West Texas A&M University: 1999-2000 Academic Year

Undergraduate Catalog

    A legislative act signed into law March 31, 1909, established the first college in West Texas to be built west of the 98th meridian. West Texas State Normal College opened September 20, 1910, in Canyon City. In 1917, the College became a degree-granting institution. School colors of maroon and white were chosen in 1910 with the buffalo selected as the school mascot in 1921.
    Through the years, the institution's name has changed to reflect its growth and expanding role in higher education. In 1923, it became West Texas State Teachers College. In 1932, the institution became the first teachers college in Texas to offer graduate instruction. Called West Texas State College beginning in 1949, the institution became West Texas State University in 1963. On September 1, 1990, West Texas A&ampM University became the eighth academic member of The Texas A&ampM University System, and, once again, the University's name was changed to reflect its expansion and affiliation with The System. On September 25, 1992, the Board of Regents elected to change the name to West Texas A&ampM University, effective June 1, 1993.
    Today, West Texas A&M University is a strong regional university with a quality faculty, selective admissions, small classes averaging 23 students and affordable tuition. With more than 6,000 students, WTAMU is large enough to insure diversity in lifestyles, values and backgrounds. The University is well suited for junior college transfers and older students returning to college. An active campus life, with more than 125 recognized student organizations, helps keep students involved in the University beyond the classroom.
    West Texas A&M University strives for excellence in every facet of its classes, activities and planning. The broad curriculum offered by the University strikes a balance between solid liberal arts education and professional programs. Within the student population, approximately 80 percent are undergraduates in 54 degree programs of study. Graduate students at the University choose from 30 graduate degree programs.
    West Texas A&M University is the primary source of university education, research and service for the Texas Panhandle and adjacent regions of neighboring states. The University's mission is to prepare students for professional careers by providing sound baccalaureate and graduate education, including foundations for good citizenship and responsible, effective leadership. As the primary university in this lightly populated and geographically remote region, WTAMU has a special mission to serve as a cultural resource and to develop ties with education, health services, agriculture and industry in order to contribute to the economic development of the region. Although the primary responsibility is teaching, WTAMU actively engages in research, particularly that which will enhance the cultural and economic environment.

West Texas A&M University is organized into four colleges and one school:

The College of Agriculture, Nursing and Natural Sciences includes the

Division of Agriculture
Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Department of Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Engineering Technology
Division of Nursing

The T. Boone Pickens College of Business offers the

Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance
Department of Computer Information Systems
Department of Management, Marketing and General Business

The College of Education and Social Sciences is composed of the

Department of Behavioral Sciences
Division of Education
Department of History and Political Science
Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences

The Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities includes the

Department of Art, Communication and Theatre
Department of English and Modern Languages
Department of Music and Dance

Each college is administered by a dean who oversees the various degrees and programs of the institution. The graduate school is administered by the dean of the graduate school, research and information technology.
West Texas A&M University is governed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents whose nine members are appointed to six-year terms by the governor of Texas. The board appoints the president who directs the operations of the University. The board is responsible for the establishment and control of the University's rules. On the recommendation of the president, the board appoints all faculty and other employees. Upon recommendation of the faculty and under authority vested by the board, the president confers all degrees.

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