Lone Star College offers International Studies (IS) courses to help students build the skills employers value in today's global job market. IS courses are standard courses offered at LSC that have been designated as International Studies. These courses range across disciplines from humanities to sciences to workforce and more. Every IS-designated course meets the same learning objectives as its non-IS counterpart but adds a minimum of two of the three Global Outcomes that help students understand course objectives in the context of global phenomena: Global Systems, Global Perspectives, and Global Action.

Global Systems focuses on understanding the complex structures that shape our world, both natural and human-made.

Global Perspectives emphasizes the importance of understanding viewpoints and developing cross-cultural competencies.

Global Action represents the culmination of learning by focusing on application and engagement. It encourages students to move from understanding to implementation, addressing real challenges with the knowledge they have gained as they build skills for their future careers.

IS courses are reviewed by a committee of LSC International Faculty Fellows and selected for their expertise in their fields and their commitment to teaching students about global trends. These courses prepare students for careers in growing fields such as business, energy, health care, and technology, where employers increasingly seek graduates who can solve problems, adapt quickly, and communicate effectively with colleagues and customers across borders.

Are you faculty interested in designating your courses as IS? Please visit the International Studies intranet page for the application and resources to guide you through the process.

The International Studies Area of Concentration (AOC) is an introduction for students to global studies with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of peoples and nations. This opportunity is available for any global-minded LSC freshman or sophomore student seeking an associate degree. Upon successful completion, graduates will receive an international studies area of concentration designation on their transcript.

By taking a diverse set of courses with a worldview, students will broaden their perspectives and gain an appreciation and awareness of the global community. Students interested in employment opportunities in international industries like business, oil and gas, energy, law, foreign services or with an international organization like United Nations will find this designation on their transcripts very rewarding. In addition, an international studies emphasis demonstrates a level of cultural competency valuable to all students for transfer and job searches.

How do I earn it?

To earn an Area of Concentration in International Studies, students must take at least 15 credit hours in International Studies (IS)-designated courses. Many core courses have been IS-designated – from English to history to art and sciences – and can be used toward meeting the Area of Concentration requirements.

Any one Foreign Language Course (3-4 credits) may apply to the AOC credit hours requirement. At least 50% of the courses must be completed at Lone Star College to receive the AOC designation. All 15 credits must be IS- designated courses

1. Find courses that are been IS-designated – from English to history to art to sciences – by doing one of the following or contact an Academic Advisor:

A. Find IS courses that also meet your academic program requirements by following these steps: IS Class Search Guide

B. See the variety of IS-designated course offerings for the upcoming semester: Click on the double-headed arrow in the report below to view in full screen mode or visit List of International Studies-designated (IS) Courses Offered by Semester. This list is only a reference to help in identifying IS-designated courses in the class search. The class search has the most current information about course details such as availability, location, times, etc. Consult an academic advisor for degree impact & transferability.

C. Need more course ideas? In addition to the sections listed above, all sections for the following courses are designated as International Studies. These courses have a blanket designation regardless of the section number. List of Courses with all IS-designated Sections

2. Contact an Academic Advisor for course prerequisites, degree impact, and transferability.

3. Register!