Engineering and Computer Science at West Texas A&M University |
Engineering and Computer Science at West Texas A&M University Industry and professionals throughout the region and the community at large have been very supportive of School of Engineering and Computer Science, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, engineering technology and computer science programs. The school takes pride in providing a quality education and a personal interest in each and every student. The Mechanical engineering program received ABET accreditation in 2006 and the School has begun the initial accreditation process for civil engineering. | |
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In 2012, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating board granted WTAMU the authority to offer a program in environmental engineering. It offers this unique undergraduate degree which is only offered at four other universities in the state of Texas. The University already has an environmental engineering faculty member on board, and is planning to hire more as they prepare for enrollment growth and ABET accreditation. The computer science curriculum was revised in 2007 to provide a robust education in computer science. West Texas A&M University is one of a select few university partners in the IBM Academic Initiative. There are a number of opportunities related to computer science, including minoring in math and obtaining teacher certification in computer science. Engineering technology provides opportunities for students seeking a bachelor of science or a master of science degree. Engineering technology has been a mainstay of technology education in the Texas Panhandle for decades, offering two options - industrial distribution and manufacturing. Mechanical engineering, initially offered in 2003 and ABET accredited since 2006, has seen rapid growth in enrollment, faculty research and internship opportunities. The curriculum features a broad-based mechanical engineering education with electives that enable students to focus in a variety of specialties. Employment of graduates is 100% and students taking the Fundamentals of Engineering examination have a first time pass rate of over 90%. Students are involved in student organizations, campus work, internships, student research, athletics and other activities too numerous to list. Students frequently have cook-outs, field trips and many other educational and social activities. The pursuit of these degrees requires dedication and hard work. But those who truly enjoy their chosen field in computer science, engineering technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering or environmental engineering will find West Texas A&M University a first choice university for students and faculty alike. |
Degree Programs |
UNDERGRADUATE Degree Programs - Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pre-Engineering Program
GRADUATE Degree Programs |
Computer Science |
AREER OPPORTUNITIES - Fortune 500 Companies
- Local and Regional Software Development Firms
- Government agencies
- Banks
- Research
- Paid Internshiips with Local, Regional, and National Firms
PLAN OF STUDY - Computer Science - Enterprise Systems Track (B.S.)
- Computer Science - Mechanical Engineering Track (B.S.)
- Computer Science - Software Engineering Track (B.S.)
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN - Algorithmic thinking – how to logically and correctly design a process to solve problems in math, science, finance, communications, medical diagnostics, operating systems, programming languages, mobile app development – particularly Android, and many other areas
- How abstraction is the essence of computer science and software engineering
- Software development for mobile devices, device controllers, Intel hardware, large-scale commercial hardware
- How to solve big problems by decomposing them into smaller problems
- Programming languages such as assembler, C, C++, C#, COBOL, Java, JavaScript, Perl, Python, Ruby and shell scripting
- Operating systems Mac OS/X, Linux, z/OS, iOS, Android, MINIX, and Microsoft Windows
- Develop a wide range of software
- Communicate professionally, both in person and in writing
- Proficiency in mathematical skills necessary for analysis of software performance
- Be prepared to accept employment in a wide range of software development pursuits
- Be prepared for graduate study in Computer Science and Software Engineering
DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Graduates are awarded a B.S. in Computer Science. Students may emphasize one of these options: - Software Engineering
- Enterprise Computing
- Computer Science with Mechanical Engineering focus
- A minor in Mathematics
Graduate Students may also find similar academic interests in: - Mathematics
- Engineering Technology
- Business Administration
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Computer Software Engineers - Applications Median wage (TX) - $91,520 Median wage (US) - $90,170 Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts Median wage (TX) - $76,420 Median wage (US) - $76,560 | Prerequisites - Mathematics to solve problems.
- Enthusiastically embrace challenging problems
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Logical thinking and persistence in solving problems
- Desire to have impact on the future of technology
YOU SHOULD KNOW - Because WT's Computer Science was developed under the IBM Initiative they have access to the latest high performance computing and latest technology.
