at University Park. Since this is a new program, I don't think that we will have an overabundance of students in Saturday classes. I think as time goes on and the program grows, we may have to [offer] more classes."

With students of all ages and backgrounds enrolled in the Lone Star College System, the weekend program was implemented for those who have work or other daily commitments.

"Today's students need more flexibility in their scheduling," said Lawrence Brandyburg, vice president of instruction and student services, in a press release.

Courses under this program will be offered each subsequent semester following spring 2013 as well as during the summer and winter sessions. Class styles range from face-to-face to online to hybrid. Registration began Nov. 7 and guarantees placement for those who register this year. Registration ends Jan. 12.