More of Our History
Texas A&M University-Commerce is the second largest university in The Texas A&M University System and one of the system's three newest members. The university is known as a top producer of public school teachers and other educational professionals in Texas. The university also is home to the state's first computer science degree, Texas' only four-year printing management degree program, and an award-winning advertising art program that has won the Dallas Society of Visual Communications competition in 14 of the past 19 years.
With its main campus in Commerce near Greenville, its Metroplex Center in Mesquite, and a downtown Dallas location, Texas A&M University-Commerce plays a key role in the A&M System's growing presence in North Texas.
Founded in 1889 as East Texas Normal College, Texas A&M University-Commerce focused on an initial curriculum that emphasized a liberal arts education and teacher training. In 1917, the school became a state institution. In 1965, the institution's name was changed to East Texas State University (ETSU). After 30 years of growth as ETSU, the university joined the A&M System and became Texas A&M University-Commerce on Sept. 1, 1996.
Achievements: In the nationally known College of Arts and Sciences, students continue to win significant awards in art and printing. A&M-Commerce advertising art students won the Gold Medal given by The One Club of New York for Art and Copy in 1993, 1987, 1986 and 1985. The One Club's Gold Medal is recognized as the highest award in the country for those in the communication arts. The university was one of four schools in the nation to win the 1994 Christa McAuliffe Showcase for Excellence Award form the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
Academic Programs: Today, A&M-Commerce offers 100 major fields of study in 26 academic departments through the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Technology, College of Education, and the Graduate School. Long-known for its teacher education program, A&M-Commerce has prepared teachers and public school and college administrators who are at work throughout the state and the nation. The College of Business and Technology is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. In the Graduate School, doctor of education degrees are awarded in the college teaching of English, health and physical education; counseling; educational administration; and supervision, curriculum and instruction in elementary education, higher education, and secondary education. A doctor of philosophy degree is available in educational psychology.
Research Programs: In physics, A&M-Commerce researchers are studying surface properties under ultra-high vacuum conditions. Agricultural science research includes animal wastes being composted for use as a peat moss substitute. Water resources in northeast Texas receive attention from the Center for Texas Rural Water Studies which sponsors an annual conference.
Location/Facilities: Commerce is conveniently located on 2,000 acres in Hunt County in northeast Texas, about a 60-minute drive from Dallas/Fort Worth. A&M-Commerce also operates the Metroplex Center in Mesquite and offers courses at the University Centers Dallas (UCD) in downtown Dallas.
