Texas A & M University-Commerce (TAMUC, A&M-Commerce) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Texas A&M University-Commerce (A&M) is a public university in Commerce, Texas. The university was founded in 1889 as East Texas Normal College. Today, it is the second largest school in the Texas A&M University system with around 6,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students on campus and a reputation for excellent facilities. The planetarium at A&M is considered one of the best university planetariums in the southeast.

Commerce is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth urban metro area, about 55 miles from downtown Dallas. The town of Commerce is home to around 8,000 people. To serve a wider population area, there are branch campuses in McKinney, Mount Pleasant, Mesquite, and downtown Dallas.

The school’s motto is “Ceaseless Industry-Fearless Investigation-Unfettered Thought-Unselfish Service to Others”.

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Information Summary

Ranks 52nd in Texas and 1229th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	77.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$22,983
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	23 / 1140
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	19 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	66% / 25%
Enrollment Total (all students)	12,411

Academics

The university offers more than 100 degrees divided into four colleges: the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Business and Technology, the College of Social Sciences and Arts, and the College of Sciences, Engineering, and Agriculture. The university places a strong emphasis on small classes, internship opportunities, and mentorship relationships between faculty and students. Average class size is 26 people.

The College of Business and Technology is internationally known for its excellent undergraduate accounting programs, including its undergraduate China Exchange Program and Master’s of Business Administration program. A&M is also the only school in northeast Texas to offer degrees in wildlife and conservation science and industrial engineering. The university is classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Study Abroad

There are 18 study abroad programs at A&M, including programs in China, Australia, South Africa, Russia, Peru, and England. A significant number of Korean students from KonKuk University in Seoul come to A&M to study general education, English, and American culture.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Admissions to A&M are competitive. SAT or ACT scores are required as part of the application. Approximately 57% of applicants are admitted.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options available to college and university students in Texas, A&M offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships, for a total of over 75 million dollars in financial aid each year. Fifty students who qualify for the Honors College receive full tuition scholarships every year.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4846th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Texas.

Students

Clubs and Organizations

There are more than 120 student organizations on the A&M Commerce campus to meet the personal and professional interests of a wide range of students. The Student Government Association is the voice of the student body in administrative and other public matters. Clubs and organizations include professional interest groups, personal interest groups, multicultural organizations, and more. Special interest groups include the Association for the Needs of Gay and Lesbian Students, Cricket City Improv, Environmental Awareness Society, Free Thinkers Society, Texas College Democrats, and The Clay Club. Multicultural organizations include the African Student Association, Caribbean Students Association, Chinese Student Association, Fuerza y Inegridad A Todos, League of United Latin American Citizens, Thai Student Association, and more. The student newspaper is The East Texan, and students in the Radio and Television department produce “Newscenter 3”, a weekly television broadcast.

Greek Life

Greek life is a significant element of campus culture at A&M. Fraternities include Kappa Kappa Psi, Kappa Alpha Order, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, Delta Tau Delta, Phi Iota Alpha, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, Alpha Gamma Ro, Omega Psy Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Tau Beta Sigma. Sororities include Kappa Delta Chi, Chi Omega, Alpha Phi, Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Delta, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta.

Living on Campus

There are several dormitories and apartments on the A&M campus.Residences include:

Whitley Hall, a large traditional residence and home to Regents Scholars and the Freshman Leadership Class
The New Pride Apartments, apartments for upperclassmen
Smith Hall, a suite-style residence
Berry Hall, a suite-style residence
West Hall, an apartment complex for upperclassmen
Prairie Crossing, an apartment complex for members of Sophomore Experience and Honors College
Family Housing, an apartment complex for married students and students with children

Dining on Campus

A&M offers a traditional, buffet-style dining hall as well as a large food court in the Sam Rayburn Student Center. Food court offerings include Tex Mex café Ochorito, chicken wings outlet Wingin’It, Starbucks, Deli and Veggie By Design, and Swirls and Shakes. There is also a bistro in the library offering snacks and Starbucks coffee.

Child Care

The Children’s Learning Center offers care for the children of students, faculty, and staff. It is open to children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Student Services

The Student Services office offers a wide range of support services to assist students in academic success. These services include academic counselling, career counselling, employment placement services, personal counselling, testing services, and disability services.

Post-Graduate Employment

A&M boasts an alumni employment rate of over 95%.Some of the top employers for A&M graduates include Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Wells Fargo Bank, the US Department of Labor, Honeywell-TSI, and the Dallas Independent School District.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The athletic department is known as the Lions, and school colors are blue and gold. The Lions compete in NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference. Men’s sports include football, golf, basketball, track and field, and cross country. Women’s sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, track and field, and cross country. Football is the most popular sport at the university.

Recreational Athletics

The Morris Recreation Center contains facilities available for student use, including weight equipment, cardiovascular equipment, basketball courts, running tracks, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, pools, and a hot tub.

Alumni

Well-known alumni include:

NFL players Alan Veingrad, Kevin Mathis, Dwight White, Antonio Wilson, Wes Smith, Aundra Thompson, Tim Collier, Jon Gilliam, Dee Mackey, Kyle Mackey, Curtis Buckley, Darrell Tully, Clint Dolezel, and Harvey Martin
Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson
Artists Robyn O’Neiland Trenton Doyle Hancock
Former Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District Mike Moses
Photographers Mark Seliger and Jim Fiscus
Author Bill O’Neal
US House of Representatives lawmaker Sam Rayburn
Acress Tia Ballard
Congressman Mike Conaway

Bibliography

About Us.. TAMU Commerce. Web. 26 Sept 2011.
Fiske, Edward B. Fiske Guide to Colleges 2011. Chicago: Sourcebooks, 2010. Print.
Locations. Academics. TAMU Commerce. Web. 26 Sept 2011.
Overview. Academics. TAMU Commerce. Web. 26 Sept 2011.
Pope, Loren. Looking Beyond the Ivy League: Finding the College That’s Right for You. New York: Penguin. 2007. Print.

Texas A & M University-Commerce