College of Engineering Overview

Departments: Dan F. Smith Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Phillip M. Drayer Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Srinivas Palanki, Dean, Cherry Bldg. 2016, (409) 880-8741
Dr. Jerry Lin, Senior Director of Graduate Studies, Cherry 2014, (409) 880-8761
Dr. Peyton Richmond, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Cherry 2006, (409) 880-2147
Erin Lovelady, Director, Outreach and Student Services, Cherry 2008, (409) 880-8714
Ryan Litchfield, Coordinator, Marketing and Communications, Cherry 2010, (409) 880-7097
Mary Givan, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs, Cherry 2105, (409) 880-8736
Rachel Edwards, Coordinator, Outreach and Student Services, Cherry 2010, (409) 880-8768
Becky Caddy, Senior Academic Advisor, Cherry 2300, (409) 880-8063
Paula Dunigan, Academic Advisor, Cherry 2300, (409) 880-7442
Lindsey Harbert, Senior Accountant, Cherry 2300, (409) 880-7071
Christine Jones, Executive Assistant to the Dean, Cherry 2000, (409) 880-8741
Lisa Forson, Administrative Associate, Cherry 2000, (409) 880-8742

Engineering Endowed Chair Professors:

Thomas C. Ho, Michael E. and Patricia P. Aldredge Chair of Industrial Infrastructure
David L. Cocke, Jack Gill Chair of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry
Robert L. Yuan, Andrew and Joyce Green Chair of Composites and Structural Engineering
Harley R. Myler, William B. and Mary G. Mitchell Chair of Telecommunications
Srinivas Palanki, Charles and Eleanor Garrett Chair 

College of Engineering Mission

The mission of the College of Engineering is to provide students with high quality, accessible undergraduate and graduate engineering education; to engage and empower students with skills and knowledge to thrive in professional careers; and to serve society through economic and technological development of Southeast Texas and beyond.

Cooperative Education Program

A Cooperative (Co-op) Education Program, in which the student spends alternate terms at work and at study, is offered to qualified students in the College of Engineering. Internships during summer semesters are available as well. Programs are available for engineering and industrial technology students.

To meet the minimum qualifications for the co-op program, a student must

  1. Complete all the work in the first two semesters of the degree program (30 hrs.).
  2. Maintain a 2.5 overall grade point average.

To remain in the program, the student must maintain a grade point average above a 2.5 and perform in a manner satisfactory to the employer and ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ. A co-op is considered a full-time student during any work term in which the co-op is registered for Career Development. By participating in the co-op program throughout the sophomore and junior years, a student extends the time required to obtain a degree to five years; however, in doing so, they gain industry experience. A student may apply for admission to the co-op program through Hire A Cardinal, or inquire for more information through College of Engineering Office of Outreach and Student Services.

Undergraduate Entrance Requirements

Entering freshmen and new transfer students are considered provisional majors. The Engineering Advisors in the Undergraduate Advising Center are responsible for the academic advisement of provisional engineering majors.

The entrance requirements from high school for engineering degree programs are

  1. English - 4 units
  2. Mathematics:  Algebra - 2 units, Geometry - 1 unit, Pre-calculus or Equivalent - 1 unit
  3. Natural Sciences: Chemistry - 1 unit, Physics - 1 unit
  4. Foreign Language - 1 unit

Transfer students must have a cumulative transfer GPA of at least 2.0 to be accepted into the Engineering program. Transfer credit is considered for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) coursework with a grade of “C” or better.  Returning students (engineering or other majors) must have a cumulative ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ GPA of at least 2.0 to be accepted into the Engineering program.

