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The college’s five schools and departments – The School of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and School of Architecture & Planning – have prepared thousands of graduates for successful careers in the public sector, private sector and higher education.
Over the past ten years, the Klesse College has experienced unprecedented growth as both our undergraduate and graduate student enrollment expands. Additionally, we have had a tenfold increase in extramural research funding. CEID faculty are national and international leaders in communications security, biomedical engineering, aging aircraft/structures, manufacturing, water resources, transportation, architecture, urban and regional planning, and historical preservation.
The Klesse College spans across two campuses, with engineering programs operating out of UTSA’s $84 million, 227,000-square-foot Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building (BSE), which opened in 2006. The BSE features high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories and modern computing networks. The second phase of this project—the $90 million, 150,000-square-foot Applied Engineering and Technology Building (AET)—opened in the fall of 2009. CEID recently celebrated the opening of our new building, the Science and Engineering Building (SEB) in fall 2020.
Programs for architecture, historical preservation, interior design and urban and regional planning are housed at UTSA's Downtown Campus adjacent to historic Market Square.
If you have more questions about Graduate Programs, please fill out this FORM so that we may answer any and all inquiries.
If you have any questions pertaining to admissions, please contact us or call The Graduate School’s reception area at (210) 458-4330 or (210) 458-4331.
Graduates of this program will have the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the operational complexity of enterprises, manufacturing and business process improvement/optimization, and integrated product/process/system design.
In addition, graduates will have the cognitive skills to critically evaluate the potential benefits of alternative manufacturing strategies; to use virtual/simulated platforms to facilitate and improve business processes; and to analyze enterprise systems as systems of interacting units, components, and subsystems.
The program offers a thesis option and a non-thesis option.
Advanced Manufacturing, as the core component of enterprise systems, encompasses effective and efficient integration and synthesis of automation technologies, human resources, and decision-making models that facilitate design, planning, scheduling, and control of production of goods and provision of services. Enterprise Engineering is defined as the body of knowledge, principles, and practices having to do with the analysis, design, implementation and operation of an enterprise.
The MS in AMEE is truly an interdisciplinary program founded on the strong collaboration of the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Information Systems and Technology Management, Management Science and Statistics, and Computer Science and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems (CAMLS). Graduate students are exposed to research problems through interaction with the industry members of CAMLS and its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
Courses offered for the graduate programs of these collaborating departments complement the MS in AMEE program in the form of elective courses. Through core and a variety of elective courses, students can customize their program of study according to their specific needs, professional development related goals, and career objectives in consultation with the Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR), as well as their thesis advisor and thesis committee.
Please visit the Graduate Catalog for the most up-to-date information on this degree plan/requirements.
Applicants must meet University-wide graduate admission requirements as outlined in Admission, of the UTSA Graduate Catalog. Applicants must also comply with general University regulations as outlined in General Academic Regulations, and Master’s Degree Regulations, of the UTSA Graduate Catalog.
Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the program, the Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR), in consultation with the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Committee and the Department Chair, will evaluate each student’s transcript and determine any course deficiencies on a case-by-case basis. Students admitted with course deficiencies will be required to take additional courses within their Program of Study to make up the deficiencies. Courses taken to make up deficiencies may not count toward the graduate degree.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Graduates of the MS MatE will be general practitioners and specialists, thus the degree program will provide the necessary balance between the fundamental and technical aspects of the field. All students will take core courses to achieve a common platform of understanding and knowledge covering topics in three interlinked areas: (a) Structure-function relationships in materials, which determine behavior at the macro-, micro-, nano-, molecular- and atomic-levels; (b) Synthesis, characterization and measurement of materials (ceramics, composites, metals, polymers, multifunctional and metamaterials) especially those with novel properties to address current and future technological challenges; and (c) Design and applications of materials that address critical issues facing society including energy, sustainability and health care.
Each student will choose one of the concentrations according to materials classifications and applications tailored to his or her specialities:
Interwoven in the two concentrations will be concepts of computational modeling that develops new materials with novel properties and responses for targeted applications.
Graduates will have advanced knowledge and capability to solve problems related to the synthesis, characterization, design, and application of materials. Graduates choosing biomedical material concentration will also be a job-ready workforce for the continued growth of biotechnology.
