The University of Texas at Austin

university-of-texas-at-austin

History

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the leading universities in the U.S., steeped in a rich and storied history. Founded in 1883, the university began as a small school with just a handful of students. Over the years, it has grown considerably, becoming one of the most respected and renowned universities in the country. In this heading, we’ll explore the history of the University of Texas at Austin and all the milestones that have been achieved over its impressive 138 years.

Founding and Early History

The University of Texas at Austin was founded in 1883 and opened its doors to students the following year. Its first president, General Edward S. Ives, envisioned a university of the highest order, providing for instruction in all branches of literature, philosophy and science at a level equal or superior to that which is offered in any other university or college of the United States. The initial faculty consisted mainly of members with doctorates from prestigious universities such as Yale and Harvard. They brought with them an institutional commitment to high academic achievement and research. Initially housed in part of downtown Austin’s Old Main building, courses were taught by these new faculty members in the library, classrooms, and laboratories there. Attendance rose rapidly over the next decades, creating extraordinary demand for greater resources including housing and modern facilities like labs, libraries and classrooms that could handle larger numbers of students – both undergraduate and graduate – as well as highly talented faculty members researching new areas such as geology and chemistry for Texas itself. The many early private donations ensured that UT Austin also had access to important documents from all periods of civilization including rare books from around the world which formed UT’s initial library collection. This enabled scholars from around Texas to use these collections for advanced research even before it was officially an academic institution.

20th Century Expansion


In the 20th century, the University of Texas at Austin quickly grew to become one of the largest public universities in the nation. After opening a medical school and reorganizing the College of Engineering in 1905, the university developed an intercollegiate athletics program and added liberal arts and graduate programs. In 1914, UT opened its School of Law and offered its first degrees in journalism and pharmacy.

Throughout the 1920s, state and federal funding stimulated UT’s facilities expansion. New facilities included Brackenridge Hall (1917), Mezes Hall (1922), Dillon Memorial Library (1939), Garrison Hall (1940) and other additions to campus. In 1926, oil was discovered beneath university-owned land dedicated to research by geology professor Robert A. Carothers; this discovery fueled further growth on campus, earning UT over $6 million during that decade alone.

In 1950, The Tower lit up for first time since it’s construction in 1937 as a memorial to all students who had served in WWI. The decades that followed saw an expanded commitment to modernize faculty salaries, increase student enrollment—especially students of color—and enhance instructional quality with technological advances such as video teleconferencing capabilities.

The 1960s brought activism over civil rights issues, culminating with several protests in 1969 that resulted in a changed admissions policy allowing increased access for minority applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who qualified on their academic merits alone rather than through affirmative action preferences or quotas.

As UT-Austin continued to expand, programs like Longhorn Network began broadcasting all University activities nationwide since 2011; endowments continued to support intercollegiate sports teams and student financial aid initiatives; recruitment for faculty positions became successful due to being able sustain competitive salary structures; doctoral degree programs #41-#50 were added from 1945-1960 increasing fields like architecture & mathematics education leadership & special education science research & engineering design ecology systematics & mathematical models; finally building/design projects continue expansion such as state-of-the art recreation centers union renovation 21st century library centers astronomy center biotechnology institute new buildings on affordable housing residence complexes through partnerships with city government complex projects improving media Arts writing centers business administration centers honors common areas etc begun during 21st Century will finish adding enriching elements help propel future accomplishments here @ UT Austin!

Academics

The University of Texas at Austin is renowned for its strong academic offerings across a wide variety of disciplines. From the humanities to the sciences, students at UT Austin have access to a wealth of course offerings that can help them pursue their goals of academic success. From research opportunities to honors programs, students can find the perfect fit for their interests and goals. Let’s take a look at UT Austin’s robust academic offerings.

Degrees Offered


The University of Texas at Austin is home to one of the nation’s top public universities, providing students with world-class education as well as competitive options for earning a degree. The university offers over 160 undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of areas, including business, law, engineering, liberal arts, architecture and more.

Undergraduate Degrees – Undergraduate degrees are awarded in fields such as biology, electrical engineering, English literature and fine arts. The university also offers associate’s level programs like pre-pharmacy and pre-dentistry that prepare students for more advanced studies.

