Engineering
In support of the missions of the University and the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the degree programs in Civil, Construction Management, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering are offered through the Department of Civil Engineering, Department of Construction Management, Department of Electrical Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, respectively. The Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering Departments also offer Master of Science degrees. These engineering degree programs prepare students to enter the engineering profession and, subsequently, to develop interest and expertise in many areas within the profession.
Students learn the fundamentals of their chosen program with emphasis on critical thinking, communication skills, problem solving, design, and integrated systems, while also taking courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, English, humanities, and social sciences. Graduates are prepared for practice as professional engineers. They have acquired the foundation for maintaining professional competence throughout their careers, and they have the skills and experiences needed to move quickly into leadership roles in today’s engineering and construction environments.
Students who desire the option of further study at the graduate level are well prepared to continue their engineering education at the master's and doctoral level. And, in today’s highly technological world, the Bachelor of Science degree programs in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering provide an excellent core, when combined with appropriate preparatory electives, for studies in medicine, law, and other specialties.
Cooperative Education Program
The Cooperative (co-op) Education Program is offered as an educational enhancement to the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs. To complete the Co-op Program, a student works full-time in approved progressive work assignments for at least three academic semesters prior to the student's senior year. (The three academic semesters or terms may include 12-week summer sessions.)
At any time after completing a minimum of all the freshman year course work, an engineering student with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 may apply to participate in the Co-op Program. A transfer student must complete at least one full-time academic semester at UT Tyler and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 to qualify.
A co-op student alternates between full-time academic semesters and semesters of progressive full-time approved work assignments until the student has completed at least three work semesters. Alternatively, a co-op student may alternate between a year of full-time academic terms and a year of full-time approved work assignments. The full-time work assignments are a planned part of the co-op student's educational program; are with the same employer; and are progressive in complexity, responsibility, and pay. The student's senior year is spent in residence at the University with no further co-op work assignments.
During the student's full-time work terms, the student is considered a full-time student by the University, and the student registers for the appropriate co-op course from ENGR 3191 through ENGR 3196. The co-op courses carry one semester hour of credit and have requirements for the student to submit educational objectives, status reports, and a final technical report. The student is also required, in cooperation with the student's employer, to host a work site visit by a UT Tyler engineering faculty member responsible for the co-op course and to submit at the end of the work term a performance appraisal/evaluation by the employer.
Students enrolling in the Co-op Program gain the benefits of a planned progression of work experiences that complement and enrich their engineering studies on campus. Participants gain insight into the engineering and construction world, are able to apply their insights from actual practice to their studies, grow in understanding of their own interests and career objectives, and advance in professional maturity. All work assignments are in paid positions, and students are able to help finance their education while gaining professional experience.