Courses offered for the graduate programs of these collaborating departments complement the MS in MatE program in the form of elective courses. Through core and a variety of elective courses, students can customize their program of study according to their specific needs, professional development related goals, and career objectives in consultation with the Graduate Advisor of Record (GAR), as well as their thesis advisor and thesis committee.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
The Department of Architecture offers the Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) as a STEM-designated, first professional degree (terminal degree) for those intending to enter the professional practice of architecture. The M.Arch. is currently accredited by NAAB, the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture. According to the NAAB 2009 Conditions for Accreditation:
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may require a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Architecture offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
The M.Arch. 3 program is designed for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than architecture. This STEM-designated, professional program includes one year of preparatory studies (up to 40 semester credit hours) in preparation for the following two years (52 semester credit hours) of the Master of Architecture (M.Arch. 2) program sequence. These preparatory studies are required to be completed in full, as a condition of admission. We encourage students from all disciplines to consider this program as a means for entering the profession of architecture.
In addition to University-wide admission requirements, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of no less than 3.0 in the applicant’s last 60 hours of coursework (including all graduate and postgraduate coursework taken).
A complete application package consists of the following:
An application fee and all application materials must be sent directly to the UTSA Graduate School at One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249.
In addition to University-wide admission requirements, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average of no less than 3.0 in the applicant’s last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate studies.
A complete application package consists of the following:
An application fee and all application materials must be sent directly to the UTSA Graduate School at One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is offered through a joint graduate program with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).
A matrix of academic tracks is offered based on segments of biomedical engineering and/or areas of clinical emphasis. Specifically, the program has emphases in the following areas: biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioimaging. The biological areas covered are orthopedics/dental tissues, cardiovascular systems and neurological systems
Multidisciplinary research is mostly translational, with applications in medicine. Current students in the program perform research on biomaterials, biomechanics, or bioimaging, with applications in orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurology.
Examples of current research areas of focus are tissue engineering and drug deliveries for bone and cardiovascular applications, Brain MRI, bone mechanics, cardiovascular mechanics, dental materials, biosensors, cellular engineering, and tissue-implant interfaces.
All Biomedical Engineering courses are offered during the day.
PhD students have the option to continue their training as a post-doc for a year or two after completion of the program before seeking a faculty position in an academic institution. Other students may apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
Graduates from our MS program have the option to apply to PhD programs in BME or to the medical school. Like the PhD students, the MS students may also apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Students who hold an undergraduate degree in engineering, sciences, or business administration may apply to the program. The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Technology Commercialization program are described below. Note that satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission.
A complete application includes the application form, official transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, and English Proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores if applicable.
The new MCE degree is a courses-only program targeted towards providing advanced technical training and building critical thinking skills for practicing engineers. Technical training is provided in five areas: environmental, geotechnical, hydraulic, structural and transportation engineering.
Small class sizes ensure personal attention from the highly qualified faculty. The department has state-of-the-art laboratories for each major technical area.
These labs—housed in the Engineering Building (EB); Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering (BSE) building; and Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) building—include:
Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full time students carrying out research. Typical amounts are $22.5k and $25.5k per year for MSCE and PhD students.
Funding agencies include:
A listing of our available courses per semester are listed on the Civil Engineering webpage.
Our graduates are in high demand in a multitude of private and government agencies, such as engineering consulting firms, infrastructure design/construction companies, environmental health companies, as well as various state, city and municipal government organizations.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Civil engineering education and research activities focus on projects that are typically large and costly, with potentially profound environmental, social, and financial impacts.
Small class sizes ensure personal attention from the highly qualified faculty. The department has state-of-the-art laboratories for each major technical area.
These labs—housed in the Engineering Building (EB); Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering (BSE) building; and Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) building—include:
Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full time students carrying out research. Typical amounts are $22.5k and $25.5k per year for MSCE and PhD students.
Funding agencies include:
A listing of our available courses per semester are listed on the Civil Engineering webpage.
Our graduates are in high demand in a multitude of private and government agencies, such as engineering consulting firms, infrastructure design/construction companies, environmental health companies, as well as various state, city and municipal government organizations.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Civil engineering education and research activities focus on projects that are typically large and costly, with potentially profound environmental, social, and financial impacts.