- WT is the FIRST University in the world to deploy IBM's hardware and OS emulators in the student labs.
- WT has competed in the international contest IBM - Master the Main Frame for the past five years. WT students have earned two - third place finishes, one - second place finish, and one - first place finish. In five years of competition WT has placed more students in the TOP one percent than any other university in the world.
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Civil Engineering |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Transportation
- Structural
- Surveying, Construction, and Land Development
- Geotechnical
- Water Resources
- Energy
PLAN OF STUDY WHAT YOU WILL LEARN - The ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- The ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- The ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- The ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- The ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- The understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- The ability to communicate effectively
- The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- The recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- The ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Graduates are awarded a B.S.Civil Engineering. Graduate Students may also find similar academic interests in: - Mathematics
- Engineering Technology
- Business Administration
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Civil Engineers Median wage (TX) - $87,950 Median wage (US) - $81,180 Surveyor Median wage (TX) - $52,510 Median wage (US) - $57,420 | Prerequisites - Mathematics to solve problems.
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Environmental Engineering |
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AREER OPPORTUNITIES - Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies
- Consulting
- Agricultural
- Petrochemical
PLAN OF STUDY - Environmental Engineering (B.S.)
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN - How to apply science, mathematics, and modern engineering tools and techniques to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
- How to design and conduct experiments and analyze data for evaluating the state of the environment.
- How to design environmental systems or processes for remediating of mitigating impact on the environment within the realistic economic, social, and political constraints, individually or on interdisciplinary teams, and effectively communicate those designs to others, both those who have technical backgrounds and those who do not .
- How to identify factors impacting environmental systems and understand the complex relationships that may exist and be able to communicate well the importance of these issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- How to apply formal and self-directed educational experience to understand the importance of contemporary social, political, economic, business, and ethical issues.
- How to understand the importance of ethical behavior and life-long learning to success as an engineer operating in a technically progressive profession and ethically challenging business climate.
Information ABOUT Environmental Engineering Environmental engineers will be needed to help companies comply with environmental regulations and to develop methods of cleaning up environmental hazards. There has been a shift in emphasis toward preventing problems rather than controlling those which already exist, as well as increasing public health concerns resulting from population growth, also are expected to spur demand for environmental engineers. Because of this employment growth, job opportunities in Environmental Engineering should be favorable. Environmental engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and control of water and air pollution DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Graduates are awarded a B.S. in Environmental Engineering. After graduation students may also find similar academic interests in other professional pursuis such as: - Environmental Law
- Engineering (Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering)
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Environmental Engineers Median wage (TX) - $102,630 Median wage (US) - $83,340 Agrictultural Engineers Median wage (TX) - $85,560 Median wage (US) - $78,400 | Developmental Expectations Be able - To use upper level mathematics to solve problems.
- To understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- To communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- To communicate effectively by presentations speaking in open forums.
- To use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- To understand the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
You should know - WT is one of only four authorized undergraduate Environmental Engineering programs in the state of Texas.
- Employment of environmental engineers is projected grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Professional, scientific and technical services is projected to grow by 44% in the field of Environmental Engineering from 201 to 2020.
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Engineering Technology |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - City, state, and federal government and agencies
- Energy and renewable energy
- Defense
- Agricultural Equipment
- Aerospace
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Transportation
- Manufacturing and production
- Industrial distribution and logistics
PLAN OF STUDY - Engineering Technology Option I - Renewable Energy Technology, Manufacturing/Industrial (B.S.)
- Engineering Technology Option II - Distribution (B.S.)
