2014-2015 TAMU-CC Undergraduate Viewbook for Freshmen

DISCOVER YOUR

ISLAND UNIVERSITY DISCOVER YOUR

About The Island University Discover Your Island Discover the Island University, the only university in the nation located on its own island, at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With palm tree-lined pathways throughout the campus, nearby natural wetlands, a scenic hike-and-bike trail and a university beach, Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi is a first-choice institution.

Offering more than 60 of the most popular degree programs in the state, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has been proudly providing a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty and highly rated degree programs since 1947. The University is also a part of the distinguished Texas A&M System.

Students who choose the Island University enjoy a warm, friendly, community environment where faculty often work one-on-one with students on research and other hands-on activities. Islanders become prepared for future careers that begin with experiences right here on the Island.

The Island offers more than 280 days of sunshine, a Gulf breeze and mild weather year-round.

The prestige of a Texas A&M-Corpus Christi degree is known worldwide.

Top 100 Universities CollegeAtlas ‘A-List’ Recognized for affordability, academic quality and accessibility for prospective students.

Best in the Nation U.S. News & World Report Recognized in six categories, including three graduate degree categories: Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs, Best Fine Arts Graduate Programs and Best Part-time MBA.

Affordable, Quality Online Education, Return on Investment Affordable Colleges Online Recognized as number 19 of 472 Texas institutions for return on investment and number 21 for offering affordable and quality online courses and degrees.

‘Military-Friendly School’ for Fifth Consecutive Year G.I. Jobs magazine Recognizes efforts and results in recruiting and retaining military and veteran students to increase diversity among the student body, faculty and staff.

‘Top College’ for Teacher Education Online Colleges Database Recognized as number 19 of 67 state institutions for the most education and teaching professional graduates in 2012.

Highlights:

Our colors are

22:1

10,951 Total Student Enrollment

Student-toFaculty Ratio

Blue & Green

Our mascot is

Izzy the Islander We are the

9,185

Undergraduate Students *Fall 2013 (Updated as of 5/7/14)

1,766

Graduate Students

1,640 Living on Campus

Get Immersed In Your Studies

Cutting-edge research and unique learning experiences provide the opportunities that will lead you to an exciting career after graduation.

Rebuild oyster reefs and study species in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in our Center for Coastal Studies Study the skies of Texas with unmanned aircraft systems at the Lone Star UAS Center

Develop software that makes lives easier, safer and more entertaining in the Innovation in Computing Research Labs

Treat cancer, kill superbugs, speed wound healing and improve food safety in the Plasma Engineering Research Lab

Get Immersed In Your Studies Get Hands-on Experience

• With life-like patient simulators in the nursing labs • In the classroom of the Early Childhood Development Center

McNair Scholars Program

Conduct STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) research with faculty mentors and prepare for post-graduate study.

• On a world-class stage in the School of Arts, Media & Communication

• Get internships

• In oil spill cleanup exercises

• Receive $2,500 summer research stipends

• With tax-prep for community members through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Honors Program

• Attend seminars

Islander Interns Gain professional experience and networking opportunities at: • Fortune 500 companies • Research organizations • Small businesses

Study Abroad Programs Enhance your undergraduate experience by deepening your love of learning with: • Faculty mentoring to ensure your path to a career or graduate school • Immersion in a community of students who share your enthusiasm and dedication to learning • Distinctive library privileges • Access to the Honors Study Room and Honors housing floor in Coral Hall at Camden Miramar • Specially designed classes that provide a challenging yet supportive academic environment

Find the right opportunity to challenge yourself academically and complement your studies with our affordable and accessible programs.

• Access to Honors Program Scholarships, including some for study abroad

• Explore London’s media and theatre scene

• Sponsored travel to research conferences

• Study art history in Florence and Rome

• Teach science on a tropical island

The Island University has earned its spot as a premier doctoral-granting institution, supporting two research institutes and 13 research centers and labs.