Small class sizes ensure personal attention from the highly qualified faculty. The department has state-of-the-art laboratories for each major technical area.
These labs—housed in the Engineering Building (EB); Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering (BSE) building; and Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) building—include:
Research Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full time students carrying out research. Typical amounts are $22.5k and $25.5k per year for MSCE and PhD students.
Funding agencies include:
A listing of our available courses per semester are listed on the Civil Engineering webpage.
Our graduates are in high demand in a multitude of private and government agencies, such as engineering consulting firms, infrastructure design/construction companies, environmental health companies, as well as various state, city and municipal government organizations.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Students enrolled in the M.S. Degree program in Computer Engineering have two different options to obtain their degree:
A thesis option is offered for students who want the opportunity to obtain expertise in research and who may be interested in pursuing the doctoral degree in computer engineering or electrical engineering.
A non-thesis option is offered for students who want a practical industrial applications-oriented degree.
The Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering M.S. program in Electrical Engineering and M.S. program in Computer Engineering offer opportunities in both advanced course work and research project to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering careers with industry, government, or educational institutions.
Our graduate programs stress both theoretical and practical aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering by combining the teaching and research expertise of the University community with the resources of other San Antonio research institutions.
The Graduate Faculty in Electrical and Computer Engineering are very active in conducting cutting-edge research projects which provide both research experiences and financial supports for our graduate students.
The research in our graduate programs at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering mainly focuses on five concentrations:
Fiber optic communications, fiber optic sensors, coding and error correction, control of communication networks, positioning and navigation algorithms, GPS, signal processing for communications, digital communications systems, wireless mobile communications, information theory, and signal detection and estimation.
Parallel and distributed computing, routing in computer networks, network intrusion detection, computer architecture, ASICs, RISC processors, microprocessor based systems, VLSI design and testing, CAD tools, HDL modeling and FPGA implementation, computer graphics hardware and software parallelism, visualization techniques, information science, optimization and forecasting, digital systems, multimedia and network processors, low power VLSI systems, and reconfigurable computing.
Signal and image processing, visual communication, and quantum information processing and communication, signals and systems, tomographic imaging, processing biomedical images FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), theory of fast unitary transforms, robust linear and nonlinear filters, morphological image processing, statistical signal processing, Bayesian methods, sampling-based approaches.
Intelligent systems, neural networks and fuzzy systems, adaptive learning, data mining, networking, diagnosis and prognosis, health monitoring, and robotics and automation, Complex Systems, Computational Intelligence, System of Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Neuro-fuzzy techniques, robotics and intelligent networks/systems, robust and adaptive control, stabilization of nonlinear systems, optimal control, homogeneous systems theory, aerospace systems and power plants.
This concentration area provides students with balanced training in theory and experimentation in the areas of analog and mixed signal integrated circuit design, microsystems technology (MEMS), RF and Microwave devices. Research emphasis covers such diverse topics as wireless transceivers, data converters, power management, VLSI, micromirror arrays, MEMS microwave devices, Bio-MEMS, photonic crystals, microfluidics, sensor arrays, microchemical reactors, micropropulsion and energy harvesting schemes. Graduates are well qualified to seek employment in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, telecommunications, petrochemical industry, food and chemical processing, microelectronics research and development, health care and other industries requiring analog circuitry, sensing schemes or the application of microdevices.
For more research projects, please refer to the Computer Engineering Faculty Research website.
Our graduate courses are offered mostly in afternoon and evening. About half of courses are taught in the afternoon (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and another half in the evening (5 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.).
After graduation, our MS and PhD graduates are employed as engineers or researcher in research firms and industries.
Some of our former doctorate students are working in universities as faculty members.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
A thesis option is offered for students who want the opportunity to obtain some expertise in research. A nonthesis option is available for students who want a practical industrial applications-oriented degree.
The Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering, M.S. program in Electrical Engineering, and M.S. program in Computer Engineering offer opportunities in both advanced course work and research project to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering careers with industry, government, or educational institutions.
Our graduate programs stress both theoretical and practical aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering by combining the teaching and research expertise of the University community with the resources of other San Antonio research institutions.
