Coastal Bend Colleges Focus on Coastal Studies
In the Coastal Bend area, we have excellent higher education institutions that educate students on coastal issues, coastal studies and coastal habitats. These higher institutions include Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), University of Texas Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas (UTMSI), and Del Mar College (DMC).
TAMUCC has an array of degree programs within their Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences (PENS) for all levels of education. These programs focus on all environmental aspects that help our ecosystem not only survive, but flourish. The undergraduate (Bachelors) programs include: Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, and Geology. Graduate (Masters) degrees include: Coastal and Marine Science System and Environmental Science. A Doctoral degree in Coastal and Marine System Sciences is available, too. Students studying within PENS have unique research opportunities since TAMUCC collaborates with the Center for Water Supply Studies, the Isotope Core Laboratory, and the Weather Observatory. The Harte Research Institute, known for their impactful research of the Gulf of Mexico, is located on the TAMUCC campus, as well. Further information on programs can be found at TAMUCC’s PENS program.
The UTMSI College of Natural Sciences was established in Port Aransas, Texas in 1941. This university is deemed Texas’ oldest and most significant institution for marine research of our coast. Their Department of Marine Science offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine and Freshwater Biology; as well as, Master of Science and a Doctorate degree in Marine Science. The Department of Marine Science is the academic counterpart of the Marine Science Institute; which gives these students outstanding opportunities to research topics including: oil spills, fish migration, biodiversity, land-ocean linkages, climate change, red tide, and many more! To learn more of the available degree programs at UTMSI.
DMC offers very good Associate degree programs in over 140 occupational fields. Degrees and certificates programs offered at DMC that pertain to coastal wellness/studies include: Geology, Biology, Chemistry, and Biotechnology. DMC also offers a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) degree. This program educates their students on how to utilize software to create maps, graphs, charts, data, etc. These programs are commonly used in the design and continued function of hurricane evacuation routes, maps of landscapes and the natural details (i.e. low spots subject to flooding on the land), etc. Please visit Del Mar College, to learn more about the available degrees and certificate programs.
Each of these institutions of higher education in the Coastal Bend offer phenomenal academic programs and hands-on research opportunities. These programs regarding our coastal habitats, coastal studies and coastal wellness are excellent educational opportunities for all adults. Who wouldn’t want to study the Gulf of Mexico while living directly on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico?
The upcoming Special Session will give the Texas Legislature the start time to review and address the issues that the Governor has identified. If you would like to stay informed on what occurs during the Special Session beginning July 18th, please visit Texas Legislature Online.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