Five Distinguished Colleges College of Business The College of Business is the driving force behind some of the brightest minds and biggest ideas in the Coastal Bend business community. The College of Business is also recognized for its many business partnerships with companies like American Bank, Susser Holdings, Citgo, KPMG, Fastenal and Kiewit.

Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are cultivated by the College through its Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center. This small business incubator offers students the opportunity for professional business internships with up-andcoming companies, including those developing practical uses for unmanned aircraft technology. Degrees from the College of Business come with the added distinction of accreditation in business and accounting by the AACSB. This distinguished recognition is achieved by less than one percent of universities in the United States.

College of Science and Engineering From deep water assessments to the latest frontier in flight, the College of Science and Engineering is preparing students with studies in aerodynamics, software development and marine science.

Engineering majors are finding solutions to dangerous, difficult and expensive problems that will soon be tackled by unmanned systems.

Marine scientists are using remotely operated vehicles in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, identifying new species and harmful algal toxins, and exploring the diversity of aquatic life with genomics. Biomedical students in the Plasma Engineering Research Lab are putting chemistry to work to heal wounds and sterilize hospital equipment.

The University is also home to a nationally certified Computer Science program, the premier Geographic Information Sciences (GIS) program in the country, the worldrenowned Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies and the Center for Coastal Studies.

College of Education The College of Education at the Island University has earned its place as one of the best in the country.

• Named a Top College in Texas for Teacher Education by the Online Colleges Database • Its Teacher Education Field-Based Program is recognized as an exemplary K-12 partnership through the Center for Research, Education and Advancement of Teacher Education • The Island University is one of only seven institutions to have both undergraduate and graduate levels recognized by the National Strength and Conditioning Association Our Counselor Education Program is the first in the nation to receive accreditation, for all of our counseling programs, by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs, and the Addictions and Substance Abuse Counseling Program.

The Department of Kinesiology is recognized nationally and internationally for groundbreaking research, excellence in preparing future exercise science professionals, its state of-the-art athletic and health science facility and award-winning faculty.

Ranked Among Top Colleges for Return on Investment by

Five Distinguished Colleges College of Liberal Arts The College of Liberal Arts prepares students to meet the challenges of a dynamic, global society. Our award-winning faculty provides learning opportunities that develop knowledge, communication, critical-thinking skills, social understanding and creative experiences needed to succeed in the modern world. We offer hands-on learning beyond the classroom through more than 180 partnerships with local organizations.

The mission of the School of Arts, Media & Communication is to develop and promote collaboration, innovation and creation among students and faculty in visual arts, music, theatre, dance, media and communication. New tracks are available in Media Production, Media Studies and Communication Studies.

College of Nursing and Health Sciences The College of Nursing and Health Sciences brings the complex world of healthcare to the forefront of education through the delivery of innovative online and on-campus programs. Students experience challenging healthcare situations in safe, state-of-the art simulated environments supported by expert faculty. Multiple programs are offered to meet the educational needs of students from all walks of life. Baccalaureate programs include: pre-licensure BSN, RN to BSN, and Health Sciences. Honored by the White House and U.S. News & World Report, distance learning programs, including the one-of-a-kind eLine Military Program, streamline the education path for non-traditional students.

Picking a Major COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Accounting .............................BBA Economics ..............................BBA Finance ...................................BBA General Business......................BBA Management...........................BBA Management Information Systems.................................BBA Marketing................................BBA Minors • Accounting • Business Administration • Economics • Entrepreneurship • Human Resource Management • International Business • Management • Management Information Systems • Marketing • Personal Financial Planning

Athletic Training ........................ BS Interdisciplinary Studies (Teacher Education)......... BSIS Kinesiology .............................. BS Minors • Education • Kinesiology • Military Science Teacher Certification Early Childhood to Grade 6 • Generalist with Reading Specialization • Bilingual Generalist Grades 4-8 • English Language Arts and Reading • Mathematics • Science • Social Studies Grades 7-12 • Computer Science (8-12) • English Language Arts and Reading • History

Undergraduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees Accounting .......................... MAcc Business ................................ MBA

