Lone Star College System Launches New Bachelor's Degree in Education

The new Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching (BAS ECET) program aims to address teacher shortages in the Houston region.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lone Star College System has received approval to launch a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching (BAS ECET) program this fall. The two-year program is designed to produce certified teachers for grades EC-3 and EC-6, helping to address teacher shortages in the Houston region and beyond. The program will be offered at the LSC-Atascocita Center and LSC-Creekside Center, with an initial cohort of 50 students at each site.

Why it matters

As school districts in the Houston area face ongoing teacher shortages, the new BAS ECET program at Lone Star College System aims to strengthen the pipeline of qualified, compassionate teachers committed to excellence in their classrooms and meeting the unique learning needs of students.

The details

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges have approved the new degree program after confirming its academic alignment with state needs. The two-year program is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Arts in Teaching, Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, or another associate degree with directed electives. Admissions for the program will open later this spring.

  • The new BAS ECET program is slated to launch this fall (2026).
  • Admissions for the program will open later this spring (2026).

The players

Lone Star College System

A community college system serving the Houston region, offering associate's and bachelor's degree programs.

Rebecca Saiz

The executive director of the Educator Preparation Program at Lone Star College System.

Megan Mariveles, Ph.D.

The interim executive dean of Baccalaureate Programs at Lone Star College System.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want our local schools to be staffed by highly qualified, compassionate teachers who are prepared to meet their students' unique learning needs.”

— Rebecca Saiz, Executive Director, Educator Preparation Program (aframnews.com)

“Lone Star College System is thrilled to welcome students into our fifth bachelor's degree program this fall, offering a more affordable pathway for students who aspire to teach. We look forward to growing this program and supporting the region's education systems for years to come.”

— Megan Mariveles, Ph.D., Interim Executive Dean, Baccalaureate Programs (aframnews.com)

What’s next

Admissions for the new BAS ECET program at Lone Star College System will open later this spring (2026).

The takeaway

By launching this new bachelor's degree in education, Lone Star College System is taking an important step to address teacher shortages in the Houston region and provide more affordable pathways for aspiring educators to enter the field and serve their local communities.