The Graduate Faculty in Electrical and Computer Engineering are very active in conducting cutting-edge research projects which provide both research experiences and financial supports for our graduate students.
The research in our graduate programs at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering mainly focuses on five concentrations:
Fiber optic communications, fiber optic sensors, coding and error correction, control of communication networks, positioning and navigation algorithms, GPS, signal processing for communications, digital communications systems, wireless mobile communications, information theory, and signal detection and estimation.
Parallel and distributed computing, routing in computer networks, network intrusion detection, computer architecture, ASICs, RISC processors, microprocessor based systems, VLSI design and testing, CAD tools, HDL modeling and FPGA implementation, computer graphics hardware and software parallelism, visualization techniques, information science, optimization and forecasting, digital systems, multimedia and network processors, low power VLSI systems, and reconfigurable computing.
Signal and image processing, visual communication, and quantum information processing and communication, signals and systems, tomographic imaging, processing biomedical images FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), theory of fast unitary transforms, robust linear and nonlinear filters, morphological image processing, statistical signal processing, Bayesian methods, sampling-based approaches.
Intelligent systems, neural networks and fuzzy systems, adaptive learning, data mining, networking, diagnosis and prognosis, health monitoring, and robotics and automation, Complex Systems, Computational Intelligence, System of Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Neuro-fuzzy techniques, robotics and intelligent networks/systems, robust and adaptive control, stabilization of nonlinear systems, optimal control, homogeneous systems theory, aerospace systems and power plants.
This concentration area provides students with balanced training in theory and experimentation in the areas of analog and mixed signal integrated circuit design, microsystems technology (MEMS), RF and Microwave devices. Research emphasis covers such diverse topics as wireless transceivers, data converters, power management, VLSI, micromirror arrays, MEMS microwave devices, Bio-MEMS, photonic crystals, microfluidics, sensor arrays, microchemical reactors, micropropulsion and energy harvesting schemes. Graduates are well qualified to seek employment in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, telecommunications, petrochemical industry, food and chemical processing, microelectronics research and development, health care and other industries requiring analog circuitry, sensing schemes or the application of microdevices.
For more research projects, please refer to the Computer Engineering Faculty Research website.
Research stipends and scholarships will be posted to the College of Engineering Scholarships page as they become available.
Our graduate courses are offered mostly in afternoon and evening. About half of courses are taught in the afternoon (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and another half in the evening (5 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.).
After graduation, our MS and PhD graduates are employed as engineers or researcher in research firms and industries.
Some of our former doctorate students are working in universities as faculty members.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is offered through a joint graduate program with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).
A matrix of academic tracks is offered based on segments of biomedical engineering and/or areas of clinical emphasis. Specifically, the program has emphases in the following areas: biomaterials, biomechanics, and bioimaging. The biological areas covered are orthopedics/dental tissues, cardiovascular systems and neurological systems
Multidisciplinary research is mostly translational, with applications in medicine. Current students in the program perform research on biomaterials, biomechanics, or bioimaging, with applications in orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurology.
Examples of current research areas of focus are tissue engineering and drug deliveries for bone and cardiovascular applications, Brain MRI, bone mechanics, cardiovascular mechanics, dental materials, biosensors, cellular engineering, and tissue-implant interfaces.
All Biomedical Engineering courses are offered during the day.
PhD students have the option to continue their training as a post-doc for a year or two after completion of the program before seeking a faculty position in an academic institution. Other students may apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
Graduates from our MS program have the option to apply to PhD programs in BME or to the medical school. Like the PhD students, the MS students may also apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Faculty and graduate students in urban and regional planning conduct research spanning the fields of transportation, environmental planning, housing, urban design, and related topics. The program also incorporates real-world projects into coursework, often in collaboration with planning agencies and practitioners in the region. Students can choose either a research-oriented thesis, or a professional report to address a practical challenge.
Urban and regional planners create and revitalize communities of lasting value, and most often work in local, regional, state, or federal government, and in consulting roles with private and non-profit organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes the typical entry-level education is a master's degree; median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $75,950 in May 2020; and projects 3,700 openings for urban and regional planners annually in the US.
Applicants must satisfy University-wide graduate admission requirements.
