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The Cockrell School of Engineering Unclaimed

Higher Education & Academic Research

cockrell.utexas.edu

A leading public engineering school at UT Austin focused on education, research and industry partnerships to solve real-world problems.

The Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin is a leading public engineering school dedicated to educating engineers, advancing technology through research, and serving society. It emphasizes hands-on, world-class education, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and partnerships with industry. Grounded in a century of achievement, the school pursues a strategic plan to deliver high-impact education and research, foster innovation, and build a welcoming, collaborative community. It serves undergraduate and graduate students, spans multiple engineering departments, and operates through programs and centers that connect academia with industry, government, and the broader public. Its mission focuses on developing engineers who identify and solve challenging problems through education, research and service.

Our mission is to develop engineering leaders who identify and solve challenging problems through engineering education, research and service.

What we offer

Texas Engineering Executive Education

TxEEE equips engineers with advanced skills for impactful careers through innovative education.

executive.engr.utexas.edu/

Semiconductor Degrees

Transform your career with comprehensive semiconductor degrees tailored for the modern technological landscape.

cockrell.utexas.edu/academics/graduate-education/programs/semiconductor-science-and-engineering/

Longhorn Startup Program

Empowers students to turn innovative ideas into successful startups through mentorship and structured support.

www.cs.utexas.edu/longhorn-startup

Blackstone LaunchPad

Empowers students to pursue entrepreneurship through resources and mentorship.

www.blackstone.com/our-impact/blackstone-launchpad/

Genesis Program

Empowering UT Austin startups with essential resources for success.

www.genesisprogram.org/

Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Empowers students with entrepreneurship skills through mentorship and community support.

kswelinstitute.utexas.edu/

Harkey Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

Supports aspiring entrepreneurs with education, funding, and mentorship.

www.mccombs.utexas.edu/centers-and-initiatives/harkey-institute-for-entrepreneurial-studies/

Texas Inventionworks

Empowering students to transform ideas into innovative projects in a collaborative environment.

inventionworks.engr.utexas.edu/

Texas Innovation Center

Accelerates the commercialization of STEM innovations and supports collaborative industry partnerships.

texasinnovationcenter.utexas.edu/

Semiconductor Master of Science in Engineering (MS) – 2025

A hands-on educational experience preparing students for careers in the semiconductor industry.

cockrell.utexas.edu/academics/graduate-education/programs/semiconductor-science-and-engineering/

Market segments

Market size by segment

Growth potential (CAGR)

Student entrepreneurship and accelerator programs

2.5 Billion USD11% CAGR

Programs that provide mentorship, curricular credit, funding, and launch pathways to help undergraduate and graduate students validate ideas and transition to market-ready ventures.

Executive and professional engineering education

2.2 Billion USD11.2% CAGR

Continuing education, executive degrees, graduate certificates, and custom corporate training for working engineers and technical leaders, delivered on-site and online.

Semiconductor workforce development and industry collaboration

1.1 Billion USD15% CAGR

Degree, certificate, and research programs co-developed with industry partners to train engineers and address workforce needs in semiconductor design, fabrication, and research.

Technology commercialization and prototyping infrastructure

20 Billion USD10.5% CAGR

Facilities and industry-facing hubs that enable prototyping, product development, and translation of academic research into market-ready technologies through co-working, partnerships, and startup support.

More information about our offering

Texas Engineering Executive Education

Texas Engineering Executive Education (TxEEE) is the Cockrell School’s continuing education and professional development arm for working engineers. It offers executive master’s degrees, graduate certificates, conference services, and custom training courses with open-enrollment programs delivered on-site or online, led by Cockrell School faculty and industry leaders.

  • Expands Educational Pathways
    Diverse degree offerings cater to the varying needs and aspirations of engineers seeking to advance their careers.
  • Accelerates Career Advancement
    Designed for experienced professionals, these programs emphasize strategic skills critical for leadership roles.
  • Enables Lifelong Learning
    Flexible learning options for engineers allow professionals to maintain competitive advantages and adapt to industry changes.
  • Delivers Relevant Learning
    Courses developed by leading experts ensure cutting-edge content and practical applications in real-world settings.
  • Facilitates Customized Learning
    Tailored training programs enhance skill sets for organizations and individuals, aligning with industry needs.
  • Increases Accessibility
    Open-enrollment courses attract diverse participants, fostering a collaborative learning environment across various fields.
  • Specializes Expertise
    Certificates allow engineers to gain focused knowledge in specific areas without committing to a full degree program.
  • Enhances Safety and Compliance
    Training programs ensure industry professionals meet critical safety standards and regulations.