College of Engineering Standards

In addition to the university requirements, the College of Engineering enforces the following standards:

  1. Students are required to take courses in the sequence shown in the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ General Catalog for each degree program.
  2. Engineering students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.0 to remain in the program.  Students who fall below the required GPA of 2.0 will be placed on probation and given two long semesters to raise their GPA to a 2.0 or better (maximum load of 13 semester hours). Students who fail to meet this requirement will be suspended from their Engineering Major for one long term. Students returning from suspension must prepare a performance contract in consultation with their academic advisor. A minimum term of the contract requires the student to remove deficiencies every semester of enrollment. Students who fail to meet the terms of their contract will be permanently suspended.
  3. Engineering students must make a ‘C’ or better in all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) courses in order to satisfy degree plan/prerequisite requirements.
  4. A course may be repeated for additional credit toward a degree only as specified by the official course description in the General Catalog. Excluding courses that may be taken for additional credit toward a degree, a student may not register for any course more than four times. Any student who wishes to repeat a course must do so before completing a more advanced course in the same subject matter field.
  5. Upon the completion of the first two years of the specific degree plan with a GPA of 2.0 (Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical) or 2.25 (Chemical) or higher on all required courses, will be considered for admission to their professional engineering program. For all engineering programs, it is required that at least 45 semester hours (at least 25 semester hours in engineering at the 3000 and 4000 level) be earned after admission to the professional program.
  6. The student’s advisor must approve all electives.

The Dean of Engineering may require students to meet the current degree requirements or program standards.

Please see each department’s four-year suggested program of study.

Graduate Programs

The objectives of the graduate programs in Engineering, Environmental Science and Studies, and Engineering Management are:

  1. Advance the state-of-the-art of the practice of engineering.
  2. Advance the state-of-the-art of the teaching/learning process in engineering.
  3. Contribute to the economic well-being of the residents of Southeast Texas, the entire state, and nation.
  4. Improve the safety, health, and environment of Southeast Texas, the entire state, and nation.

Graduate degree programs offered:

Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Master of Engineering Science (M.E.S.) – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.) - Industrial
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Engineering - Civil
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies – Civil
Doctor of Engineering (D.E.) – Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)

Admission Requirements for Masters Programs

See: 

In addition to the General Requirement in the College of Graduate Studies, the College of Engineering sets the following admission requirements:

  1. A bachelor degree in engineering or equivalent to a 4-year engineering program in the United States
  2. Official transcripts from higher education institutions where degrees were earned and most recently attended institution (if different from the institutions where degrees were earned) with a minimum GPA of 2.5
  3. GRE score with a minimum Quantitative score of 151
  4. Three reference letters (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
  5. Resume (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
  6. Personal statement of educational goals (optional, but encourage for assistantships/scholarships)
  7. Students with a bachelor's degree other than engineering need to submit all undergraduate transcript(s) for detailed evaluation to determine the eligibility and pre-requisites if provisional admission is granted.  A Graduate Admission Committee in the College of Engineering will conduct the evaluation


Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (International Students) must submit the following as part of the application:

  1. TOEFL or IELTS score (waived if student has completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country. All years of the degree must be completed in the qualifying country.)
  2. Proof that the applicant has the financial resources to attend ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ. As part of the application process, international students must submit a written Confirmation of Financial Resources form that contains personal, family, and/or sponsor financial information and a bank verification of financial holdings. All international students are required to have health and accident insurance for themselves and all their dependent family M.E.M.bers in the United States. Insurance may be purchased at the university during the registration period.

Admission Requirements for Doctoral Programs

See: 

In addition to the General Requirement in the College of Graduate Studies, the College of Engineering sets the following admission requirements:

  1. The general requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies
  2. A bachelor degree in engineering equivalent to a 4-year engineering program in the US; or a Master’s degree after a bachelor degree equivalent to a 4-year engineering program in the US
  3. Official transcripts from higher education institutions where degrees were earned and most recently attended institution (if different from the institutions where degrees were earned) with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a graduate GPA of 3.5
  4. GRE Score with a minimum combined (Verbal + Quantitative) score of 308
  5. Three reference letters 
  6. Resume 
  7. Personal statement of educational goals 
  8. For applicants without a degree in the appropriate discipline, the department graduate advisor will determine a plan of study that will facilitate successful completion of all requirements for the doctoral degree. This may include additional coursework, independent study, or other means to enhance the student’s knowledge of key elements in this field

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (International Students) must submit the following as part of the application:

  1. TOEFL or IELTS score (waived if student has completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country. All years of the degree must be completed in the qualifying country.)
  2. Proof that the applicant has the financial resources to attend ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ. As part of the application process, international students must submit a written Confirmation of Financial Resources form that contains personal, family, and/or sponsor financial information and a bank verification of financial holdings. All international students are required to have health and accident insurance for themselves and all their dependent family M.E.M.bers in the United States. Insurance may be purchased at the university during the registration period.

