Texas Border Business
Texas A&M University and South Texas College have launched the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College and will enroll the first cohort of students in fall 2023. This innovative co-enrollment partnership was developed to address the state’s growing need for engineers. Qualified students will be admitted to the Texas A&M College of Engineering, complete the first two years of coursework at South Texas College and finish their engineering degrees in College Station, Texas. The program will accept applications for the fall through June 15.
The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College allows students to pursue one of 22 majors within the College of Engineering at Texas A&M.
“We continue to work with our outstanding community college partners across Texas to offer students a unique path to earn an engineering degree,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “Now students in South Texas have the opportunity to start their college career closer to home for the first couple of years while being part of one of the best engineering schools in the country.”
“I’m excited about the creation of our newest Engineering Academy and the opportunities it provides for students in South Texas,” said Dr. John E. Hurtado, interim vice chancellor and dean of engineering at Texas A&M. “It is always important to offer students an affordable premier education. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort to the Aggie family this fall.”
South Texas College President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said this evolving partnership with Texas A&M means greater opportunities for students in the Rio Grande Valley.
“We have great talent in our region; talent that is being recognized state and nationwide,” said Dr. Solis. “Our job is to ensure that this talent is fostered and students given opportunities to excel through partnerships like this one with Texas A&M. Through this initiative, qualified Valley students accepted into this Engineering Academy will have the opportunity to gain guaranteed admission into one of the most competitive engineering colleges in the country. We’re excited about this partnership and what it means for our students and our communities.”
By offering opportunities like the engineering academies, Texas A&M is able to better serve Texans. Students will save an estimated $4,600 in tuition and fees each semester they are enrolled in an Engineering Academy before transitioning to Texas A&M to complete their degree.
In Texas, the projected need for engineers in the workforce is 51,000 by 2028. To meet this need, universities and two-year colleges must work together to bridge the gap and attract and retain students who are interested in STEM fields. Students in the Engineering Academy enroll in math, science and core curriculum courses through South Texas College and have the unique opportunity to enroll in engineering courses taught by Texas A&M faculty on the South Texas College campus.
Visit engineering.tamu.edu/academies for more information about how to apply and other details about the Engineering Academy.
