Departments & Programs
Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology promotes a broad understanding of the complexity and diversity of the human experience, past and present. The department offers (3) Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Anthropology, Anthropology with a concentration in Archaeology, Anthropology with a concentration in Global Health & Migration, along with a Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) in anthropology.
Communications
The Department of Communication, an energetic multidisciplinary department, offers a major course of study designed to prepare its students for successful entry into a growing professional field, while also educating students for inevitable long-run changes in their careers.
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice Department provides a comprehensive education focused on crime and its control utilizing social science and interdisciplinary approaches. We have qualified faculty who are committed to helping students learn and achieve their personal, social, and professional goals, and societal expectations.
History
As an integral part of a liberal arts education, history courses introduce students to different historical eras, diverse cultures, famous and ordinary women and men, and a variety of geographical settings. Our courses challenge students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and become informed and responsible citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. Students majoring or minoring in history may become teachers or seek employment in business or government. History is an excellent background for those who wish later to go to law school or enter journalism.
Literatures and Cultural Studies
Our dedicated, energetic, and diverse faculty offer a wide variety of courses for undergraduate majors and minors, as well as for elective seekers interested in literary studies, applied linguistics, creative writing, and rhetoric, composition, and literacy studies.
Military Science
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ROTC is a premier leadership program that partners with both University and Community organizations to promote the values and ethics that develops students into leaders of the United States Army. Leadership development courses build teamwork and enhance individual character. Join us in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Reserves Officers' Training Corps and its commitment to build America’s future leaders.
Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy offers a major in philosophy within the Bachelor of Arts, as well as a minor in philosophy. The study of philosophy can serve many useful purposes, but perhaps the most important are how a training in philosophy helps one to think more clearly, perceptively, and effectively. The study of philosophy uniquely helps one to better understand and oneself, the world around them, and how those two are interrelated.
Political Science
Political Science is the study of governments and political processes, political behavior, political ideologies, and public policy. Political scientists use a variety of methodological approaches, perspectives, and concepts to examine the political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world.
Psychology
Psychology can be briefly defined as the science of mind and behavior. Although mental disorders and clinical treatments are a component of psychology, the field is considerably broader, encompassing child and adult development, underlying biological processes, social interactions, physical health and so much more!
Public Affairs and Security Studies
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers a program leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (MPA). The MPA degree allows the student to select from two different tracks: Public Administration and Public Policy & Management. And a third track a Concentration in Global Security Studies and Leadership.
School of Interdisciplinary Programs and Community Engagement
The School of Interdisciplinary Programs and Community Engagement represents the combined expertise and knowledge from faculty in History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Writing and Language Studies, and Literatures and Cultural Studies to develop programs like Mexican American Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, Religious Studies, Environmental Studies, Translation and Interpretation, and the Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools.
Sociology
The Department of Sociology serves as a hub for many important initiatives while providing quality training in sociology. The department offers a B.A. and M.S. in sociology and a interdisciplinary Disaster Studies M.A program.
Globalization has intensified contact among cultures, and hence an education in multiple languages is imperative in today’s world. Pursuing a major or a minor in Spanish ensures bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate competencies while fostering critical and creative thinking skills through the study of literature, linguistics, creative writing, Spanish for healthcare-related professions, and culture. Our program promotes these skills by examining philosophical issues through literature and art, developing analytical skills through writing, and immersing students in the rich cultural complexities of language, people and nations across the globe.
Spanish
Globalization has intensified contact among cultures, and hence an education in multiple languages is imperative in today’s world. Pursuing a major or a minor in Spanish ensures bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate competencies while fostering critical and creative thinking skills through the study of literature, linguistics, creative writing, Spanish for healthcare-related professions, and culture. Our program promotes these skills by examining philosophical issues through literature and art, developing analytical skills through writing, and immersing students in the rich cultural complexities of language, people and nations across the globe.
Writing and Language Studies
The department currently offers the following undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificates focusing on composition, linguistics, foreign languages and teaching:
- Bachelor of Arts - English (In conjunction with Department of Literatures and Cultural Studies, with specific tracks in rhetoric, composition and linguistics.)
- Bachelor of Arts - Spanish (In conjunction with Department of Literatures and Cultural Studies.)
- Master of Arts - English: Rhetoric, Composition and Literacy Studies
- Master of Arts - English as a Second Language
- Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in English