Lamar State College - Port Arthur, founded in 1909 and a member of The Texas State University System, is a two-year community college offering associate degrees in science and arts to more than 3,000 students. The various academic programs offered by the college include accounting, economics, anthropology, art, home economics, physical education, physics, history, mathematics, psychology, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, sociology, criminal justice, music, drama, English and Spanish. It also offers technical courses, such as air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive technology, computer information systems, cosmetology, electronics, industrial instrumentation, management development, medical office administration, surgical technology and vocational nursing. The college sports teams are known as the Seahawks, and it participates in national level basketball and softball tournaments. It also offers various services to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, financial planning and assistance, and dining facilities. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and is located in Port Arthur, Texas.