Undergraduate Degrees

Explore the depths of the Gulf of Mexico

• Life Science • Mathematics • Physical Science (6-12) • Social Studies • Speech Early Childhood to Grade 12 • Art • Music • Physical Education • Spanish • Special Education • Theatre

Graduate Certificates • Alternative Certification of Educators (ACE) • Educational Diagnostician • Principal • Reading Specialist • School Counselor • Superintendent • Supplemental (Bilingual, Gifted and Talented, ESL)

Graduate Degrees

Undergraduate Degrees

Counseling.............................. MS Counselor Education............... PhD Curriculum and Instruction ...................... MS, PhD Early Childhood Education.......... MS Educational Administration ....................... MS Educational Leadership............ EdD Instructional Design and Educational Technology ............................MS Elementary Education............... MS Kinesiology ............................. MS Reading .................................. MS Secondary Education ............... MS Special Education .................... MS

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Applied Science ....................... BA Art ................................... BA, BFA Communication ........................ BA Criminal Justice ......................... BS Economics ............................... BA English ..................................... BA History ..................................... BA Music................................ BA, BM Philosophy ............................... BA Political Science ....................... BA Psychology............................... BA Sociology................................. BA Spanish .................................... BA Theatre .................................... BA University Studies…... BA, BS, BAAS

Work hands-on with community and business leaders

Picking a Major Undergraduate Certificates • Dance • Media Arts • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) Minors • Art History • Communication • Creative Writing • Criminal Justice • English (Literature) • European Union Studies • History • Journalism • Latin American Studies • Mexican American Studies • Music • Music Industry • Philosophy • Political Science • Psychology • Public Relations • Religious Studies • Social Work • Sociology • Spanish • Studio Art • Technical/Professional Writing • Theatre • Women and Gender Studies

Graduate Degrees Art, Studio .......................MA, MFA Communication ....................... MA English .................................... MA History .................................... MA Psychology.............................. MA Public Administration.............. MPA Graduate Certificates • Homeland Security • Non-Profit Management

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

Undergraduate Degrees Health Sciences .....................BSHS Nursing .................................. BSN Nursing ........................... RN/BSN Minors • Health Science

Graduate Degrees Nursing ................................. MSN Nursing .................................. PhD Cooperative, in conjunction with Texas Woman’s University Graduate Certificates • Family Nurse Practitioner • Health Care Administration • Leadership in Nursing Systems • Nurse Educator

Conduct research that improves lives

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Undergraduate Degrees Biology .................................... BS Biomedical Sciences ................. BS Chemistry................................. BS Computer Science .................... BS Electrical Engineering Technology ............................ BS Environmental Science............... BS Geographic Information Science .................................. BS Geology .................................. BS Mathematics............................. BS Mechanical Engineering............. BS Mechanical Engineering Technology ............................BS Physics ......................................BS Minors • Biology • Chemistry • Computer Science • Electrical Engineering Technology • Environmental Science • Geographic Information Science • Geography • Geology • Mathematics

• Mechanical Engineering Technology • Physics

Graduate Degrees

Biology ................................... MS Coastal and Marine System Science............................... PhD Computer Science ....................MS Environmental Science...............MS Geospatial Surveying Engineering ..........................MS Fisheries and Mariculture............MS Marine Biology ................. MS, PhD Mathematics............................ MS Master’s International Program Graduate Certificates • Clinical Labratory Science • Geomatics • Geographic Information Science Pre-Professional • Pre-Dentistry • Pre-Law • Pre-Medicine • Pre-Occupational Therapy • Pre-Optometry • Pre-Pharmacy • Pre-Physical Therapy • Pre-Physician Assistant • Pre-Veterinary Medicine *List as of 2014-2015 Catalog

Perform on the finest stage in the Coastal Bend

Getting In TAMUCC Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi alumni can make upwards of $70,000 upon graduation

Ranked in top 20% nationally for first-year retention.

Getting In We welcome your application. You can take pride in knowing that Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi upholds the highest selection standards in South Texas.

First-time freshmen seeking admission should graduate high school with one of the following diploma types: (HB5) Distinguished Achievement, (UAP) Recommended, or (UAP) Distinguished.

