South Texas College
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South Texas College Review
Check out the most popular majors and specific degrees students have earned at South Texas College.
*Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
Check out the online programs offered at South Texas College.
Diesel technology is the definition of hands-on. So get ready to get your hands a little (or a lot) dirty! Students learn to repair engines and troubleshoot electrical systems using tools and workspaces that mimic those at dealerships. Ladies, listen up: diesel technology jobs are not for men only. STC makes it a point to introduce women to its technical programs by hosting Women in Technology events. Attend one and you’ll get to talk to current diesel tech students about what they do and why they love it. Can’t make it to an event? You can read student stories on STC News. For example, Alyssa Hernandez chose diesel technology to do something she loves—work with her hands. She now has the skills to repair complex engines and drive a big rig. Students who work hard in the program may have opportunities to earn scholarships. In 2014, Grainger Industrial Supply gave $2,000 awards to two outstanding students. They also received top-of-the-line toolkits to use on the job. Technically speaking, STC helps students put the pedal to the medal and power up their career potential.
I would say the best place to socialize around campus (Pecan Campus) is the student union and the cafeteria. My friends and I used to study in the library; students aren’t supposed to talk loud there, but sometimes we would talk just about anything to relax during the stressful times. There were four courses I liked the most in my major: financial accounting, managerial accounting, macroeconomics, and microeconomics. The professors did a great job keeping those courses joyful and informative rather than just plain informative. One of the courses required by the program that impacted me the most was Business Principles. The Dean of Business at that time was the professor of this course and on many occasions he selected business people to visit the course to explain their jobs in the local area. We got to learn from stockbrokers, oil field managers, and an import/export business owner. There were many professors that had the passion and interest not only in teaching but in also learning from their students.
Being a teenager and having to worry about registration, financial aid, choosing classes and professors was overwhelming. I wasn't ready for a university lifestyle, so I chose to start my college experience at STC. Walking the hallways and talking to the advisors and staff was comforting and made it easy to prepare for my first day. As the end of my core classes was approaching, the stress of choosing a career path became nerve wracking. I changed my degree plan several times, but I know I wasn’t alone. I remember sitting in class one day waiting for the professor to come in. As he began to teach, he started talking about his experiences. He assured us that sometimes life takes different turns, but to remember that what we learn can be taken and applied to our daily lives. And he was right. Currently I am in the marketing field, which is not what I planned to do, but just like he said I have applied what I learned with my degree—to have a structure, pay attention to detail, be organized, and do research, among other things. After graduation I started working for Coca-Cola in sales and marketing. Coca-Cola also partners with STC to provide certificates in the manufacturing and sales areas for their employees. I have taken advantage of these certificates, which have helped me further my career. Because of STC’s faculty, staff, and degree plans, I am where I am today.
What I liked the most about South Texas College was the flexible class schedules. There is usually a class available at the time you need it, which I found really important because it allowed me to work and study. Also, the teachers are pretty close to the students and are always willing to help you. The most valuable asset for me was the opportunity to take classes for my associates that I could later transfer to the university level. I now have a bachelor's in computer information systems, but thanks to my associates I earned it at half the cost.
In the Architectural and Engineering Design Technology program (which was called Computer Aided Drafting and Design, or CADD, when I was there), professors prepare you to work in the field as an architectural, civil, or structural technician, which is an important role in the production of construction documents. The program offers a variety of activities for students related to the major. When I attended STC at the Tech Campus, I was able to be part of the CADD Club. This club helped me to grow as a student and gave me opportunities to get involved with my colleagues. The professors also encourage students to continue with their education in order to get a bachelor’s degree. I am currently working with ERO Architects as a structural drafting technician, taking more relevant classes at STC, and planning to transfer into an Architectural Engineering bachelor's degree program. STC has been the tool and motivation that I needed since I came to the United States. Without STC it would be harder to pursue my dream of becoming an engineer.
I like that STC offered small classes because it made me feel more comfortable to ask the questions I needed to ask without hesitation. Not to mention the staff was always very friendly. One of my professors from my College Success course, Mr. Rosendo Villagran, became my advisor all throughout my college career! Even to this day I go back and ask him for advice, whether it be personal or professional. I also liked that the courses you take are based on the knowledge assessments that are given to you when you are first admitted to the college. I remember I was never really good at math, and they offered several remedial classes that helped me build my knowledge in it. This led me to be able to pass basic algebra, and later on, business calculus and statistics at another university. South Texas College was the boost I needed after high school to be able to succeed in my associate’s degree in business administration, my bachelor’s degree in marketing, and now my in professional career—I am a newly hired investment advisor at one of the worlds largest financial institutions!