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN - To apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
- To develop problem and decision making skills
- To use appropriate media to communicate professionally and effectively
- To function effectively as a member of multidisciplinary teams
- To perform technical skills that are essential to their job functions
- To develop managerial and supervisory skills and competencies
- To continue and engage in life-long learning
DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Graduates are awarded a B.S in Engineering Technology. Students with an associate of applied science degree may pursue the Bachelor of Applied and Sciences (B.A.A.S) degree with specialization in Engineering Technology Graduate Students may also find similar academic interests in: - Engineering Technology
- Business Administration
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Engineering Technology (General) Median wage (TX) - $82,870 Median wage (US) - $77,120 | Prerequisites - Has ability to communicate verbally and graphically
- Has creative and innovative mind
- Possess engineering and technical aptitude
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Has ability to understand complex issues
- Comfort with new technologies
- Eagerly to explore and desire to learn
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Mechanical Engineering |
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - Aerospace and Defense
- Energy Fields - terminal, renewable, and effeciency
- Oil and Gas
- Engineering Design and Analysis
- Manufacturing and Processing
- Bioengineering
PLAN OF STUDY - Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Program Educational Objectives The West Texas A&M University Mechanical Engineering Program has the following objectives. During the first few years after graduation, engineers from the program will: - Be able to formulate and solve complex practical and theoretical engineering problems, while at the same time understanding business objectives and appreciating the social, economic and ethical issues encountered in a modern global society;
- Think critically and creatively, work effectively on interdisciplinary teams, and communicate clearly in both technical and non-technical forums;
- Be professionally employed, serving the rapidly changing technological needs of industry or governmental organizations regionally or throughout the state and nation; and
- Continue to grow professionally through activities such as pursuing formal graduate study, research or continuing education; achieving professional licensure; and participating in technical societies.
Student Outcomes Faculty members use the program educational outcomes to develop the topics covered and assignments in each course. By the time of graduation, mechanical engineering students will demonstrate competence in: a. ability to apply knowledge of matematics, science and engineering; b. ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; c. ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability; d. ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; e. ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems; f. ability to understand professional and ethical responsibility; g. ability to communicate effectively; h. ability to attain broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context; i. ability to recognize the need for and engagement in life-long learning; j. ability to gain knowledge of contemporary issues; k. ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Graduates are awarded a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Limited online classes are available. WTAMU offers a Master's in Engineering Technology. Graduate Students may also find similar academic interests in: - Mathematics
- Engineering Technology
- Business Administration
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Mechanical Engineers Median wage (TX) - $90,090 Median wage (US) - $80,580 Commercial and Industrial Designers Median wage (TX) - $57,670 Median wage (US) - $61,400 | Prerequisites - Mathematics to solve problems.
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Pre - Engineering |
All Engineering majors start in Pre-Eng Upon completion of 60 credit hours and the appropriate prerequesites, student will pick a major from the following: - Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Environmental Engineering
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN - An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
- An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
- An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
- An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
- An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
- An ability to communicate effectively
- The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning
- A knowledge of contemporary issues
- An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS Upon completition of the Pre-Engineering program students will chose to pursue a degree in Mechanical, Civil, Environmental or Engineering Technology. Graduate Students may also find similar academic interests in: - Business Administration
- Engineering Technology
| CAREER CLOSE-UP Engineering Technology (General) Median wage (TX) - $82,870 Median wage (US) - $77,120 Mechanical Engineers Median wage (TX) - $90,090 Median wage (US) - $80,580 Civil Engineers Median wage (TX) - $87,950 Median wage (US) - $81,180 | Prerequisites - Mathematics to solve problems.
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Master of Science (M.S.) Degree |
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Major in Engineering Technology (Major Code: 5112) Options - Plan I (Thesis)
- Plan II (Non-Thesis)
General Requirements Students with undergraduate degrees in a field other than engineering technology or related fields may be required to complete leveling courses chosen and approved by the adviser and the department head. Requirements Plan I (Thesis) Thirty (30) semester hours of approved courses which must include six semester hours in ET 6301, 6302 (Thesis) and 24 hours in 6000-level courses in engineering technology, of which 21 hours must be in organized classes. Plan II (Non-Thesis) Thirty-six (36) semester hours of approved courses which must include at least 24 semester hours in organized 6000-level courses in engineering technology. Students with undergraduate degrees in engineering technology may take up to 12 semester hours of graduate work outside engineering technology upon approval of the adviser and the department head. Students with undergraduate degrees in non-technical fields will be required to complete all 36 semester hours in 6000-level courses in engineering technology in addition to leveling work. |
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