Take the first steps to becoming an Islander at applytexas.org

Automatic Admission Standards Students that have met the required diploma type may obtain automatic admission to the University by meeting the SAT/ACT requirement by class rank quartile according to the table below.

Complete the online application

Submit the $40 application fee ($75 for International Students)

If you are applying as a freshman, have your high school send an official transcript to the Office of Recruitment & Admissions:

If you have prior college credits, have those colleges send official transcripts to the Office of Recruitment & Admissions.

SAT ACT

Have SAT or ACT scores sent directly to the University.

The codes are: SAT, 0366; ACT, 4045.

SAT Composite Score

ACT Composite Score

Top 10% Next 15% 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

No minimum 900 1000 1100 1200

No minimum 19 21 23 27

The SAT scores reflected in the table above include the combination of the Critical Reading and Math Sections. Our current test score requirements do not include the writing section component.

Applicants following the (UAP) Recommended or (UAP) Distinguished High School program must meet the following high school unit requirements: Laboratory Science

English

4 units At least one credit must be in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

4 units English 1, 2, 3, 4

+

Social Studies

Mathematics

+

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Office of Recruitment & Admissions 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5774 Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5774

Class Rank

4 units Economics*, World History, World Geography Studies, U.S. History, U.S. Government

4 units Algebra I*, Geometry*, Algebra II*, and a higher math

Foreign Language

2 units The credits must consist of any two consecutive units in the same language

Applicants following the HB5 Distinguished Achievement High School program will have their high school transcript evaluated to determine successful completion of required curriculum and endorsement units.* * Identifies course required to satisfy curriculum unit. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi admission requirements are in compliance with and are subject to change according to the regulations outlined in Texas Education Code (TEC) section 51.803 - 51.809. Under the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy.

Priority Application Dates Meet standards of the State of Texas Uniform Admission Policy (UAP) admissions.tamucc.edu/UAP

Your application, application fee, transcripts, test scores, and all documentation must be received by the Office of Recruitment & Admissions by:

Fall Semester: March 1 Deadline: July 1

If you have any questions, contact admissions at 1.800.4.TAMUCC or email admiss@tamucc.edu Visit admissions.tamucc.edu

Spring Semester: November 1 Summer Semester: April 1

Your Financial Aid The Office of Student Financial Assistance works with students on an individual basis to identify funding opportunities for which they qualify. Such financial assistance can be in the form of grants, scholarships, federal loan programs and campus employment. We also offer tuition waivers, exemptions, installment payment plans and credit card payments.

osfa.tamucc.edu Apply for Federal Student Aid Fill out the online application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.ed.gov

M gr

☐ To have the best opportunity to receive

aid, students should apply by the March 31 deadline. ☐ You will need items such as your Social

Security Number, driver’s license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records. ☐ Answering a few simple questions on the

website will help determine if you need to provide parental information. ☐ The school code for Texas A&M University-

Corpus Christi is 011161

What’ll It Cost?

Customized Tuition and Fee Plans Available for each program at tuition.tamucc.edu

For the 2013-2014 academic year, the University awarded $15.4 million in federal grants, and $7 million in state and institutional grants

Financial Aid Dates FALL SEMESTER March 31 SPRING SEMESTER November 1 SUMMER SEMESTER February 15

Your Scholarship

More than half of A&M-Corpus Christi graduates will graduate with no student loan debt The Scholarship Office offers a variety of academically competitive scholarships and talentbased scholarships. Also available are scholarships that support students who have special economic needs, are pursuing a specific academic field, exhibit certain leadership skills or are making a designated career choice.

Freshman Scholarship program applications must be postmarked by December 1 scholarships.tamucc.edu

82% of students receive scholarships or financial aid

Apply for Scholarships For the Freshman Scholarship Program, the following required materials must be postmarked by December 1: ☐ Admissions and Scholarship Applications at

applytexas.org ☐ ACT or SAT test scores ☐ High school transcript with class rank

The Apply Texas Scholarship Application is for incoming freshmen only. Once admitted, students may also complete the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Undergraduate Scholarship Application at scholarships.tamucc.edu to be considered for additional scholarship opportunities. You can contact the Scholarship Office at 361.825.3703 or email: scholarships@tamucc.edu.