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Alumni stories prove that an STC degree can turn you into a leader. Their tales of success are massively motivational; you can listen to a few of them on STC’s My South Texas College Experience YouTube playlist. Or just keep reading! Elvira Alonzo returned to college after being a full-time employee and mom. In 2008 she was able to earn her bachelor’s degree in technology management. She’s the Deputy Director of Public Works for the city of McAllen, Texas, and oversees the work of hundreds of government employees. In 2015, the American Public Works Association recognized Alonzo’s service to McAllen and excellent management skills with a special honor: the Professional Manager of the Year in Administrative Management award. Alum Juan Castillo is also doing great things. Castillo started working as a delivery merchandiser for Coca-Cola after seven years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He wanted to move into a management role, but he was advised to seek out higher education to get there. Through STC he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Castillo became Co-General Manager for the Texas chain store Buc-ee’s LTD. Alex Sarabia, a 2007 graduate, used his psychology associate’s degree as the foundation for becoming a licensed professional counselor. He also returned to STC to teach. So, if you decide to enroll, you might have Sarabia for a course like General Psychology. Remember to tap into alumni advice as a student; they serve as great resources as you plan your own path to leadership.
Geographically you won’t find many colleges in the United States that are as far south as South Texas College. Each of the five campuses has its fair share of towering palm trees and modern air-conditioned buildings—a must, since the temperature is almost always above 70 degrees. You can study at one or more of STC’s five campuses, all of which lie in cities near the Mexico border. If technology is your thing then you’ll probably study at the Technology Campus. Technology students have access to cutting-edge resources like the automation lab, where they can learn to operate a robotic arm. Or, if you’re more interested in hands-on art projects, you’re in luck. In March 2016 the Pecan Campus celebrated the grand opening of the Ceramic Kiln Building. In the spirit of Texas heat, you can fire your latest ceramic sculpture using electric and gas kilns. Pecan Campus also offers remodeled studio and gallery spaces where you can work on and show off your creations. On top of top-notch facilities, STC boasts three health and wellness centers, seven libraries, and around 75 student clubs across all campuses. That all adds up to one vibrant living and learning community where you can jump start your career.
You don’t have to live in southern Texas to have the South Texas experience. STC Online offers a little bit of everything completely online. This includes associate’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs. Those who are considering getting an online associate’s degree have the most options. The list includes education, accounting, computer science, criminal justice, business administration, political science, and psychology. When you are finished, you can continue studying through STC Online at the bachelor’s level. What’s great about STC’s four online bachelor’s degree options is that they cover multiple industries. If you want to get into business, consider organizational leadership. Interested in healthcare? Look into the medical and healthcare management program. For the tech lovers out there, STC offers online bachelor’s programs in technology management and computer and information technologies. But the computer application specialist certificate can give you the knowledge to land an entry-level technology job sooner. You can apply your credits toward a degree when you are ready. At STC you can make the college experience fit your timeframe, not the other way around.
Craving action and competition? Unleash your inner Jaguar. STC offers several intramural sports; check out their IMLeague page for the most up-to-date list. In spring 2016 students played basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, Frisbee golf, ultimate Frisbee, flag football, ping-pong, and dodgeball. You’ll find athletic fields and facilities at the Pecan, Mid-Valley, and Starr County campuses. If your team is good, you may get to compete in regional championships at other colleges like Texas A&M. Members of student clubs exercise their own form of friendly competition: the Club Olympics event. It’s where you’ll find Biology Club, Sociology Club, and HVAC Club going head-to-head in battles of strength rather than smarts (except, of course, during trivia bouts). Speaking of clubs, there are also a few fitness-related clubs students can join. Have you ever heard of Laughter Yoga? You have now, and you can try it at STC. If you don’t see any options you like, you could find an advisor, enlist some friends, and create your own.
Look at the program list and you’ll quickly see STC provides technical education programs such as welding, engineering, and manufacturing. STC is home to the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) and the North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative (NAAMREI). IAM/NAAMREI offers technical training and continuing education courses for employees at regional manufacturing-related companies. In fact, Coca-Cola and Motorola have both partnered with STC to deliver training in the past. So if you land a job with employers like these after graduation, you may get to return to STC to keep learning. But STC offers non-technical programs, too. You can choose from drama, music, nursing, biology, business, paralegal, and dozens of other options. Plus, current students in any major on all five campuses can learn to be leaders. As a member of the Student Leadership Academy you’ll have access to interactive trainings, mentors, and service projects. At the kickoff event students network with Academy advisors and reps from local volunteer organizations. Throughout the semester they attend workshops on topics like conflict management, team communication, and servant leadership. Students graduate from the program sporting a leadership certificate and a snazzy monogrammed polo shirt. So you’ll refine your wardrobe, resume, and CEO potential all at once. If you’ve got the drive to thrive, STC will give you plenty of ways to do it.
