Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to Award Embedded Associate Degrees in Humanities, Business, and Social Sciences
These Embedded Associate Degrees Are Not Standalone Programs
They are only awarded to students who are actively enrolled in a related bachelor’s degree program, as permitted by THECB since 2023.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is expanding educational opportunities for its students through a new initiative offering three embedded associate degree programs, pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). These programs are designed to support student success and recognize academic progress as students work toward their bachelor’s degrees.
TAMU-CC will award these associate-level programs:
- Associate of Arts in Humanities
- Associate of Science in Social Sciences
- Associate of Business Administration in General Business (recently approved by THECB)
These embedded associate degrees are not standalone programs. They are only awarded to students who are actively enrolled in a related bachelor’s degree program, as permitted by THECB since 2023. The goal is to provide a meaningful credential to students who have completed significant coursework, even if life circumstances require them to pause their academic journey.
“Our mission continues to be guiding students toward completing their bachelor’s degrees,” said Dr. Catherine Rudowsky, TAMU-CC Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “However, we recognize that students’ paths are not always linear. These embedded associate degrees acknowledge their progress and provide a credential of value should they need to step away from the classroom temporarily.”
Research shows the benefits of earning an associate degree extend beyond the classroom. According to the Lumina Foundation’s “Credentials of Value” data, 54% of Texans aged 25-64 with an associate degree earn approximately 15% more than the national median salary of those with only a high school diploma. Further data from the U.S. Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer indicates that associate degree holders in business in the region can expect earnings of $35,183 one year after graduation, rising to $48,289 after five years, and $58,848 after ten years.
“We are not recruiting or enrolling students directly into associate degree programs and we are not in competition with community colleges,” Rudowsky said. “This is about supporting our students and giving them a tangible outcome for their hard work, even if they’re still on the road to earning a bachelor’s degree.”
Students who receive an embedded associate degree will have completed the university’s core curriculum and at least three additional semesters of coursework, making it easier to return and complete their bachelor’s degrees once they are ready.
