Cockrell School of Engineering

About the school

Although the University of Texas began teaching engineering courses in the 1880s, it was in the 1890s that the University of Texas College of Engineering was officially established. The college was renamed in the 2000s as Cockrell School of Engineering. Today, the school aims to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students to develop innovative solutions that advance society and improve the quality of life.

Situated in the heart of America's coolest city, Austin, the school has played a key role in the city’s evolution into a tech powerhouse. The city's innovative spirit will inspire students to think big and creatively. The sunny climate, stunning landscape, and events happening year-round are what make Austin special.

Cockrell School of Engineering ranks 7th amongst the US News and World Report's best graduate programmes in the US. Over the years, with the help of an experienced faculty community that boasts one of the highest numbers of distinguished members in the National Academy of Engineering, the school has succeeded in launching some of the country's most accomplished industry leaders. Gary A. Binning (founding managing partner of PAI Partners), Stephanie D. Wilson (NASA astronaut) and Russel Parker (COO of Callon Petroleum) are some of the notable alumni.

Where is the school located?

Life at Cockrell School of Engineering

With over a century's experience in grooming creative minds to establish and reach great heights in their career, Cockrell School of Engineering has become a global leader in the field of engineering education and technology advancement.

All students enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin are eligible to live in campus-owned housing facilities, including residence halls, university apartments and Dobie Twenty21. There are 15 residence halls that are fully furnished and have communal spaces for studying and lounging. The university apartments include family housing and two single student housing. Dobie Twenty21 is a 27-storey residential building with several amenities, including a rooftop terrace with a pool, basketball court, an outdoor theatre, 24-hour fitness centre, game room, computer lab, laundry rooms and many more. The 2400 Nueces apartments located in the West Campus provide off-campus residences for students. These have facilities like a pool, 24-hour fitness centre, rooftop patio and courtyard, computer lab, study rooms, and more.

The school offers unlimited meal plans for its on-campus residents. They can use this at any of the dining halls - Jester City Limits, Kins Dining and J2. Students can eat anytime at restaurants and cafes like Jesta' Pizza, Cypress Bend Cafe and Littlefield Patio Cafe. The Jester City Market is a convenience store to grab a quick bite.

Students interested in sports and fitness can reach out to the Recreational Sports Department of the university. It offers top-notch facilities for training in basketball, volleyball, racquetball, handball and volleyball, along with fitness and weight training. The department also organises adventure trips.

All students can ride UT Shuttles, CapMetro and E-Bus for free using the UT ID. Additionally, Austin is a bike-friendly city, and students can also choose to walk. Alternate cost-effective transit options include carpools, car share, vanpools and UT Night Rides.

Additional benefits of studying at Cockrell School of Engineering

At Cockrell School of Engineering, learning happens both inside and outside the classrooms. There are over 80 engineering student organisations available. Students are free to join as many student communities as possible based on their interests. Events like the cardboard regatta and the Create-a-Thon are conducted for students to tap into their creativity and innovation.

The three units of the Texas Engineering Diversity Office, namely the Equal Opportunity in Engineering Programme, Women in Engineering and Engineering Student Life, conduct workshops and provide student leadership opportunities.

The National Instruments Student Project Centre is a creation and innovation space for students to bring their ideas to life. The Genesis Programme, Texas Innovation Centre, Texas Momentum, Longhorn Startup, Blackstone LaunchPad, etc. support and promote student entrepreneurship and innovation.

Admissions criteria

Admission requirements vary according to the specific course you are applying for. International students applying to graduate programmes at Cockrell School of Engineering should adhere to the following general admission criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject or a closely related engineering discipline
• Submit official transcripts from previous institutions
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• A Statement of Purpose is required
• A resume or CV is needed
• Should provide 3 letters of recommendation
• GRE score is required
• Proof of proficiency in English is required: IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum score requirement)

Visit the specific department website to learn specific admission requirements.

The estimated cost breakdown for graduate studies at the Cockrell School of Engineering is as follows:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Books and supplies
• Personal or miscellaneous

For any updates to the above information, please visit the Texas One Stop site.

Job placements

The Cockrell School of Engineering arranges a number of placement opportunities for students. In Austin, a thriving technology hub, there is an abundance of employment opportunities awaiting skilled and talented students. The internship opportunities available are also vast. Students can contact the Engineering Career Assistance Center (ECAC) for assistance related to job hunting. The services offered by the centre are: - Conducts career counselling and workshops - Hosts employers for on-campus recruitment - Organises career fairs and information sessions - Connects students with employers for externships, co-ops and internship positions