College of Engineering Overview

Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Industrial Technology
Mechanical Engineering

Opportunities in Cooperative (Co-op) Education and Internship Programs are available in the College of Engineering. International students interested in internship opportunities must also meet the requirements of Curricular Practical Training to be eligible for work legally in the United Stated during the duration of study.

Entering freshmen and new transfer students are considered provisional majors. The Engineering Advisors in the Undergraduate Advising Center are responsible for the academic advisement of provisional engineering majors.

The entrance requirements from high school for engineering degree programs are

1. English - 4 units
2. Mathematics:  Algebra - 2 units, Geometry - 1 unit, Pre-calculus or Equivalent - 1 unit
3. Natural Sciences: Chemistry - 1 unit, Physics - 1 unit
4. Foreign Language - 1 unit

Transfer students must have a cumulative transfer GPA of at least 2.0 to be accepted into the Engineering program. Transfer credit is considered for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) coursework with a grade of “C” or better.  Returning students (engineering or other majors) must have a cumulative Lamar University GPA of at least 2.0 to be accepted into the Engineering program.

In addition to the university requirements, the College of Engineering enforces the following standards:

1. Students are required to take courses in the sequence shown in the Lamar University General Catalog for each degree program.
2. Engineering students are required to maintain a GPA of 2.0 to remain in the program.  Students who fall below the required GPA of 2.0 will be placed on probation and given two long semesters to raise their GPA to a 2.0 or better (maximum load of 13 semester hours). Students who fail to meet this requirement will be suspended from their Engineering Major for one long term. Students returning from suspension must prepare a performance contract in consultation with their academic advisor. A minimum term of the contract requires the student to remove deficiencies every semester of enrollment. Students who fail to meet the terms of their contract will be permanently suspended.
3. Engineering students must make a ‘C’ or better in all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) courses in order to satisfy degree plan/prerequisite requirements.
4. A course may be repeated for additional credit toward a degree only as specified by the official course description in the General Catalog. Excluding courses that may be taken for additional credit toward a degree, a student may not register for any course more than four times. Any student who wishes to repeat a course must do so before completing a more advanced course in the same subject matter field.
5. Upon the completion of the first two years of the specific degree plan with a GPA of 2.0 (Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical) or 2.25 (Chemical) or higher on all required courses, will be considered for admission to their professional engineering program. For all engineering programs, it is required that at least 45 semester hours (at least 25 semester hours in engineering at the 3000 and 4000 level) be earned after admission to the professional program.
6. The student’s advisor must approve all electives.

The Dean of Engineering may require students to meet the current degree requirements or program standards.

Please see each department’s four-year suggested program of study.

The objectives of the graduate programs in Engineering, Environmental Science and Studies, and Engineering Management are:

1. Advance the state-of-the-art of the practice of engineering.
2. Advance the state-of-the-art of the teaching/learning process in engineering.
3. Contribute to the economic well-being of the residents of Southeast Texas, the entire state, and nation.
4. Improve the safety, health, and environment of Southeast Texas, the entire state, and nation.

Graduate degree programs offered:

Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Master of Engineering Science (M.E.S.) – Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Master of Engineering Management (M.E.M.) - Industrial
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Engineering - Civil
Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Studies – Civil
Doctor of Engineering (D.E.) – Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)

See: Graduate Admissions

In addition to the General Requirement in the College of Graduate Studies, the College of Engineering sets the following minimum admission requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent to a 4-year engineering program in the United States. Master of Science in Environmental Studies accepts students with engineering, science, life science, and environmental backgrounds.
2. Students without a bachelor's degree in engineering are only accepted in very limited cases where the student has a degree in an area closely related to their home department. The student’s transcripts will be closely reviewed to determine the eligibility and pre-requisites if provisional admission is granted.
3. Official transcripts from higher education institutions where degrees were earned and most recently attended institutions (if different from the institutions where degrees were earned).
4. A GRE score is required. For students who graduated with an ABET-accredited engineering degree, the GRE requirement is waived. Each department and degree may have standards or guidance for minimum GRE and GPA listed on the department website.
5. Three reference letters (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
6. Resume (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
7. Personal statement of educational goals (optional, but encourage for assistantships/scholarships).
8. Engineering departments may have additional admission requirements and guidance on their website. International students should review the current international student admissions requirements and procedures

