Interdisciplinary and Affiliated Degree Programs

Enhancing Engineering Education with Complementing Studies

The value of interdisciplinary study is gaining momentum in the development of 21^st century engineers. Many would argue that the best engineering solutions to today's global challenges are being produced by diverse teams of technically sound professionals. Diversity can be represented in many ways but with respect to interdisciplinary initiatives, three common examples include:

1. Engineers from different disciplines (like electrical or civil or mechanical) working together on a common problem.
2. Engineers working with non-engineering specialists (like scientists or policy experts) to generate solutions.
3. Engineers broadening their own skill sets to include working knowledge of areas like economics, communication and management principles.

The Cockrell School of Engineering offers or is affiliated with several degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that are designed to foster interdisciplinary study.

Undergraduate:

For more information, please contact the undergraduate program office associated with the program of interest to you or contact the Engineering Student Affairs Office.

Plan II:This dual degree option, offered jointly by the Cockrell School and the Plan II Honors Program of the College of Liberal Arts, provides the student with challenging liberal arts courses while he or she also pursues a professional degree in engineering. Admission to this program requires at least two separate applications: one to the University and one to the Plan II Honors Program. Students should contact both the Cockrell School's Office of Student Affairs and the Plan II office for more information on applications and early deadlines.

Architectural Engineering/Architecture: A program that leads to both the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering degree and the Bachelor of Architecture degree is available to qualified students. The program combines the course requirements of both degrees and requires six years for completion. Students who wish to pursue both degrees must apply for admission to the School of Architecture (according to the procedures and deadlines established by the school).

Engineering Route to Business: The Engineering Route to Business (ERB) Program is a rigorous and challenging degree plan that satisfies industry's demand for technologically savvy graduates who have backgrounds in both engineering and business. In the ERB Program, students take engineering, math, and science classes while working toward a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. ERB students develop a broad strategic perspective of business principles and acquire a solid command of the technical fundamentals of engineering.

Business Foundations: Although not an undergraduate degree program, a Certificate in Business Foundations is offered by the McCombs School of Busniess to non-business majors, requiring undergraduate students to take additional hours in accounting, management information, finance, legal environment of business, management, marketing and economics.

Longhorn Grand Challenges Scholars Program: The National Academy of Engineering set forth 14 Grand Challenges to address the world's most pressing societal issues that can be solved with innovative engineering, such as access to clean drinking water, resorting and improving urban infrastructure, and making solar energy economical. As a result of these Grand Challenges, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) was formed. Each GCSP is tailor-made to fit the hosting university and to fit each student as a GC Scholar within the program. The Longhorn GCSP is designed to be complementary, not additive, to a student's academic journey, and can be tailored to any student who is interested.

Graduate:

For more information, please contact the graduate advisor and/or coordinator associated with the program of interest to you.

Computational Science, Engineering and Mathematics Program: The CSEM program is a challenging interdisciplinary program that prepares students for the exciting field of computational and mathematical modeling. It develops in each student competencies in three concentration areas: Applicable Mathematics; Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computation; and Mathematical modeling of a natural, engineered or other system.

Engineering Management: The Engineering Management Program (MSE EM) is designed to meet the growing demand for technical managers with strong engineering, science and technical backgrounds as well as a demonstrated understanding in management and financial issues. Students will grasp core business fundamentals through challenging courses that are uniquely tailored to an engineers' background and future needs.

Biomedical Ph.D. (UT Austin) / M.D. (UT Medical Branch Galveston): The M.D.-Ph.D. Dual Degree Program integrates established and accredited medical and graduate programs into a highly competitive and selective dual degree program that combines the strengths of these two major University of Texas campuses. The program is administered by a joint faculty committee with members appointed from both institutions.

Engineering / Public Affairs: The LBJ School of Public Affairs and the College of Engineering offer a dual degree program leading to the degrees of Master of Public Affairs and Master of Science in Engineering in any of several engineering major areas. The program is designed to prepare qualified engineering and public affairs students for careers at any level of government and in public policy related areas of the engineering profession.

Mechanical Engineering / Masters of Business Administration: The MBA/Master of Manufacturing and Decision Systems Engineering represents an opportunity for a well-rounded professional education in the management of manufacturing technology. For the manufacturing engineer, this program offers the opportunity to understand the labor and management issues in the design of the manufacturing complex. For the manager of manufacturing, it develops an appreciation of world-class manufacturing technology.

Energy & Earth Resources: The Energy and Earth Resources Graduate Program provides the opportunity for students to prepare themselves in management, finance, economics, law and policy leading to analytical and leadership positions in resource–related fields.