NACOGDOCHES, Texas - A new partnership between Stephen F. Austin State University and the Lone Star College System will enable eligible students to enroll in SFA's Bachelor of Science in spatial science program upon receiving an Associate of Applied Science in geographic information systems.

"Lone Star College has a strong Associate of Applied Science program in geographic information systems," said Dr. Hans Williams, dean of SFA's Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture. "After completing the degree at Lone Star, students can seamlessly transfer to SFA's Bachelor of Science in spatial science program, further enhancing their technical and professional skills that lead to rewarding careers in geospatial analysis across many disciplines."

LSC is the largest higher education institution in the Houston area and offers more than 170 programs of study.

SFA's spatial science program offers two areas of specialization for those who plan to participate in the collaborative program - natural resources and land surveying. A third emphasis area, cultural resources, also will be available at a future date.

According to information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic, faster-than-average growth in the occupational group representing key spatial science careers will take place during the next decade.

"We are excited about this SFA partnership, which provides an opportunity for students to further their studies in preparation for specialized careers as foresters and surveying and mapping technicians, to name a few," said Dr. Kelly Gernhart, dean of arts, humanities and social sciences at the LSC CyFair campus.

For more information regarding this and other partnerships, visit atcofa.sfasu.edu.