Master of Engineering (M.E.)

The Master of Engineering degree is a non-thesis, 36-semester-hour program designed to suit the needs of the practicing engineer in one of the engineering disciplines in the College.

Degree Requirements

  1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. A minimum of 9 semester hours of core courses (ENGR 5331, ENGR 5332 and ENGR 5333 or those approved by Senior Academic Advisor of Engineering Graduate Programs)
  3. A minimum of 27 semester hours (nine courses) of electives. Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement
  4. Satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive examination

Master of Engineering Science (M.E.S.)

The Master of Engineering Science is a thesis option program that prepares students to independently develop solution in develop solution in develop solution in their selected engineering disciplines. The student should select a department academic advisor and a graduate committee must be formed before the student has completed 15 semester hours of graduate work. No credit toward a graduate degree will be granted unless approved by the student’s graduate committee.

Degree Requirements

  1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. A minimum of 9 semester hours of core courses (ENGR 5331, ENGR 5332 and ENGR 5333 or those approved by Senior Academic Advisor of Engineering Graduate Programs)
  3. A minimum of 15 semester hours (five courses) of electives. Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement
  4. Satisfactory completion and defense of a Master’s thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)

Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.)

The Master of Engineering Management is a non-thesis degree program, which requires 36 credit hours at the graduate level from the College of Engineering and the College of Business. Course work is designed to build upon the education received after completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering and the individual’s professional experience. The M.E.M. program of study is tailored for each individual student, providing the optimal set of electives for personalized career paths.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Engineering

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program is designed to provide engineers with the highly specialized engineering expertise needed by industry and by regulatory agencies on the federal, state, and municipal levels, to solve the large and complex environmental problems threatening the natural ecosystem.  Study areas include: water quality, air quality, methods for managing toxic/hazardous wastes and fate, transport and impact of pollutants in the natural environment.

Degree Requirements

  1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. A minimum of 9 semester hours of core courses (ENGR 5331, ENGR 5332 and ENGR 5333 or those approved by Senior Academic Advisor of Engineering Graduate Programs)
  3. A minimum of 15 semester hours (five courses) of electives from the following:  CVEN 5325 - Fundamentals of Air Pollution, CVEN 5329 - Water Supply and Treatment, CVEN5331 - Biological Wastewater Treatment, CVEN 5338 Solid Waste Management, CVEN 5388 - Chemical Principles in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 5351 - Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 6339 - Hazardous Waste Management, CVEN 6387 - Hydraulics of Environmental Systems.  Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement.
  4. Satisfactory completion and defense of thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)*

*With the approval of the student's graduate committee, the thesis can be replaced by 12 semester hours of electives and satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive exam.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies

The environmental studies program is designed for students who wish to continue to work in their scientific specialty as it relates to environmental affairs. The degree is intended for individuals who wish to work in the evaluation, operations, and/or regulatory aspects of the field as opposed to the design or engineering areas. The program provides an understanding of environmental problems and processes from the point of view of the chemist, biologist, or geologist, and the interdisciplinary perspective needed to cope with environmental issues.

Degree Requirements

  1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. A minimum of 6 semester hours (two courses) in the student's science specialty
  3. A minimum of 18 semester hours (six courses) of electives from the following:  CVEN 5325 - Fundamentals of Air Pollution, CVEN 5329 - Water Supply and Treatment, CVEN5331 - Biological Wastewater Treatment, CVEN 5338 Solid Waste Management, CVEN 5388 - Chemical Principles in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 5351 - Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 6339 - Hazardous Waste Management, CVEN 6387 - Hydraulics of Environmental Systems.  Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement.
  4. Satisfactory completion and defense of thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)*

*With the approval of the student's graduate committee, the thesis can be replaced by 12 semester hours of electives and satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive exam.

