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A college education continues to offer the widest range of opportunities to people seeking careers. That does not mean that everyone should spend four or more years earning a baccalaureate degree. Today, more and more people across the nation are preparing for careers by completing two-year associate degrees or one-year certificates.

In Southwest Louisiana, students of all ages from all backgrounds are discovering that Louisiana State University at Eunice--Acadiana's comprehensive 2-year college--offers programs that enable them to meet their educational needs in two years or less.

LSUE associate degree and certificate programs have many advantages:

Dedicated teachers. As a comprehensive 2-year college, LSUE's primary mission is to provide excellent instruction in each class throughout a student's program. LSUE recruits nationwide to find the best teachers. Faculty members have the experience, preparation, and dedication to help students succeed.

Individual attention. LSUE tries to keep classes as small as possible so that teachers can work individually with each student. Teachers are also readily available outside of class. All faculty members schedule at least 10 office hours each week for student conferences.

Practical experience. Students in associate degree programs have an opportunity to acquire practical experience. A number of programs include optional practicum courses in which students receive credit for on-the-job experience that advances their knowledge of their degree field. Students in health programs receive extensive clinical experience at hospitals and other health care agencies.

Excellent facilities. LSUE students receive hands-on experience using high-performance computers, perform scientific experiments in well-equipped laboratories, or practice health care skills in laboratory settings that prepare them for clinical assignments. The Health Technology Building offers state-of-the-art laboratories for students in nursing, radiologic technology, and respiratory care. In addition to these instructional facilities, the LeDoux Library provides a wealth of resources to support each associate degree and certificate program.

Technical Programs.  Technical programs that do not require general college courses like mathematics or English are offered in several fields. Students can complete technical competency areas, technical certificates, or technical diplomas. Information on technical programs in medical and health services, quality environmental health and safety technology, and crime scene management is provided on a separate web page on technical programs.

Two-Year Associate Degree Programs

Arts, Science, General Studies

LSUE's associate or arts, associate of science, and associate of general studies degrees give students the flexibility to take the first two years of college courses toward most bachelor's degrees. Students can work toward their bachelor's degree requirements, earn an associate degree, and then transfer to complete their four-year degree. When they complete their undergraduate program, they will have two degrees instead of one, providing additional evidence of their attainments. If for some reason they have to delay finishing their bachelor's degree, they will already have a college diploma as proof of their educational achievements. Click here for more information on transfer programs.

Computer Information Technology

The associate of applied science degree in computer information technology was developed in consultation with employers and with assistance from a professional advisory committee.

All students in the program take courses in database management systems and programming, as well as business courses in subjects like accounting and information systems. Students can choose from four areas of concentration:

• Data Processing-includes classes in software for office environments and courses in related computer science areas.
  
  
• Information Systems Technology-allows students flexibility to select courses in information systems technology that meet their individual needs..
  
  
• Computer Systems and Security-developed at the request of financial institutions with an emphasis on maintaining the integrity of security of data, transactions, and network resources.
  
  
• Graphic Design and Development-includes courses in digital imaging, digital design, web design, digital video, and desktop publishing.

Criminal Justice

The associate degree in criminal justice meets the needs of both experienced practitioners and those who want to begin a career in criminal justice. In-service personnel can advance in their careers by upgrading their knowledge and skills. For students with no prior experience, the associate degree should be helpful in obtaining employment with city police departments, parish sheriffs' departments, and state and federal agencies, as well as court systems, district attorneys' offices, correctional institutions, parole and probation offices, juvenile justice agencies, and private security firms.  Students in criminal justice can enroll in practicum courses in which they earn degree credit by completing a structured program of work with a criminal justice agency. Through a 2+2 agreement with Northwestern State University, LSUE students can apply their credits from the associate of science in criminal justice toward a bachelor's degree offered online by Northwestern. Students who earn the LSUE degree will be able to complete their bachelor's degree via the Internet from Northwestern while continuing to live at home.

Early Childhood Education

The associate degree in early childhood education is designed for persons already employed in Head Start programs and in other childcare fields who want to upgrade their educational background as well as for students who want to prepare to enter the childcare field. There is a nationwide trend toward requiring employees in childcare to earn post-secondary degrees. In addition, graduates earning the associate degree in early childhood education have the option of applying their credits toward a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or in elementary education. Besides classroom instruction, the program includes extensive supervised teaching experience.