Semiconductor Degrees

Semiconductor Degrees at UT Austin include a Master of Science in Engineering with a major in semiconductor science and engineering, a semiconductor minor, and graduate certificates focused on continuing education and career advancement. The program sits in extensive research facilities with strong industry partnerships.

  • Leverage Industry Connections
    Engage with leading companies such as Apple, Cadence, NXP, and Silicon Labs.
  • Curriculum Designed for Relevance
    Courses tailored to meet current industry demands and innovations.
  • Pursue Advanced Studies
    Achieve a recognized graduate degree that prepares you for leadership roles.
  • Access Cutting-Edge Facilities
    Utilize over 400,000 square feet of specialized research, cleanroom, and fabrication laboratory space.
  • Explore Research Opportunities
    Participate in cutting-edge research across various semiconductor applications.
  • Advance Your Career
    Gain specialized knowledge through graduate certifications designed for professionals.
  • Enhance Your Undergraduate Degree
    Bolster your engineering education with specialized knowledge in semiconductors.

Longhorn Startup Program

Longhorn Startup Program is a Cockrell School entrepreneurship initiative combining classroom instruction with hands-on startup development to help UT students launch scalable technology ventures.

  • Earn Academic Credit
    Students gain formal recognition for their entrepreneurial efforts while pursuing their degrees.
  • Develop Startup Skills
    Hands-on lab experience helps students to create viable startups with professional guidance.
  • Learn from Experts
    Students gain insights from successful entrepreneurs, enhancing their understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape.
  • Expand Professional Network
    Students benefit from introductions to industry contacts, enhancing their career prospects and startup potential.

Blackstone LaunchPad

Blackstone LaunchPad is an interdisciplinary, cross-campus entrepreneurship program designed to introduce entrepreneurship as a viable career path and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset across UT Austin students, faculty, and staff.

  • Foster Entrepreneurial Thinking
    Encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in innovative thinking, problem-solving, and risk-taking within an entrepreneurial context.
  • Validate Entrepreneurship
    Provides essential resources, workshops, and mentorship to support students in transitioning entrepreneurship from an idea to a career.
  • Encourage Collaborations
    Facilitates interdisciplinary partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem at UT Austin.
  • Provide Startup Resources
    Equips students with vital tools, mentorship, and funding to launch their entrepreneurial ventures.

Genesis Program

Genesis is a Cockrell School program that provides resources to encourage more successful startup companies within UT Austin’s community, created by alumni and students in 2016.

  • Provides Startup Support
    The program provides essential support, mentorship, and investment opportunities critical for startup development and success.
  • Fosters Community Engagement
    The Genesis Program nurtures community connections among student innovators to enhance collaborative efforts in entrepreneurship.
  • Cultivates Future Leaders
    The program prepares participants for leadership by involving them in decision-making and strategic discussions in startup scenarios.
  • Enables Student Investment
    Genesis allows students to engage directly in the investment process, boosting their understanding and connection to the startup ecosystem.

Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) provides hands-on entrepreneurship programming, mentorship, leadership development, and a supportive community for UT Austin students.

  • Facilitates Practical Learning
    Enables students to engage in real-world entrepreneurial practices through immersive projects.
  • Connects Students with Mentors
    Links aspiring entrepreneurs with experienced professionals for guidance and support.
  • Builds Leadership Skills
    Enhances students' abilities to lead effectively within entrepreneurial settings.
  • Fosters Collaborative Networking
    Encourages students to collaborate and share experiences to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Accelerates Startup Development
    Guides students through the startup creation process, providing resources and mentorship.

Harkey Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies

Harkey Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies offers entrepreneurship-focused education, including minor programs, summer academy, funding opportunities, mentorship, and the Spark Founders initiative.

  • Launch Your Startup
    The Spark Founders initiative offers students the tools and networks necessary to turn their ideas into viable businesses.
  • Access Significant Funding
    Students can secure funds for their entrepreneurial projects, ensuring they have the resources needed to innovate.
  • Earn An Entrepreneurship Minor
    Students can earn a minor in entrepreneurship to supplement their engineering degree, equipping them with vital business skills.
  • Connect With Experienced Mentors
    Participants gain valuable insights and guidance from industry mentors to refine their business ideas and strategies.
  • Participate In Summer Academy
    This program immerses students in entrepreneurship principles through hands-on learning experiences.

Texas Inventionworks

Texas Inventionworks is a 23,000-square-foot invention and creation space that enables students to design and build a wide range of devices, from biomedical tools to satellites.

  • Enables Prototyping
    Students have access to tools and resources for prototyping, essential for turning theoretical concepts into tangible innovations.
  • Facilitates Diverse Projects
    Students can engage in a wide variety of projects, spanning multiple domains including healthcare and aerospace, enhancing creativity and practical experience.
  • Offers Extensive Facilities
    The dedicated space encourages collaboration and resource sharing, vital for student innovation and cross-disciplinary projects.