Doctor of Engineering (D.E.)

The Doctor of Engineering degree is designed to prepare engineers to study engineering problems of a complex nature and to develop solutions that address the most pressing engineering issues of the future. Competitive scholarship and assistantship are available for highly qualified students with research interests compatible with those of Engineering faculty.

Degree Requirements

  1. All of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. The student shall complete a residency of at least one year
  3. Completion of a total of 9 semester hours of core course work (ENGR 5331, ENGR 5332 and ENGR 5333). Exceptions to this rule must be approved by the Senior Director of Engineering Graduate Programs
  4. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester hours of DE dissertation preparatory courses for students with a Master’s degree at time of admission, or completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours of DE dissertation preparatory courses for students with a BS degree in engineering at time of admission. The preparation includes completion of one semester of ENGR 6320, Justification of Engineering Project
  5. Completion of a minimum of 4 semester hours of Professional Seminar (ENGR 6110)
  6. Completion of candidacy qualifying examination designed by the student’s dissertation committee. The purposes of this examination are to test the ability of the student to comprehensively relate the subjects of the study program and to ascertain the student’s qualifications to perform the field study. Students who pass the qualifying examination are admitted to candidacy. Students who fail to pass the qualifying exam are allowed to schedule a re-examination within 6 weeks after the first attempt. Failing to pass the qualifying exam for the second time will remove the student from the DE program
  7. After the student is admitted to candidacy, a research proposal must be presented to the doctoral dissertation committee within 6 months after passing the qualifying examination. Upon committee approval of the proposed engineering research through an oral defense, the research work is initiated
  8. Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of DE dissertation courses (ENGR 6603 and ENGR 6604) and satisfactory defense of DE dissertation
  9. The DE degree must be completed within 10 consecutive years of study

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering

The Ph.D. degree is designed to prepare chemical engineers to advance research, development, and education for addressing national and global challenges towards a highly sustainable industrial-based focus on petroleum, petrochemical and allied industries. Competitive scholarship and assistantship are available for highly qualified students with research interests compatible with those of chemical engineering faculty.

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. candidates must complete a minimum of 70 semester hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. The ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program requires a coherent program of

  1. All of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
  2. The student with a Master’s degree shall complete a residency of at least one year; the student with a bachelor degree shall complete a residency of at least two years
  3. Completion of a total of 18 semester hours of core course work that includes ENGR 5331, ENGR 5332 and ENGR 5333 and courses specified by department graduate advisor
  4. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester hours of elective courses in chemical engineering or related fields approved by department graduate advisor
  5. Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of research courses (CHEN 6680 for spring/fall semester; CHEN 6380 for summer) prior to admission to candidacy
  6. Completion of a minimum of 4 semester hours of Professional Seminar (ENGR 6110)
  7. Completion of qualifying examination. The examination is an 8-hour written examination with a selection of problems in Transport Phenomena, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Engineering Mathematics. The purposes of this examination are to test the student’s understanding of basic concepts and principles. Students who pass the qualifying examination are allowed to prepare a dissertation proposal. Students who fail to pass the qualifying exam are granted a second and final attempt at one or more parts of the examination, or removed from the Ph.D. program
  8. Completion and approval of a Ph.D. dissertation proposal. Upon committee approval of the proposed research through an oral defense, the student is admitted to candidacy. The approved proposal must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies at least 14 weeks prior to the scheduling of the final defense of dissertation
  9. Completion of 18 semester hours of Ph.D. dissertation courses (CHEN 6690 and CHEN 6691 for regular semester; CHEN 6390 and CHEN 6391 for summer) after admission to candidacy and satisfactory defense of Ph.D. dissertation
  10. The Ph.D. degree must be completed within 10 consecutive years of study