A complete application package consists of the following:Applicants may be admitted as unconditional or conditional, degree-seeking graduate students, or as special graduate students. Admission as a special graduate (non-degree-seeking) student does not guarantee subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student; such students must reapply for degree-seeking status.
An application fee and all application materials must be sent directly to the UTSA Graduate School at One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249.
A complete application includes the application form, official transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, and English Proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores if applicable.
The educational goals of this program are founded on the belief that the basic scientific approach is critical to the fundamental understanding of human health and the treatment of disease.
Interfacing Engineering/Science with Medicine
Multidisciplinary
Cutting-edge technology with translational research
Multidisciplinary research is mostly translational, with applications in medicine. Current students in the program perform research on biomaterials, biomechanics, or bioimaging, with applications in orthopedics, cardiovascular, or neurology.
Examples of current research areas of focus are tissue engineering and drug deliveries for bone and cardiovascular applications, Brain MRI, bone mechanics, cardiovascular mechanics, dental materials, biosensors, cellular engineering, and tissue-implant interfaces.
All Biomedical Engineering courses are offered during the day.
Ph.D. students have the option to continue their training as a post-doc for a year or 2 after completion of the program before seeking a faculty position in an academic institution. Other students may apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
Graduates from our MS program have the option to apply to PhD programs in BME or to the medical school. Like the PhD students, the MS students may also apply for positions with the biomedical industries or the federal agencies (FDA, etc) after graduation.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
Pending SACS Accreditation Approval
Basic Degree Information/Description
The Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department offers the opportunity for advanced study and research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering. The educational objective of this program is to produce graduates who are capable of conducting original research in industry or academia as well as assuming a leadership role in their chosen employment field. The program has four separate tracks, namely Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Water Resources. The Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering is awarded to candidates who display an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.
Why pursue a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering?
The program will produce graduates who have advanced technical knowledge in Civil Engineering and are vital to the interests of San Antonio, the State of Texas and the nation.
Nationally, according to the 2018 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Careers in Civil Engineering are projected to grow by 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
As infrastructure continues to age, highly trained technical professionals will be needed to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade structures of all types to meet these demands.
Research is needed in emerging areas of civil engineering such as smart structures, advanced materials, data analytics, computational mechanics, water sustainability and intelligent transportation systems to advance knowledge and address our infrastructure needs.
Degree Requirements
The Doctoral program in Civil Engineering requires that students complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours beyond the Master's degree. This coursework includes courses that have been designed to provide advanced instruction in areas considered to form the foundation for the discipline of civil engineering. Enrollment in the Graduate Seminar is required for a minimum of 2 semester credit hours. A minimum of 15 semester credit hours of Doctoral Research and 15 semester credit hours minimum of Doctoral Dissertation must be completed prior to graduation. Any grade lower than "B" in graduate or remedial coursework at the undergraduate level does not count toward the 60 semester credit hours. Students can apply, with the approval from the chair of their Dissertation Committee, up to 12 semester credit hours of graduate coursework to elective courses (see below), if not applied toward their Master's degree. Students with only a baccalaureate degree are required to have a minimum of 75 semester credit hours to graduate. Additional degree requirements include both passing a written and/or oral qualifying examinations, writing a doctoral dissertation, and passing a final examination/dissertation defense.
Twenty eight semester credit hours of required elective courses must be selected by each student according to his/her selected track of study, as defined below. These need to be approved by the student's Dissertation Committee. These elective courses may be offered by departments in the College of Sciences, the College of Engineering or by other departments at UTSA.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites
Admission Prerequisites:
Required Degree: a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from an accredited university, The degrees should be in civil engineering or other related scientific or engineering discipline.
Other Degree Requirements: Exceptional applicants without a Master of Science degree may be considered for admission to the program on a case-by-case basis;
Application Requirements:
General University Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet University Wide Requirements
Application: A complete Graduate School application
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's academic potential;
Test Scores: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores;
Statement of Purpose: A letter of research/specialization interest;
Resume or Curriculum Vitae: a résumé/curriculum vita.
Other: A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in upper-division and graduate courses.
Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. citizens (Domestic), or permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit an evaluation from an approved Foreign Credential Agency of transcripts from all foreign institutions attended. If official transcripts are used in the foreign credential evaluation, the official transcript requirement will be considered met. However, if unofficial documents are used in the foreign credential evaluation, final official transcripts must be sent to UTSA.
