The state of Texas is well-known for a lot of things. The Lone Star State is the home of cowboys and oil rigs, but it’s also a mecca for engineering professionals.
Based on numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas has the second-highest number of engineers in the country. Interestingly, this number is expected to grow in the coming years. According to projections, the demand for engineers is expected to increase by 3 percent by 2032.
The rapid growth of engineers can be attributed to several factors, such as the continued expansion of the state’s economy and population. More engineering employers are setting up shop in Texas.
Additionally, the state’s large infrastructure projects will also require more engineering expertise. As a result, Texas is expected to remain a top destination for engineering professionals in the years to come.
Engineers are key to the operation of many companies. Most employers require a four-year degree in the right engineering discipline to qualify for the position. Texas has plenty of engineering undergraduate and graduate programs. There are 360 engineering programs in the state of Texas alone.
An engineering position appears to be a golden opportunity for people looking to move to the Lone Star state. However, landing one of these Texas-based engineering jobs can be challenging, even for engineers with multiple years of experience.
Getting a master’s degree in engineering is one way that engineers can acquire the skills necessary to attract more employers hiring engineers.
Let’s take a look at the top graduate degree programs for aspiring engineers in Texas and highlight the various concentrations and specializations.
Engineer Master’s Programs in Texas
Texas offers several Master’s engineering programs ideal for graduate students. Graduate engineering programs are a great place for engineers with real-world experience to develop new skills. These programs are ideal for engineers looking to specialize in various engineering disciplines to stand out from the competition.
There are multiple engineering disciplines that you can specialize in. Understanding your interests, strengths, and weaknesses can help you decide which engineering master’s program is right for you. Here are a few engineering subdisciplines you may want to consider:
- Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning is growing rapidly and has emerged as an essential area of research and practice influencing many diverse application domains and industries inclusive of all engineering disciplines. A concentration in artificial intelligence is designed to give students the skills they need to select, adapt, and optimize machine learning algorithms for various applications.
Students will learn to curate and visualize data and read and explain methods from the machine learning literature. Engineers with this concentration will have the ability to use fundamental machine-learning concepts and techniques to address real-world challenges.
You can get a Master’s degree in artificial intelligence from the University of North Texas. This degree is the only Master of Science degree in artificial intelligence in Texas. - Data Science: Data collection is everywhere, which makes data science valuable for virtually any engineering career path. Data can be very useful in a variety of industries, from health care to education to engineering. Data science is the study of how to collect, clean, and analyze data to find new insights and solutions.
The concentration in Data Science provides interested graduate students a way to enhance their degree by combining elements of computer programming, statistics, business, and engineering knowledge. This concentration shows you how to solve these problems and find new insights into large sets of information.
The University of Houston offers a Master of Science in Engineering Data Science to prepare students to take advantage of the demand for data science skills. - Robotics: As our world becomes increasingly complex and technologically advanced, there is a growing demand for engineering graduates with expertise in robotics. This interdisciplinary field combines computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering with real-time computer science to produce systems that are used in various industries.
Robotics engineers need to be able to apply their knowledge of mechanics, electronics, control theory, and software engineering to design and develop efficient robotic systems. Engineers who receive a concentration in robotics will have the skills necessary to design and manage these complex systems, making them highly sought-after employees in the current job market.
Graduate students can receive a certification of expertise in robotics with their Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. - Oil and Gas: Petroleum engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the extraction and production of oil and gas. As more than 6,000 products are derived from petroleum, it continues to be an essential part of everyday life. Petroleum engineers are involved in extracting oil and gas from underground reservoirs and storing and transporting these materials.
A concentration in petroleum engineering can educate engineers to solve problems related to exploring and recovering subsurface resources such as oil and gas. Engineers will learn about a variety of engineering disciplines, from reservoir engineering to petroleum economics.
Texas Tech University offers a Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering Degree.
Deciding what engineering discipline is right for you depends on your individual preferences and long-term goals. Texans can also consider taking a hybrid or online Master’s engineering degree program. Engineers can enjoy the benefits of online classes while taking advantage of in-state tuition to reduce education costs. Let’s look at some of the best online engineering programs in Texas.
Online Engineering Programs in Texas
A bachelor’s degree in engineering is essential for those pursuing a career in the field. It will give them the technical skills and knowledge needed to succeed and help them stand out when it comes to finding a job. While some engineering disciplines are more popular than others, any engineering degree can lead to a rewarding and long-lasting career.
Those considering an online engineering program should know that most distance-based programs are concentrated in computer science, software engineering, or related subjects. This standard is because fields such as mechanical, civil, or aerospace engineering require hands-on learning that is best accomplished in person. Online programs at the undergraduate level in these sub-disciplines are therefore generally limited to graduate-level studies.
However, there are several online bachelor’s programs in computer science and related fields that can provide students with the necessary foundation for a career in engineering. An online bachelor’s program can be a great option for students interested in pursuing an engineering career.
Although a bachelor’s degree in engineering is typically sufficient for most entry-level positions, many engineers choose to pursue a master’s degree to gain a more thorough understanding of their chosen specialty. A graduate degree is also often preferred for positions that offer leadership opportunities and greater compensation.
Online engineering programs offer students the flexibility to complete their coursework at their own pace and on their schedule. For engineers who are already employed in the engineering field, an online program can be an especially attractive option.
The Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering (MEIE) at Texas A&M University is an online non-thesis graduate degree program. The MEIE curriculum features courses in logistics and inventory control, quality engineering, human factors, engineering economy, data analytics, models and tools, and optimization models and tools.