Fire and Emergency Services

Click here to go the web site for the LSUE Fire and Emergency Services Program.
The applied science associate degree in fire and emergency services, which is available at a number of off-campus sites around the state, offers college preparation at the professional level consistent with national standards. The LSUE program addresses the call of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Consortium (FESHE), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and others to transition fire, EMS, and related disciplines from a technical occupation to a professional occupation using a national professional development model. Graduates of the program go on to be employed as fire marshals, arson and/or insurance investigators, fire and/or EMS administrators, safety services or safety equipment sales representatives, area supervisors, governmental and/or industrial fire department officers, health and safety directors within public safety and industrial settings, and environmental technicians. Courses are offered over the Internet, through distance learning, and in traditional classroom settings. Four areas of concentration are available:

• Emergency Services Technology-offers the greatest flexibility in structuring a program that meets the student's specific needs. Students can choose from courses in fire science, forensic science, criminal justice, or other accepted courses, plus other approved electives.
  
  
• Fire Service Technology-designed to satisfy those students who are currently in or who expect to enter the fire service. This concentration follows the "professional development" model of the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Consortium (FESHE). This is the curriculum designed for forward-thinking fire and EMS personnel.
  
  
• Fire Prevention Technology-designed to satisfy those students who are currently expected to enter the fire inspection profession. This concentration follows a model developed by LSUE faculty and representatives from the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office.
   
• Safety and Health Compliance-provides students with the knowledge and skills to help industry deal proactively with the challenge of maintaining a safe, health work environment.
  
  
• Environmental Compliance-encompasses such areas as hazardous material and toxic waste, environmental sampling and analysis, natural resource management, environmental assessment, and compliance and enforcement. Dealing proactively with environmental issues has become central to the operation of many businesses and to governments.

Management The associate of applied science degree in management prepares students for immediate employment in business. All students take a core of classes in accounting, economics, word processing, business correspondence, and business principles. Students can select seven different areas of concentration, giving them the flexibility to zero in on specific business fields:

• Administrative Management-enables students to integrate courses from various disciplines into a comprehensive approach to business or technology.
  
  
• Asset Management-emphasizes functions typically performed by bank managers, accounting managers, and risk managers: management of financial and managerial accounting functions; systems for safeguarding of assets and establishment of transaction authority; cash management methods; credit policy and collection methods; principles of insurance and risk reduction techniques; short-term and long-term financing vehicles.
  
  

• Business Management-provides general management skills for employment in such positions as general clerical worker, salesperson, assistant accountant, or management assistant.
  
  
• Environmental Management-focuses on management skills to comply with environmental regulations and to deal effectively with environmental issues in business and industry.
  
  
• Health Care Management-focuses on business skills needed by the health care industry. As the American population ages, this industry continues to expand, providing opportunities for employees in a variety of business support functions. The health care management concentration includes courses dealing with health care operations, patient records, billing services, and related topics.
  
  
• Hospitality Management-includes preparation for employment in travel, tourism, and the hospitality industry, all of which play an important role in Acadiana. The area of concentration covers topics such as hospitality law, restaurant management, travel and tourism, lodging services, hotel management, and hospitality computer systems. All hospitality management courses in the curriculum are designed in cooperation with the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association. By taking the institute's international exams, students gain certification in areas of room division management, club management, and/or human resources management.
  
  
• Marketing Management-focuses on marketing concepts and skills vital to the services industry and other businesses that must build strong relationships with customers.
  
  
• Safety Management-provides knowledge and skills for managers in business and industry who deal with safety standards to protect employees and the public.
  

Nursing

Graduates of the associate of science degree program in nursing are eligible to write the licensing examination for registered nurses administered by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. As registered nurses, they are employed by hospitals, extended care facilities, and other health care institutions.

The LSUE program includes extensive practice in nursing laboratories located on campus and clinical experience under the supervision of LSUE instructors at area hospitals. Admission to the program is selective. First preference is given to applicants who have completed a one-year sequence of preparatory courses. For details about selection criteria, consult the LSUE Catalog.

Office Information Systems

The associate of applied science degree in office information systems provides extensive preparation in the high tech office environment. Students become thoroughly familiar with the computer applications they will use on the job in the sophisticated offices of the 21st century. Five areas of concentration are available:

• Accounting Information Systems-emphasizes skills in accounting and finance.
  
