Texas A&M University at Galveston

Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) is a special campus of Texas A&M University that focuses on the ocean and sea-related studies. Students at TAMUG, called 'Sea Aggies,' get all the benefits of being part of the big Texas A&M University in College Station, but they study in a place right by the water on Pelican Island.

The school offers many programs that help students learn about the ocean and maritime jobs. One special part of TAMUG is the Texas A&M Maritime Academy. There is also a special group for students who want to join the Navy called the NROTC, which can only be for Navy students (those who want to join the Marine Corps have to go to the main campus in College Station). TAMUG also has a program with the Coast Guard called the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program. This program helps students become officers in the Coast Guard after they finish their studies, because the school does not have a full ROTC program.

History

Texas A&M University at Galveston started in 1962 as a place to study the sea and home to a school for maritime training. In 1965, the federal government gave the school its first training ship, the Texas Clipper. In 1968, a man named George P. Mitchell donated land on Pelican Island to help grow the campus. More land was given in 1993 for the school’s sailing and rowing teams. The school’s studies focus on the ocean, including marine biology, marine sciences, and oceanography. In 1971, there were 91 students enrolled.

Academics

Texas A&M University at Galveston is a special part of Texas A&M University that focuses on ocean-related studies. It offers many different programs for students to choose from. For example, students can study marine biology, marine science, or maritime studies. There are also engineering programs, such as marine engineering technology and offshore coastal and systems engineering.

Students can also study at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, where they learn to become licensed mariners. For those who want to continue their education after getting a bachelor's degree, there are graduate programs available in marine biology, marine sciences, and maritime administration. Some students can also join special "3+2" programs that let them earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years instead of six.

Student life

Enrollment at Texas A&M University at Galveston grew from 551 students in 1987 to over 2000 students in 2012. Students come from 49 states and the District of Columbia. Most students study science and engineering, making up 75% of the student body. Women make up 43% of the students, and about half of them were in the top 20% of their high school classes. Many students, about 57%, plan to get a master's or PhD degree, and around 65% get some financial help.

The campus has places for students to live, and sometimes it’s required for some students. There are many places to play and stay active, like volleyball courts, a gym, a pool, tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, and a student center. The campus is always changing with new buildings, like new dorms for students and a new dorm for the Corps of Cadets that will be finished in early 2016.

Texas A&M Maritime Academy

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy is one of only seven United States maritime academies that train U.S. Merchant Marine officers, and the only one located on the Gulf of Mexico. The academy offers cadets the chance to learn how to maintain and operate large ocean-going vessels. Students sail on training ships and commercial ships during summer cruises to gain practical experience in navigation, seamanship, and engineering operations. They also receive classroom instruction and hands-on training during the regular school semester. Training facilities include simulators, labs, small boats, and other resources.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy began in 1962 when Texas Governor Price Daniel and Texas A&M University President General Earl Rudder signed an agreement to create a Texas-based maritime academy. The first class of cadets started their training in 1962 at the main campus in College Station before moving to Galveston to complete their maritime-related classes. The academy operated between the two campuses for eight years until 1971. Over time, cadets have participated in various programs, including the Merchant Marine Licensing Program, the Strategic Sealift Officer Program, and the Navy Reserve Officer Training Program. All students are part of the Corps of Midshipmen, which provides discipline, leadership, and a professional learning environment. The academy has had several training ships, including the TS Texas Clipper, TS Texas Clipper II, and currently the TS Kennedy.

Traditions

Main article: Traditions of Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University has many long-standing traditions that started when the school began in 1876. These traditions have changed over time, especially as new generations of students have added their own ideas. Students at Texas A&M University at Galveston, called Sea Aggies, share many of these traditions.

Sea Aggies can earn the same Aggie ring as students at the main campus once they complete enough courses. They can also attend sports events, concerts, and shows held at the main campus in College Station. In 2023, a large statue of two Aggie Rings was placed on the Galveston campus. It shows rings from 1966, when the first class graduated, and 1975, when the first women and Black students graduated.

Students at Galveston have their own special traditions too. For example, younger students rub a big anchor for good luck before exams, while older students get to walk under its chain. They also have their own Midnight Yell Practice on Thursday nights so they can still attend the main campus’s Midnight Yell on Friday.

The Sea Aggie Band, restarted in 2010, plays at many campus events. There is also a special nighttime tribute called Silver Taps to honor students who have passed away while studying.

Response to Hurricane Ike

Because of Hurricane Ike, the university closed on September 10, 2008. The hurricane hit Galveston early on September 13. Though the campus itself wasn't badly hurt, the island had many problems. This made it hard to keep the school open for its nearly 1,800 students. Most students moved to the main campus in College Station, where classes started again on September 24. The Galveston campus began normal work again in spring of 2009.