Your Home Away from Home We have two residential living options.

Top 5 Reasons to Live on Campus 1 The Ultimate Value Rent, electricity, water, trash, laundry, furniture, cable and high-speed internet are all included in room rates. Plus you can use your financial aid.

2 Outperform Your Peers Studies consistently show that resident students are more likely to graduate on time and with higher GPAs. 3 Stay Connected Get involved with campus activities and interact more frequently with faculty and other students.

4 Convenience Roll out of bed, head straight to class.

5 Live Safe Safety and security are emphasized on campus. The police department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Features Island living at its finest Spectacular bay views Recreation room with WiFi Hike-and-bike trail Outdoor volleyball and picnic area Easy access to the Dugan Wellness Center Academic year and summer lease options

Students will enjoy traditional college living in either residence hall or apartment floor plans at Camden Miramar located on the Island Campus. housing.tamucc.edu

On-Campus Living Campus Dining

Features: • •

All Options Include

• • •

Indoor/outdoor seating A variety of dining options including “All-You-Care-To-Eat” and a Grab-N-Go area Vegetarian options Extended hours Camden Miramar residents have three meal plan options to choose from

Fully-furnished units Utility-inclusive rents Individual lease liability Payment assistance for financial aid recipients Roommate matching Swimming pool

Features

Apartment and townhome living for upperclassmen on the Momentum Campus.

State-of-the-art fitness center Gated community WiFi throughout Direct shuttle to the Island Campus Optional meal plan available

housing.tamucc.edu

Aloha Days

BIG Event

Islander Revue

A Community Lifestyle

From stomp dance routines to cultural performances, the “Islander Revue� music and dance extravaganza showcases a friendly competition of our talented student groups and organizations.

This one-day experience allows students to engage in civic responsibility and connect with the Corpus Christi community while learning valuable leadership skills as they plan, promote and organize events to help those in need.

First Year students make friends and learn about being an Islander during a two-and-a-half-day transition program at Camp Zephyr. Students get to feel at home before classes on the Island even begin!

A Community Lifestyle

Dig Pink

Battle of the Bands

Parade of Nations

This popular event celebrates our international students as they display their cultures during an evening of colorful songs, dance performances and sampling of foods from all over the world.

An annual carnival is held on campus to benefit breast cancer research. The carnival is a prelude to a big volleyball game where the Islanders and their opponents all wear pink.

Local student bands compete for cash and unofficial bragging rights as “top rockers on campus.” Bands are judged on technical skill, creativity, stage presence, vocal skill and audience reaction.

Surrounded By Shores You’ll find your favorite spot on one of many public beaches. Corpus Christi Bay is out our front door, Oso Bay is on our back porch, Padre Island and Mustang Island are just minutes away.

Enjoy sensational, locally-caught seafood, cultural activities and an active nightlife in downtown Corpus Christi.

Islanders Southland Conference Action As an Islander, you’ll build courtside memories that will last a lifetime! Students get in free to all the games. Join “Blue Crew” for invites to pre-game tailgating events and special activities. Cheer for Islanders victories at one of our many venues.

The Islanders are poised to build on past successes: • conference championships • upsets over defending national champions • “March Madness” appearance in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament

Member of the Southland Conference 15 NCAA Division I sports

ISLANDERS FIGHT SONG Fight for A and M, A and M C-C Highest Honor, Brave and Strong Ever true will be Onward to Victory Islanders will prevail We’ll fight, fight Fight Forever A and M C-C

The Shaka The ‘Shaka‘ is the universal university greeting. It can be used as a greeting or goodbye, a sign of approval or praise, as well as a symbol of school spirit.

Step 1

Make a fist with the back of your hand facing out.

Step 2

Put your thumb up.

Step 3

Put your pinky out.