  
• Administrative Information Systems-emphasizes skills in word processing, desktop publishing, and administrative systems procedures.
  
  
• Digital Publishing Systems-includes courses that provide students with skills using the computer to produce digitally generated output for desktop publishing and multimedia presentations, including electives that students can choose so that they can focus on specific areas.
  

• Legal Information Systems-includes courses offered in paralegal studies, along with courses in high tech office skills, to prepare graduates to work in the legal offices of the 21st century.
  

• Medical Information Systems-includes courses to give office administration students a special expertise in the medical fields: medical records, health insurance and medical billing, medical law and ethics, medical terminology.
  
• Consumer Relations-includes courses in marketing that will teach students strategies and skills to serve customers in a variety of settings.
  

• General Office Systems-gives students the flexibility to arrange a sequence of approved electives to meet their specific needs and interests.
  

Paralegal Studies

The associate degree in paralegal studies includes courses in legal research, various legal fields, and the legal process. Classes are taught by experienced attorneys. Students will also gain experience conducting research using electronic databases and the Internet. In addition, they can earn degree credits through a structured program of practicum work experience in a legal agency.

LSUE graduates are eligible to take the voluntary certified legal assistant examination administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. Although not required for employment, national certification is recognized by many law offices as an indication of competence in the field.

Radiologic Technology

[Click Here to Visit the RadTech Website]

The associate of science degree in radiologic technology prepares students to be licensed radiologic technologists, whose responsibilities include taking  radiographs of all parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. Technologists also perform other duties, such as assisting physicians in conducting fluoroscopic examinations during which a patient's internal organs are viewed on a monitor.

Students in the program gain extensive practical clinical experience at area hospitals, as well as use radiographic equipment in LSUE's energized (X-ray) laboratory. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Admission to the program is selective. First preference is given to applicants who have completed a one-year sequence of preparatory courses. For details about selection criteria, consult the LSUE Catalog.

Respiratory Care

Respiratory care is a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure used to maintain normal respiratory function or to provide assistance during illness to the weakened respiratory system. Graduates of the associate of science degree program in respiratory care are eligible to write the National Board for Respiratory Care examination for recognition as Certified Respiratory Therapy Technicians (CRTT). After fulfilling specific requirements established by the National Board for Respiratory Care, graduates may also become eligible to write the national examination to be credentialed as Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT).

The first year of the respiratory care curriculum is composed of basic academic courses open to all students. Admission to the second year is selective. During the second year, students enroll in respiratory care classes that include lectures presenting theory, as well as practical experience in a clinical setting. For details about selection criteria, consult the LSUE Catalog.

        

One Year Certificate Programs

Arson Investigation

The certificate program in arson investigation prepares students to become arson investigators in fire or police departments and for positions with insurance companies, industrial firms, and security organizations. The program includes courses in criminal justice, fire science, and forensic science.

Fire Science Technology

The certificate program in fire science technology prepares graduates for the occupation of firefighter or for work in related fields such as fire insurance, safety engineering, or fire equipment sales. Credits earned in the certificate program can be applied toward the fire science associate degree.

Office Practices and Procedures

The certificate program in office practices and procedures prepares students for general secretarial positions in only one year of concentrated study. Then they can seek immediate employment or continue toward an associate degree. In addition to receiving a broad college background, students in the program enroll in basic courses in word processing, microcomputer accounting, business communication, and desktop publishing.

Open Admissions

LSUE is an open admissions university. All graduates of state-approved high schools, as well as persons holding the G.E.D., can enroll at LSUE. Admission to the associate degree programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and respiratory care is selective. Details are contained in the LSUE Catalog.

Special Help

Students who need to brush up on academic skills in subjects like English and mathematics can enroll in developmental courses that will prepare them for college-level work. Individual tutoring is also available. In addition, LSUE offers counseling and advisement to help students with academic difficulties, career decisions, personal problems, financial needs, and other areas. Older students who are returning to college after being out of school for many years will find the support they need to do their best.

Additional Information

Details about specific courses and other requirements may be found in the current LSUE Catalog. To receive a catalog and admissions material, contact Admissions, LSUE, P.O. Box 1129, Eunice, LA 70535, or phone (337) 550-1305.  You can apply online or view sections of the catalog on line. General  information on enrolling is also available.