International Applicants:
Additional Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet international graduate student admission requirements.
Applications must be submitted to the UTSA Graduate School online at http://graduateschool.utsa.edu/. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Acceptance to the program is decided by the Doctoral Studies Committee (DSC), comprised of graduate faculty members selected from the CEE Department. Full-time students accepted for the program are eligible to apply for financial support in the form of competitive teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or research fellowships.
The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering will be awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.
The Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering, M.S. program in Electrical Engineering and M.S. program in Computer Engineering offer opportunities in both advanced course work and research projects to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering careers with industry, government, or educational institutions.
Our graduate programs stress both theoretical and practical aspects of Electrical and Computer Engineering by combining the teaching and research expertise of the university community with the resources of other San Antonio research institutions.
The graduate faculty in Electrical and Computer Engineering are very active in conducting cutting-edge research projects which provide both research experiences and financial supports for our graduate students.
The research in our graduate programs at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering mainly focuses on five concentrations:
Fiber optic communications, fiber optic sensors, coding and error correction, control of communication networks, positioning and navigation algorithms, GPS, signal processing for communications, digital communications systems, wireless mobile communications, information theory, and signal detection and estimation.
Parallel and distributed computing, routing in computer networks, network intrusion detection, computer architecture, ASICs, RISC processors, microprocessor based systems, VLSI design and testing, CAD tools, HDL modeling and FPGA implementation, computer graphics hardware and software parallelism, visualization techniques, information science, optimization and forecasting, digital systems, multimedia and network processors, low power VLSI systems, and reconfigurable computing.
Signal and image processing, visual communication, and quantum information processing and communication, signals and systems, tomographic imaging, processing biomedical images FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), theory of fast unitary transforms, robust linear and nonlinear filters, morphological image processing, statistical signal processing, Bayesian methods, sampling-based approaches.
Intelligent systems, neural networks and fuzzy systems, adaptive learning, data mining, networking, diagnosis and prognosis, health monitoring, and robotics and automation, Complex Systems, Computational Intelligence, System of Systems Engineering, Mechatronics, Neuro-fuzzy techniques, robotics and intelligent networks/systems, robust and adaptive control, stabilization of nonlinear systems, optimal control, homogeneous systems theory, aerospace systems and power plants.
This concentration area provides students with balanced training in theory and experimentation in the areas of analog and mixed signal integrated circuit design, microsystems technology (MEMS), RF and Microwave devices. Research emphasis covers such diverse topics as wireless transceivers, data converters, power management, VLSI, micromirror arrays, MEMS microwave devices, Bio-MEMS, photonic crystals, microfluidics, sensor arrays, microchemical reactors, micropropulsion and energy harvesting schemes. Graduates are well qualified to seek employment in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, telecommunications, petrochemical industry, food and chemical processing, microelectronics research and development, health care and other industries requiring analog circuitry, sensing schemes or the application of microdevices.
For more research projects, please refer to the Computer Engineering Faculty Research website.
Research stipends and scholarships will be posted to the College of Engineering Scholarships page as they become available.
Our graduate courses are offered mostly in afternoon and evening. About half of the courses are taught in the afternoon (2 p.m. – 5 p.m.) and another half in the evening (5 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.).
After graduation, our MS and PhD graduates are employed as engineers or researcher in research firms and industries.
Some of our former doctorate students are working in universities as faculty members.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
The main emphasis of the new doctoral degree will be on natural resources, especially water resources, land and air resources.
Dissertation research could focus on hydrology, water quality, water pollution control, waste disposal, environmental quality, remediation, ecology, conservation, restoration, contaminants, air pollution control, global change, atmospheric chemistry, environmental geochemistry, environmental microbiology, microbial geochemistry, volcanic hazards, tectonics, seismic hazards, or other anthropogenic changes.
Overall, students will be educated in the fundamental areas of Environmental Science and Engineering.
