Lone Star College approved for additional baccalaureate programs

Lone Star College has been approved to expand its offering of baccalaureate programs following the signing of House Bill 3348 into law June 16.

According to a news release from LSC, the bill allows community colleges to offer no more than five baccalaureate degree programs at any time. LSC has announced plans to submit a proposal to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that would allow it to offer a Bachelor of Science in emergency management degree. There have been no announcements for the college's fifth program at this time.

In addition to state approvals, LSC must also get program approval from its accreditation agency, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The release states emergency management directors prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters or other emergencies and help lead the response during and after emergencies.

"Building on the success of our three current bachelor’s degree programs, Lone Star College is ready to provide even more bachelor’s degrees for high-demand careers,” LSC Chancellor Stephen Head said in the release. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Lone Star College students who want to continue their education close to home at an affordable tuition.”

LSC currently offers three baccalaureate programs with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, Bachelor of Applied Technology in cybersecurity and Bachelor of Applied Science in energy, manufacturing and trades management, which began in 2019.