McALLEN, Texas - Because of agriculture, the Port of Brownsville and the maquiladora industry, logistics is an important part of the Rio Grande Valley economy.
Well, there is now a degree program on offer locally that helps students learn about global supply chains.
Robert D. Morrison, program manager and professor of the practice of Maritime Business Administration at Texas A&M University, spoke about the opportunities students now have.
He said the Maritime Business Administration degree on offer at Texas A&M in McAllen can lead to a high paying job.
“CNBC, which is a business news network, cites a study that this is one of the top careers with the fastest way to a six figure salary,” Morrison said. “So, it's a high demand area.”
And, Morrison said, the jobs are not out at sea.
Morrison gave the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service an exclusive interview during an Open House event at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen on Saturday.
Community members, including high school students, had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facility, network with faculty and staff, meet with admissions advisors from the Rio Grande Valley Prospective Student Center and learn more about the nine undergraduate degree programs offered at HCEM.
The nine programs are:
A flyer produced for the event said of the Maritime Business Administration degree:
“This program is brand new to our McAllen location and brings the specialized yet widely applicable degree to the Rio Grande Valley. Learn the ins and outs of maritime business administration from industry experts and longtime veterans. Whether a student is more interested in the running of ports, working in a shipping company, or getting into accounting or logistics, this degree is perfect for driven individuals that want to land a great job.”
Manny Vela, vice president and COO of Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen, said the HECM is committed to expanding academic opportunities and enhancing economic development in the Rio Grande Valley.
He said that as part of this effort, the center added three in-demand undergraduate degree programs for the fall 2023 semester: Maritime Business Administration; Human Resource Development; and Education: Certification in Middle Grades 4-8 Math/Science.
Vela said the Open House provided insight into each career path and the Aggie experience in McAllen.
“By having Texas A&M in our own backyard, local students have the incredible chance to receive a more affordable and accessible path to a global Tier I higher education,” Vela said.