Step 4 How you “shaka” from there is up to you. Some like to shake their “shaka” while others prefer to lock their “shaka” with a fist pump.

After a successful Islander free throw, add a “swish” to your “shaka” with a downward hand motion.

History and Tradition on the Island Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi traces its beginning back to 1947, when Ward Island became the home of the University of Corpus Christi with 312 students enrolled. In 1989, the University joined the A&M System and has since grown to five colleges. The Island University has now grown to more than 10,900 students from across the nation and 87 countries.

From a Friday Fiesta to casino games, our annual homecoming spans an entire week. The Tip-Off Picnic, Lighting of the “I” Spirit Rally, and a downtown Homecoming Parade are just a few of the traditions that culminate with a basketball game and naming of the Homecoming Court.

Students get to kick off the beginning of the fall semester and meet University President Flavius Killebrew in a fun, relaxed atmosphere that includes food, performances and other activities.

Islander tradition is for students to wear fresh orchid leis along with their cap and gown at commencement. Once they receive their degree at graduation, graduates will turn their class ring around, with the name facing outward to symbolize their readiness to face new challenges.

Our semiannual ring ceremony includes the “Islander Ring Wish” tradition. Students receive a sand dollar, symbolizing their future goals, inside their ring box to toss into the Lee Plaza fountain.

Campus buildings along Ocean Drive are illuminated with blue, green, and white lights during this holiday celebration which includes cheer and dance performances, music, games and pictures with Santa.

This ceremony officially welcomes First-Year Islanders to Texas A&MCorpus Christi and celebrates the official beginning of the students’ entry into the Islander community.

Campus Tours & Island Days The Islander Welcome Center is open throughout the week to give personal tours, maps and details on getting accepted. We’ll lead you and your family on a campus tour to learn about our academic programs, student life, traditions and the admissions process. Tours last 60-90 minutes. You’ll get to speak with University representatives who can answer questions on how to apply, financial aid and everything you need to know to get ahead on admission. We also have computer workstations where we’ll help you complete various applications.

Call or click for details and make an appointment 361.825.8687 or tour.tamucc.edu

2014/2015 Spend the day with us at one of our Island Day campus preview events.

• • • • • •

Tour the campus with our Island Ambassadors Learn about our many degree programs Meet our faculty and current students Get help on your application and financial aid forms Find out about our student services Check out our housing

We’ve designed the day especially for you, your family and friends. You’ll enjoy great food and fellowship on this special day.

Make your reservation on our website for one of the following dates:

October 18, 2014 November 1, 2014 February 7, 2015 April 18, 2015 islandday.tamucc.edu or call 361.825.8687 for details

We’re Just a Click Away

Visit Us on the Web tamucc.edu August 2014

Dining Hall

@IslandCampus /islanduniversity /island–university

Islander Welcome Center

N

MOMENTUM CAMPUS Dr. Jack Dugan Family Soccer & Track Stadium

Thomas J. Henry Tennis Center Islander Way

der

Islan Islander Way

Intramural Fields

Way

Momentum Village Apartments

Momentum Village Housing

Most Dialed List Islander Welcome Center/Tours .........................361.825.8687

Disability Services............................................... 361.825.5816

Registrar ............................................................361.825.7024

Financial Aid ......................................................361.825.2338

or 1.800.4.TAMUCC (1.800.482.6822)

Greek Life ..........................................................361.825.5778

Admissions ........................................................361.825.2624

Honors Program ................................................361.825.3926

University Switchboard .......................................361.825.5700

Housing ............................................................361.825.5000

Academic Testing...............................................361.825.2334

Scholarships ......................................................361.825.3703

Bookstore .........................................................361.825.2603

Student Activities and Organizations ....................361.825.3239

Bursar (Business Office) .......................................361.825.2600

Veterans Affairs................................................... 361.825.2331

OFFICE OF RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS 6300 OCEAN DR UNIT 5774 CORPUS CHRISTI TX 78412-5774

97% of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi graduates will be working or in graduate school upon graduation

tamucc.edu Su2014