Texas Innovation Center

Texas Innovation Center is a hub for translating UT engineering and science discoveries into market-ready technologies, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration and industry-facing innovation.

  • Facilitates Market-Ready Technologies
    Provides essential resources and support for converting academic research into viable commercial products.
  • Encourages Collaborative Innovation
    Brings together diverse expertise from various fields to enhance the development and application of technologies.
  • Connects with Industry Partners
    Builds meaningful relationships with industry stakeholders to ensure research has real-world applications and benefits.
  • Offers Collaborative Workspaces
    Enables students and faculty to collaborate on projects in a dedicated environment that promotes creativity and productivity.
  • Supports New Ventures
    Provides access to mentorship, funding opportunities, and business development assistance for startups emerging from research.
  • Facilitates Valuable Networking
    Creates opportunities for collaboration and mentorship through connections with established professionals in various industries.

Semiconductor Master of Science in Engineering (MS) – 2025

A new Master of Science in Engineering with a major in semiconductor science and engineering launching in 2025, the program is designed in partnership with industry leaders to prepare graduates for the growing semiconductor sector.

  • Enhances Learning Experience
    This feature ensures that students gain relevant knowledge and skills that meet current market demands, directly from industry leaders.
  • Focuses On Semiconductor Science
    This program is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge in semiconductor science, enabling them to advance in a fast-growth field.
  • Practical Skill Development
    Students engage in hands-on projects that allow them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts, enhancing employability.
  • Access To Latest Innovations
    Students benefit from learning about the latest developments and technologies in the semiconductor industry, preparing them for future challenges.

References

Methodology and sourcing behind the figures shown above.

Student entrepreneurship and accelerator programs

Estimated global market for student-focused entrepreneurship and accelerator programs (~$2.5B) derived as a conservative subset of the broader accelerator and incubator markets. Used published market sizes for accelerators ($6.07B in 2026) and incubators ($28.03B in 2026) as anchors, and assumed student/university programs represent a modest share of the combined market (roughly mid-single-digit to low-double-digit percent) given many university programs are non-profit/partially subsidized but expanding. Growth potential (≈11% CAGR) is set between the reported incubator CAGR (8.1%) and the higher accelerator growth (≈18.6%), reflecting faster adoption of university-led and hybrid virtual student programs but lower commercial monetization than top-tier accelerators.

Executive and professional engineering education

Search results show the global executive-education market ranges from ~USD 10.9B (FMI, 2025) to larger estimates (Credence Research USD 46.33B in 2024) depending on scope. I used FMI's 2025 USD 10.9B as the primary, comparable baseline for non-degree executive programs and applied a conservative 20% share assumption for the engineering/professional-engineering subset (based on typical professional-segment shares of corporate L&D and engineering headcount in technical industries). That yields ~USD 2.18B (~USD 2.2B). For growth potential I used FMI's reported CAGR for executive education (11.2%), which is consistent with other reports' double-digit growth (Credence 11.7%, The Business Research Company 9.7%). Estimates are subject to definitional and scope uncertainty (different reports include/exclude custom corporate programs, online-only offerings, and non-executive professional training).

Semiconductor workforce development and industry collaboration

Estimated current annual/global market for semiconductor workforce development and industry collaboration is anchored to recent CHIPS-era public and private investments (cumulative workforce-specific funding and commitments exceeding several hundred million dollars). Using CHIPS fact-sheet figures (nearly $300M workforce funds plus substantial state and private contributions) as a baseline and noting large semiconductor industry revenue growth (from roughly $575B toward $1T by 2030 and >$630B in 2024), demand for training, degree/certificate programs, and industry–academia partnerships should expand faster than the core semiconductor industry. I estimate the workforce development market at about $1.1B today with a high-growth trajectory (~15% CAGR) through the remainder of the decade given ongoing public funding, private commitments, and urgent talent shortfalls.

Technology commercialization and prototyping infrastructure

Estimate based on explicit rapid-prototyping market data in the search results (Market Research Future: $10.01B market in 2024, ~10.48% CAGR). Technology-commercialization and prototyping infrastructure (incubators, maker/scale-up labs, TTO services, prototyping service providers, testbeds) expands beyond pure rapid-prototyping hardware/services; conservatively scaled the prototyping market by ~2x to capture facilities, commercialization support services, and university/corporate translation activity. Growth CAGR aligned with rapid-prototyping projection (~10.5%), supported by large trapped R&D ($1T) and active university spinout financing (~$3.5B) indicating strong demand for commercialization infrastructure.

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