New TAMIU Degree Info Session Aug. 8
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A new undergraduate degree at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) enables students to forge a singular degree with diverse areas or interests.
An information session for the new MDS will be held Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the TAMIU Starbucks, located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.
The Multi-Disciplinary Studies Degree (MDS) is ideal for students whose interests are not defined by a conventional college major or minors structure, explained TAMIU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Pablo Arenaz.
“We think this will be a very appealing degree to students who have a range of interests and seek an individualized degree preparation that is tightly attuned to those needs. It really provides the students with the ability to create the program that fits them best, affording them three equivalent areas of concentration,” Dr. Arenaz said.
Dr. Conchita Hickey, University College Dean directing the new program, said some students simply have multiple strengths that can be better realized with the MDS program.
“These students are certainly not unfocused…they have very real strengths in multiple areas and this allows them an opportunity to grow all those strengths towards a career or graduate school goal. The program is closely aligned with our Career Services office to make sure that the students’ preparation remains tightly focused on employment success too,” said Dr. Hickey.
She offered a student example.
“ ‘Estella’ is an accomplished dancer and wants to open a business in dance or fitness. She’s also intrigued by psychology. With the MDS, she could build her program with three equivalent areas: business, kinesiology and psychology. A conventional degree program would confine her to a two-part major and minor, and not include experiences in the things that inspire her most. The MDS can build those interests into a program that fits the student individually,” Hickey explained.
She also noted that the MDS is ideal for people who may have considered one degree path, but have since become aware of other strengths or interests, or simply want to change degrees or resume their degree progress differently.
“The MDS would give them a way to retain their previous hours, not lose pace in their degree progress and add the areas that interest them most,” she noted.
For additional information, contact Dr. Hickey at 956.326.2801, email chickey@tamiu.edu or visit offices in University Success Center, suite 223.
Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu