One of the largest industrial regions in the US belongs to the Texas Gulf Coast, which stretches over 350 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, covering 13 counties. In 2021, the region’s gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to US$642.1 billion, covering 26.7% of the state’s total GDP. From industrial construction to aerospace to petrochemicals, its industries are booming, and opportunities are rising.
With research expenditures averaging US$2.5 million a year, Lamar University’s location in the Texas Gulf Coast positions students in a prime spot to develop into the engineering and technology leaders of tomorrow. For almost 75 years, the College of Engineering at Lamar University has prepared students to lead the industry through applied, affordable, and globally-oriented graduate engineering programmes.
Check out the college’s five departments here: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering
Lamar University’s campus location in the Texas Gulf Coast brings many real-world opportunities for students. Source: Lamar University
Real-world focused, hands-on learning
At Lamar University, you’ll gain real-world experience that sets you apart. One example of this is Lamar University’s partnership with the Quanta Advanced Training Centre, a training facility in La Grange dedicated to producing highly-skilled workers.
College of Engineering students were able to gain insight into electricity and the internet, diving into authorised training courses and workshops to learn about safety. And as Quanta’s network spans 200 companies, students get access to a wide pool of connections too.
“Lamar University seemed like an untapped gold mine with virtue of a great Civil Engineering programme,” says Roseline Sogbuyi, a civil engineering student. “I wanted a community where I could have a cordial relationship with faculty and staff and Lamar University alongside the COE proved to be one.”
Whether you’re pursuing a Master of Engineering (ME), a Master of Engineering Science (MES), a PhD, or a Doctor of Engineering, your graduate degree programme will come from a school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Each programme blends academic rigour with practical application, allowing you to specialise in high-demand fields such as chemical, electrical, civil, and industrial engineering. The curriculum can be customisable to best align with your career goals.
Facilitated by research-active faculty members, classroom learning never looks the same from one day to another. These innovative programmes challenge you through project-based training using real-world data, and capstone courses where you’ll solve complex industry problems through design and research. If you’re eager to engage with faculty-led research, then you’ll have a wide range of fields to choose from, like sustainable energy, process optimisation, data-driven manufacturing, infrastructure resilience, and AI.
“Dr. Hassan Zargarzadeh has been a pivotal part of my academic journey,” says Amirmohammad Naddaf Shargh, a Doctor of Engineering student from Iran. “Working in his state-of-the-art Robotics and Intelligent Control Systems (RICS) Lab has provided invaluable hands-on experience and pushed my limits as a researcher.”
Add to that, the opportunity to drive your skills forward through internships and co-op programmes with nearby petrochemical and manufacturing firms — another benefit of being in the Texas Gulf Coast. With career fairs held on a semester basis, you’ll have higher chances of securing an industry role in Southeast Texas and beyond.
Students undertaking research-intensive graduate programmes are able to receive funding for their endeavours. Source: Lamar University
Affordable tuition, high return on investment
Lamar University’s College of Engineering has ranked #1 in the state, though it’s not just because you’re receiving top-tier education. According to Payscale, the college ranks #3 in the nation for return on investment, so you’re really getting your money’s worth.
Let’s break it down.
Lamar University is a giver of financial aid where it’s due. Every year, the College of Engineering offers endowed scholarships that total up to over US$4 million to eligible students, with graduate students able to receive tuition waivers and general scholarships totalling to US$1,000 per year. As if that’s not enough, qualified students in research-intensive programmes can apply for assistantships and funding.
When scholarships factored in, the tuition fees go as low as US$10,000 to US$12,000 per year, making it cheaper than other US institutions. As an international graduate student, you still qualify for in-state tuition fees through the Graduate Studies Award, which lowers the financial burden.
Compare that to the opportunities springing your way after graduation.
Engineers are well-paid in the US. Median salaries range from US$95,890 for civil engineers to US$138,080 for computer engineers. Though the job market is competitive, Lamar University’s graduates have landed roles in companies like Amazon, Tesla, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Nike, and more.
“I came to Lamar University despite my fears of being far away from home,” says Sogbuyi. “Faculty members have been amazing, always ready to help. I’ve made great colleagues and friends from all tribes, and my favourite part is the unique classroom experience and teaching method.”
Apply to Lamar University today.
Follow Lamar University on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
