New Degree Opportunities at UTT

TYLER — In efforts to continue distance education enhancement at The University of Texas at Tyler, the College of Engineering and Computer Science will offer two engineering master’s degree programs online, UT Tyler President Rodney Mabry announced. Courses for the master of science in electrical engineering and master of science in mechanical engineering will be offered from the Longview University Center beginning fall 2011.

“We are expanding our offerings to meet the needs of students and bring more prospective students to UT Tyler,” said Dr. Peter Fos, UT Tyler provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The programs will be housed at the Longview campus, and with the vast industry in the Longview region, we believe this will be a good niche for both the East Texas area and the Longview University Center.” According to UTT officials, this effort comes after the university aggressively searched for additional ways to reach students and increase university revenue, while cutting costs.

A working engineer will be able to complete his or her master’s degree within two to three years as a part-time student, according to Dr. James Nelson, UT Tyler College of Engineering and Computer Science dean. By 2012, the college also hopes to offer additional master’s degrees online as well as online and on-site professional development courses to help licensed engineers meet the continuing education requirements for license renewals, he added. “With both of these offerings, we hope to better serve practicing engineers and particularly those in Tyler and Longview,” Nelson said. Established in 1997, both programs prepare students for various careers in their field as well as graduate study and research.