All doctoral applicants applying for full-time status may compete for up to $20,000 stipend support per academic year. Other funding opportunities, such as teaching assistant and research assistant positions are available. Scholarships are available from a variety of sources, while graduate students may be fully supported through research and teaching assistantships.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has state-of-the-art laboratories for each major technical area. Housed in the Engineering Building and Biotechnology, Sciences and Engineering Building, these laboratories are used for hands-on research training of graduate students. In addition, computer labs are available for demonstrating state-of-the art application software similar to the ones used by practicing engineers.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Environmental Science and Engineering program draws on the resources of both the College of Sciences and the College of Engineering. Faculty share responsibilities in providing courses, research supervision, and facilities for this program.
Areas of research emphasis include water resources, environmental quality, environmental remediation, pollution control, conservation ecology, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and natural hazards.
The Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering is awarded to candidates who display an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrate the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.
New funding opportunities will be announced on the Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. program webpage.
Most, if not all classes are offered in the evening.
Our graduates are in high demand in a multitude of private and government agencies, such as engineering consulting firms, infrastructure design/construction companies, environmental health companies, as well as various state, city and municipal government organizations.
For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog
.
Please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadline page for a list of application deadlines.
The program has four concentrations:
The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering will be awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their field of specialty.
The regulations for this degree comply with the general University regulations (refer to Chapter 2: General Academic Regulations, and Chapter 5: Doctoral Degree Regulations).
All graduate students must meet the university admission requirements as outlined in the graduate catalog. The minimum requirements for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering degree program are as follows:
Students whose native language is not English must achieve a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Normally, a student must hold a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or in a related field with a GPA of 3.0 or better before being granted admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering degree program at UTSA. Such applicants may apply a maximum of 30 semester credit hours of previously earned graduate credit toward their doctoral degree. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours credit may be awarded for a master’s thesis (such as ME 6983). Each student’s transcript will be evaluated by the Graduate Programs Committee and credit will be designated on a course-by-course basis to satisfy the formal coursework requirements of the degree.
Outstanding students, who do not hold a Master’s degree, may enter the Doctor of Philosophy program on provisional status directly upon receiving a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, with the special approval of the Graduate Programs Committee. Such applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or better in the last 60 semester credit hours of undergraduate coursework in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. A student with provisional status must meet the course requirements of the Master’s degree program and all requirements of the Doctoral Program within two years of full-time equivalent studies at the Ph.D. program.
The Graduate Programs Committee will evaluate each applicant, approve the necessary requirements, and recommend corrective actions on a case-by-case basis.
In general undergraduate courses, general education courses, and prerequisites for graduate courses cannot be counted toward the total. The entire program of study must be recommended by the student’s dissertation advisor by the end of 9 credit hours of coursework, approved by the graduate programs committee, and must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School for final approval.
The courses taken by students are intended to focus and support the individual’s mastery of his or her particular area of specialization.
All students seeking a doctoral degree at UTSA must be admitted to “candidacy” in order to become eligible to continue their research that leads to a PhD degree. The requirement for admission to candidacy is passing a qualifying examination. The qualifying examination of the PhD/ME program comprises two parts:
The written part of the qualifying examination is given in June of each year. Upon approval by their PhD advisor, students wishing to take the examination must submit their request in writing to the Graduate Advisor of Record before March 31. Normally, the written examination is taken by students who have completed the coursework listed under sections A and B of the curriculum in Table 1. Students who fail the written qualifying examination in their first attempt may petition for a second attempt. No more than two attempts are permitted to pass the written examination.
The purpose of the written qualifying examination is to ensure that students pursuing a doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering have the essential depth and breadth of knowledge basis. The Department of Mechanical Engineering administers the written qualifying examination in the following four areas with the supporting courses:
COMMON AREATECHNICAL AREAS
Students are required to take the common area as well as a major area and a minor area from the three technical areas (a, b, c) of Mechanical Engineering.
The written qualifying examination includes three parts:
The three parts of the written exam are given on three different days. The examinations are administered once a year in June. Each part (Common Core, Thermal and Fluid Systems, Design and Manufacturing Systems, Mechanics and Materials) consists of six (6) questions to be answered in three (3) hours. The examinations are typically in the form of closed books and notes. If needed, the faculty member preparing the questions provides a formula sheet.
