The Cockrell School of Engineering opened its doors over a century ago. We can’t even begin to count the number of research papers published, scientific breakthroughs made and graduation caps tossed at our School.
A global leader in technological advancement and engineering education, the Cockrell School is composed of seven academic departments, including the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering. Collectively, these departments are what we refer to as Texas Engineering.
Let’s take a closer look at the faculty, students and alumni who comprise these departments and who helped make us a top-10-ranked engineering school.
The Heart of UT Austin Engineering
The Cockrell School boasts one of the largest, strongest engineering communities in the U.S., with about 280 faculty members, 680 staff members, 8,000 students and 70,000 alumni.
Members of this elite group are known as Texas Engineers.
But what does it mean to be a Texas Engineer? Texas Engineers embody the Cockrell School’s vision: to be an influential catalyst in the development of future solutions that advance society, drive economic progress and improve the quality of life around the world.
In other words: Texas Engineers work toward a better, brighter future.
Our Talented Students
About 6,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate students have made the Cockrell School their academic home. All are Texas Engineers, whether they attend class online or in person.
Aspiring engineers from across the globe flock to UT Austin and its Cockrell School for an academic experience rich with opportunity. UT Austin engineering students are mentored by some of the best engineering professors in the world — more on them later — and are supported by academic advisors on every step of their journey. Students are exposed to a multidisciplinary, hands-on approach to learning, helping them to think creatively and work collaboratively to change the world.
Our Expert Faculty
Every day, our over 270 faculty members are conducting pioneering research, all while teaching the next generation of engineers. UT Austin engineering faculty are experts in energy, nanotechnology, health and wireless networking, among other in-demand fields.
Our Texas Engineering faculty members include national medal winners, national academy members, and award-winning educators, many of whom have made a global impact through their work. As leaders and innovators, they have played a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of technology and finding groundbreaking solutions to modern problems, including the development of the lithium-ion battery, diabetes monitoring devices and 3D printing, to name a few.
Professor and Pioneer John B. Goodenough
If anyone embodied what it means to be a Texas Engineer, it was John B. Goodenough. Goodenough was world-renowned for his role in the invention of lithium-ion batteries, and for his work, he — along with Stanley Whittingham and Akira Yoshino — was awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Goodenough joined UT Austin in 1986 and served as a faculty member in the Cockrell School of Engineering for 37 years. Throughout his tenure, his research continued to focus on creating the next generation of rechargeable batteries.
Goodenough passed away on June 25, 2023, at the age of 100. He will be remembered as a brilliant scientist and mentor whose boisterous laugh could be heard throughout the halls of Texas Engineering buildings.
Recognizing Our Researchers
Texas Engineers were among the most cited researchers in the world in 2023. Clarivate’s 2023 list of Highly Cited Researchers recognized eleven Texas Engineers, including Goodenough, who “have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their field(s) of research.”
“Recognition of Highly Cited Researchers not only validates research excellence but also enhances reputation, fosters collaboration, and informs resource allocation, acting as a beacon for academic institutions and commercial organizations,” said Bar Veinstein, president of academia and government at Clarivate. We couldn’t be prouder of the Texas Engineers who were recognized for their devotion to progress, and we can’t wait to see which of our faculty members make the list next year.
Our Accomplished Alumni
Things only look up for our Texas Engineers once they graduate. Over 90% of our Bachelor of Science graduates receive job offers or attend grad school. And the average starting salary for these graduates is about $77,000. Not too shabby!
We take pride in this outstanding network of innovators and thought leaders, recognized for their pioneering innovations, entrepreneurial ventures and global enterprises. UT Austin engineering alumni include such notable figures as a former U.S. Secretary of State and a former Senior Vice President of Apple.
A degree from the Cockrell School is, in many ways, like a membership card granting access to one of the nation’s most exclusive and accomplished engineering communities. We’re always hoping to bolster our ranks with the next generation of talented engineers.
Join Our Ranks
The Cockrell School of Engineering at UT Austin is renowned for its distinguished faculty, diligent students, pioneering research and vibrant alumni network that has shaped the world.
Ready to join our community and become a leader and innovator in your own right? We offer two 100% online programs designed to empower and elevate your skills. They are:
Executive MS in Mechanical Engineering: Our 30-credit-hour, non-thesis master’s degree program is ideal for professionals of all levels interested in a broad and rigorous education that explores emerging technologies and prepares students for roles as industry leaders.
Mechanical Engineering Controls Graduate Certificate: This 9-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as one year and provides in-depth knowledge on the control and optimization of processes and systems.
Seize the chance to earn your engineering degree online, guided by experts in the field, and gain access to a wealth of resources that will fuel your success. Apply now and become a Texas Engineer and a proud member of UT Austin’s engineering legacy!
