TAMIU’s Engineering Future Brightens with Two New Degrees

In action last week, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) approved and authorized two new Engineering degrees to be offered by Texas A&M International University’s  (TAMIU) School of Engineering:  a  Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. 

The authorization makes real some long-cherished University  goals, said TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz.

“This is the culmination of a long process that had its germination some 10 years ago.  With the steadfast support of our community, our Legislature, our Texas A&M University System Board of Regents and our faculty, we are now able to offer two new degree programs that have remarkable relevance not only  today, but for the brighter future of our city, region and state,” Dr. Arenaz said.

Arenaz said that a casual perusal of the day’s headlines further underscores the relevance of both degree opportunities.

“The oil and gas industry of South Texas has been the historic lifeblood of our growth and an economic engine, despite periodic fluctuations.  Likewise, computer engineering is driving design and modeling solutions that today assist COVID-19 frontline personnel.  In fact, throughout this Spring semester our students have been working with assistant professor Dr. Tariq Tashtoush to design and create protective masks, shields and aerosol boxes for use by frontline personnel in Laredo. 

“We predict both programs will be immensely popular with students who will no longer have to start their program elsewhere or transfer elsewhere to complete…they can begin and complete their degrees here,” he explained.

The  University had been offering an ABET-accredited degree program in Systems Engineering (B.S.) since 2008 and an extensive  pre-engineering curriculum.  TAMIU teams of student engineers working in faculty research collaborations have routinely placed in local, state and national competitions.  They have also  created seven distinct student clubs and organizations that provide additional service and rich collaborative opportunities.

TAMIU’s School of Engineering has attracted a gifted and highly qualified faculty focused on both teaching and service.  With the opening of the Academic Innovation Center earlier this year, the School manages six new laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art computers and instruments to facilitate teaching and research.

“With the addition of these two new degrees, School of Engineering graduates will be able to secure employment in a wide range of settings, including business enterprises, manufacturing plants, state and local government agencies, health-care services and service organizations, among others,” said School  of Engineering director Dr. Guillermo Domínguez.

To learn more about TAMIU’s School of Engineering and expanded engineering degrees, call 956.326.2408 or 326.2441, email director of the School of Engineering, Dr. Guillermo Domínguez at guillermoc.dominguez@tamiu.edu, or click on http://www.tamiu.edu/coas/soen