Choosing the right online engineering program depends on a variety of factors, including one’s specific area of interest and desired career path. However, the program listed above is highly respected and will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s competitive engineering job market.
Engineering Bootcamps in Texas
Bootcamps are a type of immersive educational program that offers intense, focused training in a particular skill set or trade. These programs are typically shorter than traditional degree programs, lasting anywhere from 10 to 26 weeks.
Bootcamps emerged as an alternative to college education in response to the growing demand for skilled workers in the engineering industry. Bootcamps offer a more hands-on approach to learning than traditional college programs, with an emphasis on practical engineering skills and real-world problem-solving.
In addition to technical skills, bootcamps also teach workplace communication and collaboration skills that are essential for success in the modern workplace. Because they are shorter and more adaptable than traditional degree programs, bootcamps have become a popular option for career changers and those looking to quickly gain new engineering skills.
The flexibility of bootcamps makes them an attractive alternative to college for many learners. Let’s walk through a few Texas-based bootcamp choices to get us started:
| Bootcamp Provider | Program | Time | Cost |
| University of Texas at Austin (Austin) | The Coding Bootcamp | 3 or 6 months | $12,995 |
| University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas) | Data Analytics Bootcamp | 10 to 26 weeks | $12,495 |
| University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas) | DevOps Bootcamp | 26 weeks | $12,495 |
| University of Texas at Dallas (Dallas) | Product Management Bootcamp | 25 weeks | $12,495 |
When it comes to choosing a bootcamp, there are many factors to consider. Price, location, and curriculum are all important factors that can vary widely from one program to the next. For students in Texas, there are plenty of local options available that can offer unique advantages.
Bootcamps in Texas may provide all local resources, including networking and job-seeking perks. Local engineering employers may be connected to the bootcamp as well. As a result, staying local can offer unique advantages when it comes to choosing a bootcamp.
Several engineering jobs are in demand in Texas. Let’s discuss some of the most popular engineering jobs that are popular in the state of Texas.
Five In-Demand Engineering Jobs in Texas
Engineering is a challenging and exciting profession. An important step you can take towards reaching your career goals, however—after acquiring all those degrees from top-notch schools like the University of Texas or the University of Houston–is finding that right position!
Let’s explore some common organizational roles for engineers with an overview of what they entail as well as median salary:
- Petroleum Engineer: Petroleum engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering. Some engineers can succeed with a bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering instead. There are numerous cooperative programs available for students to earn credit and gain structured experience on the job.
Petroleum engineers must have strong problem-solving skills and be able to work independently. They must also be able to think creatively to develop new ways to extract oil and gas from deposits. Engineers can expect an average salary in Texas of around $130,850 per year. - Manufacturing Engineer: Manufacturing engineers are integral to the production of myriad goods and materials. To become a manufacturing engineer, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
These professionals possess advanced skills in math and science, are analytical thinkers, and work well in team environments. Engineers can expect an average salary of $80,450 per year in Texas. With experience, some manufacturing engineers may advance to management positions or become independent consultants. - Software Engineer: Software engineering can be very rewarding, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. You can expect an average annual salary in Texas of $125,792 a year. However, a successful career requires more than just a bachelor’s degree.
In addition to formal education, software engineers need to have strong programming and technical skills. These skills can be developed through college courses, certificate programs, self-study, or bootcamps. When applying for jobs, it is also helpful to share a portfolio of completed work. - Artificial Intelligence Engineer: AI engineers are in high demand for good reason. They possess the skills necessary to build AI models using machine learning algorithms and deep learning neural networks.
To become an AI engineer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as information technology, computer engineering, statistics, or data science. You can expect an average annual salary in Texas of $106,286 a year. - Robotics Engineer: Robotics engineering is an excellent field for those who are interested in the latest technology and approaches to problem-solving. Robotics engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
Although most robotics engineering positions require only a bachelor’s degree, some research and development positions may require a master’s degree or doctorate. The average annual salary for robotics engineers was $102,010.
As an engineer, you have many career options available to you. You can work in a traditional engineering field such as mechanical or electrical engineering or branch out into other areas such as civil engineering, environmental engineering, or even biomedical engineering. No matter what field you choose, there are plenty of opportunities for engineers in the state of Texas.
In recent years, Austin has become a hot spot for engineers. Many engineering companies are moving to Austin due to the city’s strong economy and growing population. This is a great opportunity for engineers who are looking to start their careers in a new city.
Houston and Dallas are also both major commercial hubs in Texas and offer plenty of opportunities for engineers.
The key to success as an engineer in Texas is to make sure you have the necessary skills and qualifications. Be sure to build up your portfolio and network with other professionals in your field. With hard work and dedication, you can find success as an engineer in any city in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas offers a wide range of master’s programs in engineering, including specialties in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Robotics, and Petroleum Engineering. These programs cater to various interests and career goals in the engineering field.
In-demand engineering jobs in Texas include Petroleum Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Software Engineer, AI Engineer, and Robotics Engineer. These roles highlight the diverse opportunities in the state’s engineering sector.
Engineering bootcamps in Texas provide immersive, hands-on training, equipping students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge, often with a focus on real-world problem-solving.
Studying engineering in Texas offers exposure to a diverse range of industries, access to top-notch educational resources, and opportunities for networking and career advancement in a state with a high demand for engineering professionals.
Consider factors such as the specialization offered, the program’s reputation, flexibility for working professionals, and opportunities for practical learning and industry exposure.