Department of Liberal Studies

The Department of Liberal Studies at Texas A&M at Galveston offers several unique interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees:

  1. Bachelor of Arts in Maritime Studies
    The past and present relationships between humans and the sea; nautical archaeology, cultural anthropology, world politics, maritime history, maritime literature, tall ship sail training, museum studies, tourism, domestic and international public service, environmental concerns

  2. Bachelor of Science in University Studies; concentration in Tourism and Coastal Community Development
    Sociology, tourism
  3. Bachelor of Science in University Studies; concentration in Marine Environmental Law and Policy
    Law and business

The mission of the Department of Liberal Studies is to provide a robust intellectual foundation for students pursuing occupational and leadership roles in areas such as government, communication, business, non-governmental organizations, public policy, tourism policy, journalism and public relations, archaeology and anthropology, museums and archives, professional diving, and preparation for graduate studies and law school.

Liberal Studies students participate in a variety of state and national programs such as the Model United Nations, Student Conference on National Affairs, and the Bush School Public Service Institute. They are encouraged to avail themselves of the international educational opportunities  available through courses offered in the Texas A&M University Education Abroad Programs Office.  

With faculty maintaining research agendas in a variety of disciplines including politics, history, mass media and communication, English, popular culture, archeology, philosophy, museum studies, anthropology, genocide studies, African-American studies, and mathematics, Liberal Studies builds within students enhanced critical thinking and strong communication skills, while emphasizing the critical nature of multicultural thinking and collaboration in a global economy.

The Department of Liberal Studies provides the skills necessary for students to:

  • Lead others through critical thinking, multi-dimensional problem solving, and issue advocacy;
  • Be competitive in a multicultural world increasingly interested in college graduates with interdisciplinary backgrounds;
  • Inform public policy creation and decision-making from both the governmental and business perspectives;
  • Earn internships in areas such as politics, law and legal affairs, communication, for-profit and non-profit organizations, artifact conservation and museum management;
  • Prepare for graduate school and law school opportunities;  
  • Understand the inalienable connections between liberal education, freedom, and democracy. 

Ballingall, Timothy, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas Christian University, 2021

Caton, Amy, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MLS, University of North Texas, 2012

Domsky, Darren K, Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, York University, 2006

Earle, Thomas, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Rice University, 2017

Echols, Katherine E, Instructional Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Houston, 2015

Falvo, Kathryn, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Pennsylvania State University, 2018

Furth, Brett H, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2015

Galvan Mandujano, Martha C, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
PHD, The University of Oklahoma, 2015

Haney, Adam D, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, Texas A&M University Commerce, 2014

Josvoll, Kristin K, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, Johns Hopkins University, 2015

Kates-Hammond, Cindy, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
EDD, University of South Dakota, 2000
MMU, University of South Dakota, 1995

Kress, Lisa M, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
MFA, University of Houston, 2001

Lamphere, Jenna A, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 2016

Ledford, Christopher E, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MS, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, 2003

Lutz, Joann A, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of North Texas, 1993

Mark, Samuel E, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Texas A&M University, 2000

McCloud Daisey, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
MA, Houston Baptist University, 2002

Musgrove, Elizabeth, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, University of North Texas, 2005

Nealon, William, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
MED, Lamar University, 2018

Nyman, Elizabeth A, Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Florida State University, 2010

Ottman, Rebecca, Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Indiana University Bloomington, 2021

Pintacuda, Jesse Catherine, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
BS, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2008

Presswood, Phillip H, Instructional Assistant Professor
Liberal Studies
MA, University of Houston at Clear Lake, 2011

Ryan, James G, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Notre Dame, 1981

Slatton, Katie J, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MED, University of Montevallo, 2003

Traber, Daniel S, Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, University of Houston, 2000

Viser, Victor J, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
PHD, Temple University, 1995

White, Laura G, Instructional Associate Professor
Liberal Studies
MS, University of Bradford, UK, 2011

Williams, Sara S, Lecturer
Liberal Studies
BS, Texas A&M University, 2000