There are times when a name can be misleading, especially when dealing with higher education and its liberal studies degree programs. For Texas A&M University–Central Texas, the liberal studies degree reflects a degree path that offers a wide variety of choices when it comes to areas of focus. It is a degree designed to allow students an opportunity to build a program that caters to their specific needs or interests.
Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies, or graduate students have the option to pursue a master’s degree. To avoid some confusion, however, the master’s degree recently changed its name from liberal studies to interdisciplinary studies, better reflecting the multi-discipline approach students can take to their education.
In particular, the programs are designed for students with wide arrays of interests who are looking to tailor a degree that meets their needs for career advancement or personal growth. The liberal studies undergraduate degree allows students to combine three areas of interest into a singular curriculum. Likewise, the MS in Interdisciplinary Studies builds on that concept to take a deeper dive into subject matter areas.
Having held significant leadership roles throughout his 43-year career, retiree Henry Edwards embraced the broad-based degree approach. Edwards returned to college to earn his degree as a promise to his father who passed away in 2018. Edwards attended community college in San Antonio, then transferred to A&M–Central Texas where he completed his bachelor’s degree and went on to earn a master’s, graduating in December 2024.
“A diverse set of skills and adaptability are essential for success in today’s dynamic business landscape,” Edwards wrote in his capstone thesis. “My interdisciplinary studies gave me a solid foundation to meet these challenges.”
Edwards’ bachelor’s degree in liberal studies focused on English, social work and sociology, while his master’s degree drew from organizational strategy, executive management and human resource management and development. In all, it gave Edwards a knowledge base consisting of numerous academic backgrounds, enriching his educational experience and cultivating a degree that met his desire for personal and professional growth.
“I achieved my goal of creating a one-of-a-kind degree by taking classes in a wide range of business specialties,” said Edwards, who wanted to develop a better understanding of issues relating to the behavior of different organizational structures.
“Based on those studies, I understand that no discipline operates in a vacuum, as they all have a meaning for overall organizational performance,” he said.
Although retired, Edwards said he wanted to fashion his degree in such a way that it prepared him for leadership in business. He said a goal was to strengthen his research and analytical abilities to better develop the problem-solving skills needed to address challenges in a modern business climate.
“These academic disciplines provided a solid foundation for conducting sophisticated research,” he said. “By applying these skills to real-world problems, I can contribute to innovative solutions and drive positive change.”
Edwards, a resident of Live Oak who completed both of his degrees online, said his experience instilled in him a desire to get back into the workforce, finding a job in management and administration.
“I am driven by a powerful desire to contribute to the growth and development of organizations in industries that align with the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation’s core and targeted sector,” he said. “Through my studies, I have gained a deep understanding of the complexities and dynamics of these industries, as well as the strategic and operational challenges they face. This knowledge will serve as a sturdy foundation for my future endeavors.”
A&M–Central Texas will soon open enrollment for summer courses. Anyone interested in more information about the degree programs can visit www.tamuct.edu/degrees.