Graduate Degrees – UT Austin is home to a wide range of graduate degree programs including Medicine/ M.D., Dental Medicine/ DDS/ DMD, Law/ JD, Business Administration/ MBA ,Pharmacy/ PharmD , Nursing Science/ MSN , Education Leadership / EdD . Other post-baccalaureate programs include Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master’s in Public Health Administration (MPH) and Doctorate in Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE). Certificates are also available in a range of fields including gerontology; software engineering; nonprofits management; finance; international economics; public policy; entrepreneurial studies; teaching English as a second language (ESL); and Judaic studies.

In addition to offering the most up-to-date academic resources needed to succeed here at UT Austin, the university provides students with numerous campuswide services such as career counseling sessions with experienced faculty members who have knowledge and experience in their chosen fields of study or employment domains. With so many opportunities available here at UT Austin – from social events to special interest clubs– there’s something for everyone!

Research Centers


The University of Texas at Austin is home to a number of research centers, institutes, and laboratories that drive advancements and innovations in science, engineering, the humanities and social sciences. These centers and institutes are supported by government agencies, foundations, and industry sponsors.

The premier center for interdisciplinary research is the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), located on campus. Established in 2001 with $60 million from the state of Texas, TACC promotes innovation in data-intensive computing through its technological advancements. TACC also houses one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world – known as Stampede2 – for researchers to explore big data challenges such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

In addition to TACC, UT Austin has other notable research centers dedicated to their respective disciplines including:

  • Andrew’s The Center for Transportation Research (CTR)
  • Institute for Molecular Design & Engineering (IMDE)
  • Center for Electromechanics (CEM)
  • Health Information Technology Research Center (HITRC)
  • Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences (ICES)
  • Multidisciplinary Institute of the Multifaceted Environment for Modeling Materials Systems (MIMMS)
  • Cactus Range Research & Extension Center
    These centers are world renowned leaders in their fields and offer unparalleled opportunities to university scholars and industry partners alike.Campus LifeThe University of Texas at Austin is a vibrant campus filled with opportunities to engage in academic, cultural, and social activities. From campus restaurants to residence halls and student organizations to recreational facilities, UT Austin offers something for everyone. This section will review the range of programs and services available to University of Texas at Austin students, helping them to make the most of their college experience.Student Organizations
    The University of Texas at Austin is home to an expansive selection of student organizations. From Greek organizations and academic groups to professional networks and faith-based groups, the university’s resources offer an opportunity for every student to get involved in the university community. Some popular student organization categories are listed below:

Greek Organizations: Offering leadership skills, community service activities, and opportunities for social interaction among members, there are a variety of fraternities and sororities on campus. Each chapter focuses on their own unique mission and values.

Professional Networks: Whether it’s pre-business or engineering, students can find a group that specializes in helping them reach their professional goals. These organizations host career fairs and workshops as well as other events throughout the year.

Faith-Based Groups: Representing all different religions, these groups provide spiritual encouragement and fellowship through weekly meetings, retreats, conferences, prayer meetings, campaigns against social injustice and much more.

Academic Groups: For those looking to get an edge in the classroom or gain valuable learning skills such as research techniques, study habits or test preparation tips – these organizations offer learning support systems.

Student Government Organizations: Working closely with faculty at UT Austin to create initiatives that promote student wellbeing around campus is what these organizations strive for. They provide avenues for constructive dialog between faculty members about various student concerns including campus safety, housing availability and tuition fees – just to name a few!

Athletics


The University of Texas at Austin is proud to provide an attractive and encouraging environment where student athletes can reach their full potential. UT Austin’s Athletics Department strives for excellence by supporting the development of positive values among all members of the athletics community such as commitment, competition, sportsmanship and integrity.

UT Austin is a member of the NCAA Division I, part of the Big 12 Conference, and offers a variety of varsity sports. UT Austin participates in 19 intercollegiate sports: baseball, basketball (men’s and women’s), cross-country (men’s and women’s), football, golf (men’s and women’s), rowing (women’s only sport), soccer (men’s and women’s), softball, swimming & diving (men’s & women’s), tennis (men’s & women’s), track & field/cross-country (indoor/outdoor) (men’s & women’s); volleyball; water polo; Spartan Race, Hike It! Bike It! Triathlon Training Program.

