Business, Computer and Engineering Technologies at LSC-University Park
The Division of Business, Applied Sciences, Computing, and Engineering Technologies at LSC-University Park is focused on providing career and leadership opportunities for students of all ages and experience levels. Whether you are seeking a career in business or looking for opportunities in the oil and gas industry, we offer degrees and certificates in various fields of study at half the cost of four-year universities. And best of all, we offer some of the most innovative and state-of-the art training and workforce facilities in the region, like the Energy & Manufacturing Institute. We strive to help every student along the way with any direction or career path they choose. With our hands on approach, we offer a bridge to your milestones and experiences that will last a lifetime. Our faculty and staff at LSC-University Park look forward to helping you reach your educational milestones and career goals.
Dr. Steve Kahla
Dean of Business, Computer and Engineering Technologies
281.655.3788 | Office: B13.859 Steven.C.Kahla@LoneStar.edu
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The accounting associate of applied science degree is designed to prepare students to fulfill many types of entry-level positions found in the field of accounting. Many students who graduate with this type of degree go on to work for accounting firms, businesses, governmental or not-for-profit organizations. Accounting associates' responsibilities may involve providing assistance to top level accountants and auditors by performing accounting, administrative and bookkeeping duties. Other functions could include compiling data required for management and governmental reports and processing customer invoices using various accounting software systems.
The associate of applied science degree is awarded for successful completion of 60 credit hours as outlined. Students desiring a less comprehensive program should consider the accounting certificate program. The accounting certificate program is designed to provide workforce training in a time period shorter than two years. The certificate is awarded for successful completion of 18 credit hours as outlined.
The business administration program prepares a diverse group of students to succeed as the future managers and leaders within our local communities. The program supports students' needs to acquire skills that will allow them to establish a career and/or become more productive in their current organizations. We are particularly committed to helping students become professionals who are capable of thinking critically, working in teams, utilizing technology, performing research, making decisions, and communicating ideas effectively in a global economy.
The program offers three specialty areas: Business Management, Human Resources, and Marketing. The courses within each specialty area can be taken either as part of the degree program or to satisfy the requirements for a Level Two Certificate. Required credits of the Level One and Level Two certificate programs can be applied to the AAS degree's requirements.
Chemical Engineering is the application of natural sciences (especially chemistry), mathematics, and engineering principles to develop economic ways of producing chemicals, which include vast varieties such as fuel, medicines, food, and building materials. The Associate of Science (AS) in Chemical Engineering is designed for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around chemical engineering such as Production and Processing of Oil and Gas, Medicine, and Food, Manufacturing, Plant and Process Design, and Environmental Monitoring and Regulations.
Civil Engineering deals with design, construction, and maintenance of roads, bridges, canals, dams, buildings, drinking water and energy systems, sea ports and airports, the infrastructure for a cleaner environment, and other physically and naturally built structures. The Associate of Science (AS) in Civil Engineering is designed for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around civil engineering such as Environment, Transportation, Infrastructure, Urban Planning, Geotechnology, Construction and Architecture, and Engineering Consulting.
Successful organizations need people that know how to use technology to find solutions to business challenges. Individuals who understand how to contribute to productivity using technology are valued employees.
The Associate of Science in Information Technology (AAS) curriculum includes a common core and two levels of certificates. The AAS core provides a strong foundation in the key information technology areas of programming logic and structure, language implementation and ethics. This core provides a foundation that can be used to build a knowledge base for a variety of information technology careers. Students who have technology degrees or who have articulated courses from high school may receive advanced training in a specific programming language or languages.
The Computer Information Technology (CIT) department offers educational programs designed to provide students with current technological skills needed for the workplace. Working closely with local business and community leaders, several certificates and degrees have been developed for many workforce needs, including advancing career or college transfer goals. The Computer Science program will prepare students to create, modify, test code forms and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Like software developers, students will analyze user needs and learn how to design software solutions. Students will also comprehend how to develop and write computer programs that help store, locate, and retrieve specific documents containing data and information.
Students will learn the importance of Data Analytics as the science of analyzing raw data in order to make conclusions about that information. The techniques and processes of data analytics have been automated into mechanical processes and algorithms that work over raw data for human consumption. Students will learn how to use data analytic information to help a business optimize its performance. Other types of data analytics include data mining, predictive analytics and machine learning. After completing a data analytics course may be eligible for jobs like data engineer, data scientist, data architect, data base administration and data analyst.
