Frequently Asked Questions- Degree Plans

Rose M. Avalos P-TECH School

 

  1. What types of Associate Degrees can students earn at Avalos P-TECH School?

 

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Lone Star College

Associate of Applied Science in Inspection Technology from Lone Star College

Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity from  Lone Star College

Associate of Applied Science in Computer Networking from Lone Star College

Associate of Arts in Education and Training from Lone Star College

 

  1. How many college hours are required to earn an Associate Degree?

 

60 hours.  These must be approved courses for the specific degree plan as stated on Lone Star College’s website.  Courses and programs have specific requirements.

 

  1. What is the difference between an Associate of Applied Science degree and an Associate of Arts degree?

 

An Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students with the knowledge and skills required for immediate entry into the workforce.  An Associate of Arts degree focuses on liberal arts and general education courses.

 

  1. How does the breakdown of courses compare for the pathways at Avalos?

 

While students in the Associate of Arts in Teaching and Training take courses related to education and training, the majority of their courses are general education courses such as math, science, English, and Social Studies.

 

Students working on an Associate of Applied Science degree take the majority of their courses in their specific field such as Paralegal Studies, Cybersecurity, etc.

 

  1. Are students who earn an Associate of Applied Science required to take general education courses?

 

Yes.  The number of classes varies by degree plan, but usually consists of fifteen college credit hours.

 

  1. Can students earn Industry Based Certifications and Workforce Certificates in addition to the Associate degrees?

 

Yes, courses in the different degree plans may allow for these opportunities.  The options available, however, vary by degree plan.

 

  1. What is the difference between an Industry-Based Certification and a Workforce Certificate?

 

An Industry-Based Certification is issued by an outside agency that usually requires a person to pass an assessment.  The agency may also require students to complete a curriculum and practice time.  The certification is recognized industry wide as a measure of a person’s knowledge and skill in that specific subject.

 

A Workforce Certificate usually requires more coursework and is usually broader in scope and requires multiple classes.

 

  1. Can hours from an Associate Degree be applied to a Bachelor Degree?

 

Your transcript (official record of grades from Lone Star College) would need to be submitted to the college or university you are applying to.  They evaluate the transcript to determine which classes will transfer and count toward their graduation requirements.

 

  1. Would all of the hours from Lone Star College transfer to another school?

 

Each institution of higher education has its own requirements. Schools may accept only certain classes and may require a certain grade to accept the transfer credit.  This occurs on an individual basis.  The courses that would be more likely to transfer are the entry level core classes such as English Composition, College Algebra, General Psychology, United States History, etc.

 

  1. Do career and technical courses from either an Associate of Arts Degree (Teaching and Training) or an Associate of Applied Science Degree (other four pathways) transfer?

 

Unless Lone Star College has a predetermined agreement with a college or university, the college or university may not accept the transfer hours for courses in specific career and technical fields.  This type of agreement is called an “articulation agreement.”

 

  1. Which schools does Lone Star have an articulation agreement with for the specific pathway plans offered at Avalos?

 

Computer Networking has an articulation agreement with University of Houston, Victoria

Paralegal Studies has an articulation agreement with Stephen F. Austin University

Teaching and Training has an articulation agreement with University of Houston, Downtown

Cybersecurity has an articulation with Lone Star College, Westway Park Technology Center

 

Hours in both the dual credit core classes and technical classes may count towards a Bachelor Degree at these schools if they meet their requirements.

 

  1. Do any colleges or universities offer degrees in Inspection Technology?

 

No.  At this time, no schools offer any further degree other than an Associate Degree.

 

  1. Will these schools automatically accept students who graduate from Avalos with an Associate Degree from Lone Star College in a specific pathway?

 

No.  The school will evaluate the student’s transcript to see if they meet grade requirements such as an established grade point average or specific grades in specific classes

 

  1. What happens if a student changes fields or applies to a school that Lone Star does not have an articulation agreement with?

 

The school will evaluate the transcript to determine which courses transfer.  It will generally only be entry-level core content classes in which a student has earned a required grade.

 

  1. How do courses transfer to schools outside of Texas?

 

Each school has its own policy and evaluates transcripts individually.  There are no guarantees.