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (International Students) must submit the following as part of the application:

1. TOEFL or IELTS score (waived if the student has completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country. All years of the degree must be completed in the qualifying country.)
2. Proof that the applicant has the financial resources to attend Lamar University. As part of the application process, international students must submit a written Confirmation of Financial Resources form that contains personal, family, and/or sponsor financial information and a bank verification of financial holdings. All international students are required to have health and accident insurance for themselves and all their dependent family M.E.M.bers in the United States. Insurance may be purchased at the university during the registration period.

See: Graduate Admissions

In addition to the General Requirement in the College of Graduate Studies, the College of Engineering sets the following minimum admission requirements:

1. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent to a 4-year engineering program in the United States.
2. Students without a bachelor's degree in engineering are only accepted in very limited and rare cases where the student has a degree in an area closely related to their home department. The student’s transcripts will be closely reviewed to determine the eligibility and pre-requisites if provisional admission is granted.
3. Official transcripts from higher education institutions where degrees were earned and most recently attended institutions (if different from the institutions where degrees were earned).
4. A GRE score is required. For students who graduated with an ABET-accredited engineering degree, the GRE requirement is waived.
5. Academic background necessary to conduct research in the planned area of study as demonstrated by GPA, GRE, work experience, and prior research experience.
6. Three reference letters (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
7. Resume (optional, but encouraged for assistantships/scholarships)
8. Personal statement of educational goals (optional, but encourage for assistantships/scholarships)
9. Please see the department website for guidance on admission standards.
10. Engineering departments may have additional admission requirements on their website. International students should review the current international student admissions page for additional requirements.

Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. (International Students) must submit the following as part of the application:

1. TOEFL or IELTS score (waived if the student has completed a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country. All years of the degree must be completed in the qualifying country.)
2. Proof that the applicant has the financial resources to attend Lamar University. As part of the application process, international students must submit a written Confirmation of Financial Resources form that contains personal, family, and/or sponsor financial information and a bank verification of financial holdings. All international students are required to have health and accident insurance for themselves and all their dependent family M.E.M.bers in the United States. Insurance may be purchased at the university during the registration period.

The 4+1 pathway provides a clear pathway for continuing your studies at Lamar. You can apply to graduate school during your junior year and take up to 2 graduate classes (6 hours) that count towards both your bachelor's and master’s degree. Lamar University offers the following 4+1 programs:

• Master of Engineering (non-thesis) with concentrations in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical
• Master of Engineering Science (thesis) with concentrations in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Mechanical
• Master of Science in Environmental Engineering
• Master of Science in Environmental Studies
• Master of Engineering Management
• BSIE MBA and BSEE MBA

Full-time students can complete the master’s degree within one year (24 credit hours). The Master of Engineering Management is offered online (and on-campus) allowing students to work while completing their degrees. Please contact your undergraduate advisor for more information.

Requirements:

1. 3.0 GPA or permission from the department chair
2. Senior standing to take graduate coursework
3. Meeting with the graduate advisor and undergraduate advisor to determine coursework each semester
4. Apply to Graduate School

The Master of Engineering degree is a non-thesis program that requires a minimum of 30 semester hours to complete degree plan. The program is designed to suit the needs of practicing engineers in one of the engineering disciplines in the College.

Degree Requirements

1. Meet all College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours (ten courses) of graduate work approved by the student's graduate advisor.
3. Satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive examination

Up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level coursework (5000 level) taken as part of BS engineering programs at Lamar University can be counted toward the 30-hour degree requirement. These courses shall receive prior approval by the department chair or his/her designee.

The Master of Engineering Science is a thesis option program that prepares students to independently develop solution in develop solution in develop solution in their selected engineering disciplines. The student should select a department academic advisor and a graduate committee must be formed before the student has completed 15 semester hours of graduate work. No credit toward a graduate degree will be granted unless approved by the student’s graduate committee.