Electrical Engineering is a branch of engineering that applies principles of engineering, science, and mathematics to modeling, analysis, design, and maintenance of electrical, electronic, and electromagnetic systems, components, or processes. The Associate of Science (AS) in Electrical Engineering is designed for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around electrical engineering such as Electronics, Power, Telecommunications, Computers, Autonomous Systems, and Signal and Information Processing Systems.
The architectural design technology associate of applied science degree program prepares graduates for entry-level careers as architectural design technologist. Courses within the program include technical design graphics applications, computer-aided design software, solid modeling design, statics, technical specialty courses, and general academic courses.
The architectural design technology associate of applied science degree is awarded for successful completion of the 60 semester credit hours required in degree plans. Students may specialize in architectural design technology. Students desiring a less comprehensive program may consider the computer aided design operator/drafting certificate. This certificate program includes 27 semester credit hours of required technical courses.
Registered health information technicians perform technical medical record functions vital to the operation of the organization, including analyzing, coding, and health record evaluation. Registered health information technicians process, maintain, complete and report health information data for reimbursement, facility planning, marketing, risk management, utilization management, quality assessment and research. Graduates may be employed in a variety of settings including hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and other health care facilities.
Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 18 percent through 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average for all occupations because of rapid growth in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be increasingly scrutinized by health insurance companies, regulators, courts, and consumers. Technicians will be needed to enter patient information into computer databases to comply with federal legislation mandating the use of electronic medical records. Students admitted to the program will be required to pay liability insurance during the semesters involving off-campus practicums or internships.
Men and women working as field service and petroleum field service technicians complete highly technical tasks that require advanced training and knowledge. Due to the advancements in electro-mechanical systems, interdisciplinary fields are rapidly developing to address the design, operation and maintenance of products, and systems that require a working knowledge of both mechanical and electronic components.
A field service technician installs and maintains industrial service equipment, instrumentation, controls, and electro-mechanical systems. After completing the field service technician certificate, a student can choose to pursue an additional certificate or degree of the two certificates/degree tracks. The petroleum field service technician program prepares a student for entry into the oil and gas industry with an emphasis in drilling and the supporting systems needed for the completion of oil and gas wells. Courses provide training in hydraulics/pneumatics, DC/AC circuits, and petroleum instrumentation. This certificate prepares a student to enter the industry as a technician in support of electro-mechanical, petroleum, and manufacturing technologies.
Industrial Engineering deals with integrated systems of people, information, equipment, energy, materials, analysis and synthesis to do things better and improve quality and productivity. The Associate of Science (AS) in Industrial Engineering is designed for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around industrial engineering such as Manufacturing, Plant Design, Process Optimization, Production Finance, and Management.
Men and women working as machinists, create precise mechanical parts and tools for engines and other automated products using power-operated machines. In addition to operating technical machinery, machinists are also responsible for reviewing product blueprints and specifications, planning and troubleshooting the production process, and ensuring the accuracy of the finished product they create.
The machine technology operator/programmer certificate and degree programs are designed to prepare graduates for careers in the manufacturing industries. Topics within the programs include blueprint reading, computer-aided manufacturing (CAD CAM), machine shop math, extensive hands-on set up, and operating manual lathes and mills, as well as operating, and programming CNC machine tools. Machine tool technology is classified as an evolving occupation and the demand in careers for machinists is projected to remain steady and provide future employment growth and economic competitiveness within Texas.
Men and women working as engineering technicians complete highly technical tasks that require engineering skills and knowledge. Interdisciplinary fields of engineering are rapidly developing to address the design, operation and maintenance of products that require a working knowledge of both mechanical and electronic components.
Mechatronic technicians are required to work on and with equipment integrating electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics and computer controls. The engineering technology program is part of the Lone Star Energy & Manufacturing Institute, which teaches a combination of skills that prepare students to perform many different jobs in industries including petroleum-field services and automated manufacturing.
Mechanical Engineering a branch of engineering that applies principles of engineering, principles of force, energy and motion, basic science, and mathematics for modeling, analysis, design, and realization of physical systems, components, or processes. The Associate of Science (AS) in Mechanical Engineering is designed for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution. The curriculum also prepares students to work professionally in areas centered around Mechanical Engineering such as Thermal and Mechanical Systems, Aerospace, Automotive, Nano-technology, Robotics, Bio-technology, and Engineering Consulting.
The goal of the Visual Communication program is to create a stimulating learning environment for students where they can pursue their specific interest within six areas of professional study: graphic design, multimedia, web design, video and post production, motion graphics and 3-D animation. Design services, publishing, advertising, public relations, computer systems design and related services contain areas of employment for the visual communication graduate.