 

  1. Are the Associate Degrees at Avalos generally geared toward students who want to enter the workforce immediately rather than going to college?

 

Not necessarily.  The educational experience at Avalos is good preparation for both groups.

 

  1. Is a student’s future limited to the area in which they earn an Associate Degree in?

 

No.  Students can start new programs at any point in their lives.  The knowledge and skills learned in one pathway will be beneficial in other areas as well.

 

  1. Should students who want to attend prestigious universities attend Avalos?

 

Yes. The education at Avalos is very good.  A student will more likely stand out to a university if they have taken multiple rigorous classes in a specific field.  This demonstrates that they have both knowledge and application of content for a subject.  It is also a measure of the dedication and maturity required to complete college-level courses.

 

  1. Will all students graduate from Avalos with an Associate Degree?

 

Only students who have fulfilled the graduation requirements for a degree as communicated by Lone Star College will earn an Associate Degree.  This is each individual student’s responsibility to complete.  There are no guarantees.

 

  1. What is required for students to take all of the college classes that are part of their career path degree?

 

Some courses require that students have met college readiness.  Students cannot take these classes until they have met this requirement.  They can meet this requirement using scores from the PSAT, SAT, STAAR, and TSIA 2 exams. 

 

  1. Can students change their career paths once they start at Avalos?

 

There is no guarantee that space will be available in other pathways.  Students may not be able to complete the courses in another pathway.  Students need to select their initial pathway carefully. 

 

  1. What happens if a student fails a Lone Star class?

 

The student will need to repeat the course since all classes in the pathway are required for completion of the degree from Lone Star College.  Failing a class could put a student behind on their career plan and jeopardize earning an Associate Degree.  It could be a prerequisite for future classes and cause the student to delay taking required classes in the future.  It is important that the students focus their energy on passing the course the first time with the highest grade.

 

  1. Do students have to pay for Lone Star classes if they repeat them?

 

If they have failed the class twice and are taking it for a third time then they must definitely pay for it.

 

  1. Does Lone Star College have other academic requirements for students while at Avalos?

 

Yes.  As stated on their website, there are policies related to the number of Lone Star courses a student can take in a semester, minimum grade point average required, academic probation, etc.

 

  1. Can students take additional courses from Lone Star College that are not part of their career plan?

 

For students at Avalos,  Aldine ISD only pays for courses that are required in the student’s career path.  If students want to take additional courses, they need to discuss this with Lone Star on an individual basis. 

 

  1. Does Lone Star College have any other additional requirements?

 

Yes.  Lone Star requires some additional paperwork such as a registration form and Bacterial Meningitis form.

 

  1. Is the Inspection Technology program the same as Welding?

 

No.  The Inspection Technology program requires one course in welding, but the actual program focuses on methods of testing materials to prevent failure.  Types of materials that are often tested include bridges, airplanes, pipes, etc.

 

  1. What special aptitudes are required for each of the pathways at Avalos?

 

Computer Networking and Cybersecurity- both of these require a strong foundation in math and numerical reasoning.

Teaching and Training- has a heavy academic load of content courses.

Paralegal Studies- requires attention to detail, strong sense of professionalism, and the ability to make good judgment

Inspection Technology- requires attention to detail and a strong sense of safety precautions.

 

  1. What is the focus of the Teaching and Training program?

 

The program focuses on early childhood education, but it does not limit a student to just working at this level in the future.  It allows students to learn the basics of good instruction that are required for educators at all levels.

 

  1. Will students have time to participate in extracurricular activities at other schools while taking dual credit courses through Lone Star?

 

Because the workload in dual credit courses is strenuous, it is generally not optimal for students to overcommit while at Avalos.  Choosing to attend an early college is a decision that students must think through completely before they make.  If they choose to attend an early college, their primary focus should be on completing the Associate Degree.

 

  1. If a student starts at Avalos and then decides they don’t like it, can they return to their zoned school or attend another Choice School?

 

When students commit to a Choice School, they commit to staying at that school and completing their plan at that school in addition to fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.  In order to enroll at Avalos, the student and parent must sign a Commitment Form and agree to these expectations.