Pre-Engineering Program | University of St. Thomas

Cooperative Engineering students at the University of St. Thomas - Houston conduct research in the lab The Pre-Engineering program at UST is seeking students who view every obstacle as a challenge to be overcome. Creative problem solving is required. Experience constructing robots, building block creations and treehouses is a plus. Apply within to make a lasting impact on the world.

As a Pre-Engineering student, you'll have the opportunity to earn two degrees in five years, a B.S. in the engineering discipline of your choice from a partner school and a B.S. in Engineering Physics from UST. This second degree isn’t just another diploma to hang on the wall. Top employers seek out our students because of the rock-solid engineering education they receive.

Requirements Requirements
Scholarships Scholarships

Degrees OfferedDegrees Offered

Female student in Cooperative Engineering lab class at the University of St. Thomas - Houston Following a 3/2 plan, you'll study for three years at UST, building a foundational knowledge of engineering and science while gaining a quality liberal arts education. During this time, you'll follow an individualized plan that includes the prerequisites needed for the engineering program at your chosen school.

You'll then transfer to complete the last two years of your engineering degree at one of our partner schools. We have well-established articulation agreements with the University of Notre Dame and the Catholic University of America. If you're interested in a four-year engineering degree at UST, please inquire with Admissions.

B.S. In Engineering From Partner School

Complete your engineering degree at one of UST's partner schools:

Catholic University of America
University of Notre Dame

B.S. in Engineering Physics (3/2 Program)

This program is best if you want to earn two engineering degrees, one from UST and one from a partner school. After completing 3 years in the B.S. in Engineering Physics program at UST, you can complete your engineering degree at a partner school, then apply for a UST degree as well.

degree plan

Your SuccessYour Success

Houston Boats the Highest Annual Median Wage for STEM Workers

City in U.S.

FOR STEM SALARIES

Source: WalletHub

Jobs for STEM Professionals Will Expand 1.7x Faster than Non-STEM Occupations from 2010–2020

170%

Faster Job Growth

THAN NON-STEM JOBS

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

$85,570

Annual Median Salary

FOR STEM JOBS IN U.S.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nationwide Demand For Engineers

Logos of companies where alumni of University of St. Thomas - Houston Cooperative Engineering program work Upon completion of UST’s Pre-Engineering program, you’ll be prepared for a variety of excellent job opportunities. Houston is the epicenter of the job market for engineers. Texas boasts the #1 average median salary for STEM careers, and Houston, the energy capital of the world, is the #2 job market for engineers in the U.S., according to Forbes Magazine.

Nationwide, engineers are in high demand, and our Pre-Engineering students can choose from a wide variety of specialties, including chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, nuclear and technological engineering. Former Pre-Engineering students have landed careers at Apple and Texas Instruments as well as locally at Phillips 66, Jones and Carter and Landtech.

Why UST?Why UST?

Expert Instruction

Cooperative Engineering professor Dr. Birgit Mellis teaches a class at the University of St. Thomas - Houston

You’ll get individual guidance from seasoned faculty who know you personally, and will help guide you in your studies and career path.

Unique Hands-On Research

Student conducts Cooperative Engineering research at the University of St. Thomas - Houston

You won’t just study engineering – you’ll do engineering. Work with professors in researching jet engine detonation shock or your area of interest.

Marketable Career Skills

Two female Cooperative Engineering students conduct research at the University of St. Thomas - Houston

You'll emerge ready for engineering school, with the skills to become the well-rounded engineers employers want.

UST prepared me for the challenges of engineering school, and helped me grow mentally and spiritually.

Joe Bedell TEST ANALYST, QUANTITECH | UST B.A. IN MATHEMATICS, 2014; UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME B.S. IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, 2014

see success storiesJoe Bedell

STEM SUCCESS CENTER

Toni Martinez serving as peer mentor during instructional session at STEM success center on the campus of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas The more traditional STEM professions (physician, dentist, pharmacist, etc.) will require you to continue your education beyond UST. But there are other STEM jobs that do not require an advanced degree. They include:

food science
research or pharmacy tech
analysts
science communication and journalism
oil and gas
environmental science

The STEM Success Center can help you set goals and develop a career plan.

You also have access to the center's peer mentoring program. Peer mentors hold regular sessions for test review, one-on-one help and study skills with subjects including biology, chemistry, math, physics and engineering.

Students indicate the program has helped them score 25+ points higher on their exams. Learn more by visiting the center's Facebook Account for the UST STEM CENTER or Twitter Account for the UST STEM CENTER page.