Degree Offerings For Texas A&M University Higher Education Center At McAllen Formally Approved
Texas A&M University has announced formal approval of the initial degree programs to be offered through its Higher Education Center at McAllen. Working with the region’s industry leaders, K-12 education and the institution’s own legacy of academic strengths, seven distinct degree programs will be available to students in McAllen when the fall 2018 semester begins in late August.
“We are proud to announce the final approvals of these degree offerings in McAllen,” said Texas A&M Provost and Executive Vice President Carol Fierke. “The programs selected address high-need fields for the future of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and our state.”
The formal announcement follows the completion of two years of rigorous Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approval processes required for the formation of a Higher Education Center, extension of existing degree offerings, and negotiations with other regional higher education institutions.
The degree programs approved for delivery include the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Food Systems Industry Management, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering (began fall 2017), and Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology.
These complement three existing degree offerings: the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Public Health, currently offered at a Texas A&M educational site on South McColl Road in McAllen.
Beginning in fall 2018, these programs, with the exception of nursing, will be available to students at the soon-to-be completed Higher Education Center in the Tres Lagos master-planned community in Northwest McAllen. The Higher Education Center is being built in a unique partnership with the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County. Texas A&M currently intends to continue offering nursing degree programs at its South McColl Road site.
“We want to thank the Higher Education Coordinating Board officials, and, in particular, local board member Dr. Fred Farias, and Commissioner Raymond Paredes, for ensuring our processes were met with the highest standards and will ultimately provide educational choice to the students, families and businesses of The Valley,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp.
Applications for admission are now being accepted for freshmen entering in fall 2018. Students interested in these degree programs at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen should review criteria and deadlines at http://admissions.tamu.edu/HECM.
Promotional materials have been sent to all school districts in the Rio Grande Valley, and individual student consultation is available at the Texas A&M University Prospective Student Center at 5277 North 23rd St., McAllen, TX, 78504.
“This is an exciting next step in Texas A&M University’s 140-year commitment to meeting the needs of Texas, our nation and the world,” said Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young. “These approvals clear the way for Texas A&M to complement existing higher education in the region, with qualified graduates who embody the famous Aggie spirit.”
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Media contact: Lesley Henton, 979-845-5591, lshenton@tamu.edu
