The degree is unique because it is an interdisciplinary degree program (IDP) combining the strengths of three universities within the Texas A&M University System; Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas A&M University-Galveston, and Texas A&M University. Students can choose courses from any campus and form committees with any of the participating IDP faculty. 

The principal strengths of the program lie in the international recognition, scholarly productivity, and extramural funding of its diverse faculty, as well as the strategic location of two campuses on the Gulf of Mexico.