New Degrees at TAMIU This Spring

Expanding to meet the changing needs of the Laredo community, Texas A&M International University has added several new degrees and programs, allowing Laredoans even more opportunities to get what they want out of life.

Dr. Dan Jones, TAMIU provost and vice president for academic affairs, gave an overview of the additions since the beginning of 2002.

"In January 2002, TAMIU announced the addition of three music degrees; bachelor of arts in music, bachelor of music and bachelor of music with all-level certification. The first music major graduated in Spring 2003," he said, "Two certification programs in the College of Education were added in February 2002. These certification areas, science, grades 8 - 12 and science, grades 4 -8, will help alleviate serious teacher shortages."

He said a masters of science in Guidance and Counseling was approved in February 2003 and an alternative teacher certification program, approved in May 2003 as part of the federal No Child Left Behind campaign, would also help combat severe teacher shortages.

Just approved this past week was the BA in Art which is offered in two tracks, one of which is an all-level certification.

In addition, he explained much-anticipated doctoral degrees will soon be part of the educational horizon at TAMIU.

"Two doctoral degrees are nearing final approval. Our first Ph.D. will be in International Business, which has been developed by our accredited College of Business. The second degree, a Ph.D. in Hispanic Studies, will be a collaborative effort between Texas A&M University and its South Texas' campuses: TAMIU, TAMU-Kingsville and TAMU-Corpus Christi," he explained.

The University already has a similar collaborative Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction that is underway through its College of Education.

University offices will reopen for Spring 2004 Registration
at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5. Registration may be accomplished throughout these days and prior to General Registration on Friday, Jan. 16. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 20. Registration information is available by calling the Office of the Registrar at 326.2250.