Degree Requirements

1. Meet all College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. Complete a minimum of 24 semester hours (8 courses) approved by the student's graduate committee chair and graduate advisor.
3. Satisfactory completion and defense of a Master’s thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)

Up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level coursework (5000 level) taken as part of BS engineering programs at Lamar University can be counted toward the 30-hour degree requirement. These courses shall receive prior approval by the department chair or his/her designee

The Master of Engineering Management is a non-thesis degree program administered by the Department of Industrial Engineering. The program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours at the graduate level from the College of Engineering and the College of Business. Coursework is designed to build upon the education received after completing an accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering and the individual’s professional experience. The M.E.M. program of study is tailored for each individual student, providing the optimal set of electives for personalized career paths.

Up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level coursework (5000 level) taken as part of BS engineering programs at Lamar University can be counted toward the 30-hour degree requirement. These courses shall receive prior approval from the department chair.

The Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program is designed to provide engineers with the highly specialized engineering expertise needed by industry and by regulatory agencies on the federal, state, and municipal levels, to solve the large and complex environmental problems threatening the natural ecosystem.  Study areas include: water quality, air quality, methods for managing toxic/hazardous wastes and fate, transport and impact of pollutants in the natural environment.

Degree Requirements

1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. A minimum of 9 semester hours of core courses as specified by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
3. A minimum of 15 semester hours (five courses) of electives from the following:  CVEN 5325 - Fundamentals of Air Pollution, CVEN 5329 - Water Supply and Treatment, CVEN5331 - Biological Wastewater Treatment, CVEN 5338 Solid Waste Management, CVEN 5388 - Chemical Principles in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 5351 - Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 6339 - Hazardous Waste Management, CVEN 6387 - Hydraulics of Environmental Systems.  Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement.
4. Satisfactory completion and defense of thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)*

*With the approval of the student's graduate committee, the thesis can be replaced by 12 semester hours of electives and satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive exam.

Up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level coursework (5000 level) taken as part of BS engineering programs at Lamar University can be counted toward the 30-hour degree requirement. These courses shall receive prior approval by the department chair or his/her designee

The environmental studies program is designed for students who wish to continue to work in their scientific specialty as it relates to environmental affairs. The degree is intended for individuals who wish to work in the evaluation, operations, and/or regulatory aspects of the field as opposed to the design or engineering areas. The program provides an understanding of environmental problems and processes from the point of view of the chemist, biologist, or geologist, and the interdisciplinary perspective needed to cope with environmental issues.

Degree Requirements

1. All College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. A minimum of 6 semester hours (two courses) in the student's science specialty
3. A minimum of 18 semester hours (six courses) of electives from the following:  CVEN 5325 - Fundamentals of Air Pollution, CVEN 5329 - Water Supply and Treatment, CVEN5331 - Biological Wastewater Treatment, CVEN 5338 Solid Waste Management, CVEN 5388 - Chemical Principles in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 5351 - Unit Operations in Environmental Engineering, CVEN 6339 - Hazardous Waste Management, CVEN 6387 - Hydraulics of Environmental Systems.  Other courses approved by department graduate advisor may satisfy part of this requirement.
4. Satisfactory completion and defense of thesis (a minimum of 6 semester hours of ENGR 5390 and ENGR 5391)*

*With the approval of the student's graduate committee, the thesis can be replaced by 12 semester hours of electives and satisfactory completion of a final comprehensive exam.

The Master of Engineering Management is a non-thesis degree program that can be completed on-campus or online. The degree teaches both management and advanced technical skills to prepare students for the job market. The program uses courses from the College of Engineering, College of Business and Computer Science. Our students study topics that are in demand including Automation and Robotics, Project Management, AI and Machine Learning, Supply Chain Management, ERP and Software Development.

Degree Requirements

1. All of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements.
2. B.S. in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Math, Chemistry, or Equivalent (Transcripts required).
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores. GRE is not required for students who graduated with a B.Sc. degree in engineering from universities with ABET-accredited programs.
4. f English is a second language, obtain the minimum scores in IELTS or TOEFL according to the latest University policy

The Doctor of Engineering degree is designed to prepare engineers to study engineering problems of a complex nature and to develop solutions that address the most pressing engineering issues of the future. Competitive scholarship and assistantship are available for highly qualified students with research interests compatible with those of Engineering faculty.