For a student who has passed the written qualifying examination in June, the oral part of the qualifying examination should be given in December of the year or in January of the next year. An oral qualifying examination committee, which includes at least three graduate faculty members, should be assembled by his/her PhD Advisor as the chair of the committee. The timing of the second examination is determined by the oral qualifying examination committee. The student prepares a 20-minute presentation on a topic of research interest, which highlights the research objective, motivation (need for research), literature survey, methodology, expected results, deliverables, and a timeline to complete the research.
The objective of the oral qualifying examination is twofold:
The oral qualifying examinations are broadly announced and all faculty members are invited to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback. After the oral qualifying examination, the oral qualifying examination committee determines if the student has passed the examination in consultation with Graduate Studies Committee. Students who fail the oral qualifying examination in their first attempt are allowed to make a second attempt. No more than two attempts are permitted to pass the oral examination.
A PhD candidate needs to assemble his/her dissertation committee in consultation with his/her PhD Advisor. The dissertation committee members are typically selected by the student in consultation with the PhD advisor and approved by the Graduate Advisor of Record and the Department Chair. This process should start as early as the time when the student has selected a PhD Advisor. The dissertation committee must be finalized no later than one month of passing the oral qualifying examination.
A dissertation committee includes the PhD advisor as the chair of the committee and a minimum of four members. Of the four members, at least two must be Mechanical Engineering graduate faculty members and one must be outside the department or UTSA, whose suitability will be subject to approval of the Graduate School. Part-time faculty may serve as members of the dissertation committee, but may not serve as PhD advisors.
After admission to candidacy, the student should first consider research topics for his/her dissertation, and then write a dissertation proposal based on preliminary results. Normally, the dissertation proposal is presented to the dissertation committee of the student within one year after admission to candidacy. During this time, students take ME 7983-6 Doctoral Research (Table 1, Section E). The dissertation proposal consists of quantifiable and verifiable objectives, literature survey, methodology, preliminary work, deliverables, and expected contribution.
A written dissertation proposal should be submitted to the student’s dissertation committee at least two weeks before the oral presentation. The dissertation proposal should:
The student should write the dissertation proposal as soon as he/she can address the issues described above. The dissertation proposal should be typically single spaced and 25-30 pages long. A public presentation of the student’s dissertation proposal will be arranged and followed by a closed-door questioning by the dissertation committee.
The oral presentation is typically a 40-minute talk, followed by a question-and-answer session. Following the public presentation, the dissertation committee will conduct a closed-door oral examination based on the proposal and on relevant background from the student’s Program of Study. Only the dissertation committee members may attend the closed-door session. After the examination, the student will be asked to leave, and the dissertation committee will discuss the student’s performance in the dissertation proposal presentation. The dissertation committee may recommend changes before approving the dissertation proposal. No more than two attempts are permitted for the student to get his/her dissertation proposal approved.
After the approval of the dissertation proposal, the next steps are writing the dissertation and passing the final oral defense. During this time, students take ME 7993-6 Doctoral Dissertation (Table 1, Section E). The final oral defense is administered and evaluated by the student’s PhD dissertation committee and covers the general field of the dissertation. The final oral defense consists of a public presentation of the dissertation, followed by a closed session with the members of the dissertation committee. It is expected that the material of the dissertation will be of archival quality and will be published in journals. The dissertation must be approved by a unanimous decision of the Dissertation Committee.
The degree requires 90 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree or 60 credits beyond the master’s degree, passing of Qualifying Exam, Dissertation Prospectus, and Dissertation Defense and acceptance of the Ph.D. dissertation.
Curriculum (60 credit hours A through E)
Common Core Courses (6 credit hours)
Students are required to take at least two courses from the following list corresponding to their Major Area of study.
Thermal and Fluid Systems:
Design and Manufacturing Systems:
Mechanics and Materials:
Students are required to take at least three elective courses in consultation with their Ph.D. advisors.
Please see the Graduate Catalog for the most up-to-date information on doctoral admissions.
Klesse College
The University of Texas at San Antonio
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
O 210-458-4490
F 210-458-5515
We appreciate your interest in the Klesse College UTSA and extend our warmest welcome to you from the college.
Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (Klesse College)
BSE Building, Room 2.106
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio, TX 78249
Phone: 210-458-4490
Fax: 210-458-5515
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