TAMIU Launches First Graduate Engineering Program: MS in Systems Engineering Begins Fall 2026

LAREDO, TX — Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) has announced the launch of its first graduate engineering program, the Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS SENG), scheduled to begin Fall 2026.

This landmark initiative marks a historic milestone for both the University and the South Texas border region, expanding graduate opportunities and driving innovation across regional industries.

To commemorate this milestone, the TAMIU School of Engineering is hosting a Program Launch Event Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the TAMIU Student Center Ballroom. The event will feature:

• Informational sessions on the program, financial aid, and graduate resources
• MS SENG faculty panel discussing curriculum and industry relevance
  Alumni Panel highlighting the graduate experiences of TAMIU engineering alumni
• Trivia questions and small prizes throughout the evening to celebrate the launch and engage attendees.

The event is open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

TAMIU president Dr. Christopher Maynard said the program, under review and pending Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approval, will fuel the future of South Texas.

“This graduate program is a testament to TAMIU’s enduring commitment to transforming lives through education,” said Dr. Maynard, “By introducing advanced engineering studies to our campus, we’re not only expanding academic horizons, we are fueling the future of South Texas with innovation, opportunity, and leadership.”

TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Claudia San Miguel, concurred and said the new program reinforces the University’s mission.

“The MS in Systems Engineering is a strategic response to the evolving demands of our region’s industries. It equips our students to lead in high-impact fields like automation and data analytics, while reinforcing our mission to provide accessible, forward-thinking graduate education,” Dr. San Miguel explained.

The program will be housed in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and leverage the College’s collaborative spirit and strength, said College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr. Marcus A. Ynalvez.

“This program reflects the strength of our faculty and the collaborative spirit that defines our College. It opens doors for students to engage with cutting-edge technologies and research while remaining rooted in the values of academic excellence, innovation, and service,” Dr. Ynalvez noted.

The graduate engineering program will be a historic first in the TAMIU’s offerings, said TAMIU School of Engineering director Dr. Mahmoud T. Khasawneh.

“This is a historic milestone for the TAMIU School of Engineering, marking our first-ever graduate engineering program,” said Dr. Khasawneh, “For the first time, students in Laredo can complete a full pathway in engineering education, from bachelor’s to master’s, without leaving home.”

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering is a 30-credit-hour program that develops advanced technical and analytical expertise in systems design, optimization, and management. Students can pursue one of two concentrations, Data Analytics or Automation, each designed to meet the growing demand for engineers to integrate data, technology, and systems thinking across complex operations.

The Data Analytics concentration emphasizes computational modeling, predictive analysis, and data-driven decision-making, while the Automation concentration focuses on control systems, robotics, and intelligent technologies that enhance operational performance. Together, these pathways prepare graduates to apply emerging tools in Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), machine learning, big-data analytics, and information technologies to address challenges across industries.

Through its focus on data analytics and automation, program graduates will be equipped to modernize logistics networks, optimize supply-chain systems, and implement intelligent automation solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability. These skills strengthen Laredo’s role as a leader in trade and transportation and contribute to the competitiveness of Texas and the national economy.

Both thesis and non-thesis tracks will be offered, allowing students to tailor their experience to align with professional goals. Graduates will be prepared to pursue advanced careers in industry, government, and academia, applying systems-based approaches that integrate analytical, computational, and leadership skills to solve complex challenges.

Prospective students and community members can learn more about the Master of Science in Systems Engineering and the application process by visiting the TAMIU Graduate School website.

Khasawneh said the new program is a natural extension of the growth and success of the School of Engineering.

“The launch of this program is the result of our faculty’s dedication and the continued growth of the School of Engineering. Our alumni regularly earn positions with Fortune 500 companies and top graduate programs, and now our students can achieve that same success right here at home.”

“This program is more than a degree; it’s an investment in our community’s future,” he added, “It gives students the opportunity to pursue their ambitions while staying close to their families and contributing to the industries that strengthen South Texas.”

“Our community is brimming with talent, and our students are second to none,” Khasawneh concluded, “This program gives them the tools to achieve their highest potential right here in Laredo, driving growth, opportunity, and excellence at home.”

Developed with support from the U.S. Department of Education’s Next Level Engineering grant, the MS SENG program reflects TAMIU’s mission to expand access to high-quality graduate education and prepare the next generation of engineers to contribute meaningfully to the regional economy.

Laredo, geographical home to one of the nation’s leading international trade ports, enables the MS SENG program to closely align with the region’s dynamic economic and workforce needs. The city is a major hub for U.S.–México commerce, supporting industries in international trade, manufacturing, supply chain management, and transportation, key sectors that power the Texas and U.S. economies.

About TAMIU

Texas A&M International University is a nationally ranked, regionally focused University with a rich and proud history of delivering transformative educational opportunities that change the trajectory of its students, their families, and South Texas. Its impactful force is delivered daily by a gifted and global faculty leading 55-degree programs at bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels...all on a dynamic 300-acre residential campus.

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