TSTC offers academic courses to prepare those in the Associate degree programs for academic and future career success with a variety of transferable general education courses in English, math, general psychology, humanities, technical writing and business writing. General Education courses are a critical part of the programs of study offered at Texas State Technical College.

The general education departments deliver courses, which provide common knowledge, intellectual concepts and attitudes needed for roles in career and life, as well as basic competencies. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university can declare an External Articulation (EA) major.

Those students who wish to transfer to pursue a degree in nursing or an allied health area of study should declare for an ADN preparatory degree major. Advisors will work with students to assist them in choosing Academic Core and other courses, which will benefit the students when they transfer to another college. In addition, a developmental program is offered for students needing assistance in achieving competencies in reading, writing and mathematics.

General Education courses at Texas State Technical College are transferable to Texas public universities, colleges and many private institutions through the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS). South Texas universities and colleges are included.

TSTC is approved to offer an Academic Core of classes. This group of 16 classes will automatically transfer as a block to any other public college or university within the state of Texas.

TSTC proudly offers seven Associate of Science (AS) degrees. These degrees are specifically designed for the benefit of transfer students. TSTC stands strong and ready to support these new degrees in the areas of engineering, math, science, and health. Students who intend to transfer to a four-year university can look forward to a robust education that will prepare them for their future studies. We are proud of our traditionally strong technical emphasis and carry that forward with our transfer oriented degrees in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, Mathematics, Nursing Preparatory, and Physics. Students interested in any of these degrees need to speak with a program advisor for details.

General Education Academic Core and Associate of Applied Science degrees are available only through TSTC Harlingen.