Degree Requirements

1. All of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. The student with a Master’s degree shall complete a residency of at least one year; the student with a bachelor degree shall complete a residency of at least two years
3. Completion of a minimum of 27 semester hours of DE dissertation preparatory courses for students with a Master’s degree at time of admission, or completion of a minimum of 45 semester hours of DE dissertation preparatory courses for students with a BS degree in engineering at time of admission. The preparation includes completion of one semester of ENGR 6320, Justification of Engineering Project
4. Completion of a minimum of 4 semester hours of Professional Seminar (ENGR 6110)
5. Completion of candidacy qualifying examination designed by the student’s dissertation committee. The purposes of this examination are to test the ability of the student to comprehensively relate the subjects of the study program and to ascertain the student’s qualifications to perform the field study. Students who pass the qualifying examination are admitted to candidacy. Students who fail to pass the qualifying exam are allowed to schedule a re-examination within 6 weeks after the first attempt. Failing to pass the qualifying exam for the second time will remove the student from the DE program
6. After the student is admitted to candidacy, a research proposal must be presented to the doctoral dissertation committee within 6 months after passing the qualifying examination. Upon committee approval of the proposed engineering research through an oral defense, the research work is initiated
7. Completion of a minimum of 30 semester hours of DE dissertation courses (ENGR 6603 and ENGR 6604) and satisfactory defense of DE dissertation
8. The DE degree must be completed within 10 consecutive years of study

The Ph.D. degree is designed to prepare chemical engineers to advance research, development, and education for addressing national and global challenges towards a highly sustainable industrial-based focus on petroleum, petrochemical and allied industries. Competitive scholarship and assistantship are available for highly qualified students with research interests compatible with those of chemical engineering faculty.

Degree Requirements

Ph.D. candidates must complete a minimum of 70 semester hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree. The Lamar University Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program requires a coherent program of

1. All of the College of Graduate Studies general degree requirements
2. The student with a Master’s degree shall complete a residency of at least one year; the student with a bachelor degree shall complete a residency of at least two years
3. Completion of a total of 15 semester hours of core courses selected from the following: CHEN 6302 Transport Phenomena, CHEN 6352 Advanced Process Control, CHEN 6343 Kinetics and Reactor Design, CHEN 6345 Fundamentals of Sustainability, CHEN 6347 Advanced Thermodynamics, and CHEN 6348 Advanced Chemical Engineering Mathematics.
4. Completion of a minimum of 21 semester hours of elective courses in chemical engineering or related fields approved by department graduate advisor
5. Completion of a minimum of 12 semester hours of research courses (CHEN 6680 for spring/fall semester; CHEN 6380 for summer) prior to admission to candidacy
6. Completion of a minimum of 4 semester hours of Professional Seminar (ENGR 6110)
7. Completion of qualifying examination. The examination is an 8-hour written examination with a selection of problems in Transport Phenomena, Thermodynamics, Kinetics, and Engineering Mathematics. The purposes of this examination are to test the student’s understanding of basic concepts and principles. Students who pass the qualifying examination are allowed to prepare a dissertation proposal. Students who fail to pass the qualifying exam are granted a second and final attempt at one or more parts of the examination, or removed from the Ph.D. program
8. Completion and approval of a Ph.D. dissertation proposal. Upon committee approval of the proposed research through an oral defense, the student is admitted to candidacy. The approved proposal must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies at least 14 weeks prior to the scheduling of the final defense of dissertation
9. Completion of 18 semester hours of Ph.D. dissertation courses (CHEN 6690 and CHEN 6691 for regular semester; CHEN 6390 and CHEN 6391 for summer) after admission to candidacy and satisfactory defense of Ph.D. dissertation
10. The Ph.D. degree must be completed within 10 consecutive years of study

The graduate Machine Learning Certificate provides a structured course sequence for current Lamar University graduate students and individuals only seeking the certification to learn a skill that is transforming society. The certificate teaches machine learning techniques and algorithms that can be applied to solve problems in many areas, including robotics, engineering design, games, search engines, science, medicine, business, equipment monitoring, and others.

Academic credits taken as part of the certificate can be applied towards graduate degree programs at Lamar. Please contact your departments about how the Machine Learning Certificate can be incorporated into your studies. An undergraduate bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in the program.

The certificate requires 4 courses (data mining, machine learning and 2 electives) plus Python proficiency. The certificate is offered online or face to face. Lamar University offers a wide range of courses that use machine learning to solve real-world problems including process control, computer vision, automation, chemical process modeling, quality control, and data analysis.

The graduate certificate in Machine Learning can be completed in one year.

Automation and Robotics is rapidly transforming manufacturing, warehousing, construction, healthcare, and service industries. Low-cost sensors, motors, design tools, and controllers have increased the areas where automated systems can be effectively deployed. This certificate teaches students the fundamentals of automation and robotics. Topics include automation principles and strategies, control theory, automated manufacturing systems, industrial robotics, programmable logic controller, automated assembly systems, material handling and storage, automatic identification techniques, shop floor control, and future automated factory.

Academic credits taken as part of the certificate can be applied towards undergraduate degree programs at Lamar. All undergraduate engineering students can take this certificate without prerequisites. Electrical and Industrial and Systems Engineering students can complete this certificate using their elective courses. Please contact your departments about incorporated Industrial Automation and Robotics into your studies.

The certificate requires 4 courses (2 core automation courses plus 2 related electives). Approved special topics related to automation can also be used in this certificate upon approval from the certificate committee. The certificate is offered online or face to face.

The undergraduate certificate in Industrial Automation and Robotics can be completed in one year.

Certificate in Instrumentation and Control

Instrument and Control (I&C) engineers are responsible for the research, design, development and control of devices/systems that are found in manufacturing facilities and plants as well as in high-technology industries such as aerospace and automotive. In manufacturing facilities, I&C engineers are in charge of the design and maintenance of mechanisms that allow goods to be produced. In aerospace, I&C engineers are involved not only with the manufacture of aircraft and spaceships but in the development of complex life support systems. In the automotive area, I&C engineers are involved in the design of complex sensor and control systems.

The Philip M. Drayer Department of Electrical Engineering offers the certificate in I&C as a set of elective courses within the BSEE curriculum to prepare electrical engineers to be hired as I&C engineers in a diverse range of automation companies. The certificate holders will have preparation in process control, PLC programming, and instrumentation. Employment opportunities such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pulp and paper, power generation, food processing, and manufacturing industries are some of the areas that they will be able to seek employment. The certificate will be awarded to students who successfully pass the I&C elective courses described below. It is possible to earn the certificate without taking courses in excess of the BSEE program of study by using the current allowance of electives. I&C certificate courses may be taken at any time in the program of study providing pre-requisites are met. Interested students should contact the department regarding schedules and course offerings. Please note that the pre-requisite for ELEN 2320 Fundamentals of Instrumentation and Control is ELEN 1100 Introduction to Electrical Engineering. Students can start certificate work as early as their freshman year.

Certificate Details

The Philip M. Drayer Department of Electrical Engineering (LUEE) currently offers an ABET-Accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. The goal is to provide students with skills and knowledge in the field of electrical engineering to be prepared for career development in a variety of concentration fields such as solid-state devices, optics, signal processing, control, power and renewable energies, and communications that underlie much of the technology used in modern society. The I&C certificate allows greater depth to be achieved in this critical area of engineering as a complement to the general electrical engineering preparation afforded by the LUEE BSEE degree.

Program Outcomes

1. Ability to explain, discuss and describe the principles and theories related to basic process control instrumentation. Read and analyze instrumentation diagrams and documents. Design instrumentation and automation systems.
2. Ability to devise control algorithms for automation systems. To that end, the students will learn to design relay logic and ladder logic diagrams. Ladder logic diagrams are the foundation for modern programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
3. Develop an understanding of advanced industrial measurement and control systems including detailed measurement and control strategies, advanced control systems and elementary process modeling.
4. Ability to design control schemes and analyze their closed-loop stability of the control processes using the theory of control and software tools such as MATLAB.