UT Austin student athletes have access to a number of resources including academic support services, athletic training centers with leading edge technologies for injury prevention and rehabilitation, nutrition counseling with registered dietitians specializing in athlete nutrition and performance fueling strategies. Additionally the Athletics Department has established partnerships with local health care organizations to ensure students have access to quality medical services when needed. The department also provides strength generating opportunities through state-of-the-art lift areas which are maintained by dedicated coaches who commit themselves to developing full potential in their athletes.

Housing

Living on-campus at The University of Texas at Austin has many advantages for ensuring success during your academic and personal life. With a wide variety of residence halls, apartments, and communal living options to choose from, students can find a place that fits their budget and specific needs. Available housing includes a range of room sizes, from singles to quads, in addition to suite-style rooms with shared common areas. All campus housing is designed to help foster an environment conducive for learning, work ethic, and connection with the larger community.

In addition to the convenience of living on-campus amenities such as close proximity to libraries, fitness centers, recitals halls and student activities offices are available as well as locations where students can purchase basic snacks such as sodas and sandwiches. Whether you are looking for an individual space or a shared environment with friends or classmates all available housing options have direct access to UT Austin’s vibrant campus life. With over three dozen residential communities from which all students are welcome based on availability, there is sure to be something for everyone on campus.

Admissions

The University of Texas at Austin offers over 170 majors for students to pursue in their undergraduate degree. Applying to the University of Texas at Austin can be an intimidating process, however, taking the time to familiarize yourself with the admissions requirements can help make the process much easier. In this article, we will look at the admissions requirements, what documents are needed, and what to expect during the process.

Requirements


The University of Texas at Austin admits qualified transfer students from other colleges and universities, international, non-degree seeking and veterans under all the same University standards. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide supporting documentation for admission.

Prospective transfer students should consider the following criteria when applying:

  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all Core Curriculum classes attempted and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all college coursework attempted/earned (including credit by examination).
  • Applicants must have earned a total of 30 semester hours at an accredited college or university before transferring to The University of Texas at Austin.
  • Transfer students with fewer than 30 hours are handled on an individual basis.
  • Official copies of transcripts from all colleges or universities attended must be submitted with the application for admission. The Admissions Office will use only grades earned at UT Austin to calculate cumulative grades in degree programs awarded by UT Austin.
  • In general, applicants are not considered eligible for admission review if they are currently on suspension from any college or university (this includes The University of Texas campuses).
  • International applicants may be subject to additional admission requirements due to visa oversight regulations; please refer to the admissions website for more details on international admissions information.

Application Process


The Admissions Office at The University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to helping all students successfully apply to the university. Applying to UT Austin is straightforward, but there are several steps that applicants should follow in order to ensure their applications are complete and accurate. The application process generally involves the following steps:

  1. Submit your application – To apply, you have the option of submitting your application online or via mail. If submitting electronically, please navigate to “ApplyTexas” which is the required electronic submission system for all UT Austin undergraduate applications. For more information about ApplyTexas, review our How-To Guide for prospective undergraduate students available on our website.
  2. Gather necessary documents – UT Austin requires certain documents such as transcripts and/or test scores so it’s important that you begin gathering those materials before submitting your application in order to avoid delays in processing time.
  3. Check Status – All applicants should frequently check their status online using MyStatus after they have submitted their online application form and all associated documents (optional). This will provide detailed information on what items have been received by UT Admissions Office and which items are still pending or missing along with instructions on how to resolve any problems or questions you may have about your admissions status.
  4. Review Admission Decisions – Admission decisions will typically be sent out 8-10 weeks after UT Admissions Office has received a complete and accurate application packet from an applicant or within two weeks after an applicant has completed an admissions interview (if applicable). Applicants can also check their admission decision via MyStatus, which will indicate one of three decisions: admit, deny, or waitlist for the applicant’s program of interest at UT Austin.AlumniThe University of Texas at Austin has a strong alumni network. Since its establishment in 1883, the university has produced some of the most prominent and influential figures in politics, academia, business, and the arts. From former presidents of the United States, to renowned authors and performers, and Nobel Prize winners, UT Austin alumni have gone on to lead a storied list of accomplishments. Let’s explore more about some of these distinguished alumni and the contributions they have made.Notable Alumni
    The University of Texas at Austin is proud to have more than 500,000 alumni who have graduated and gone on to do incredible things. Here is a sampling of just some of our most notable and accomplished alumni:

• Academy Award winning filmmaker and producer Robert Rodriguez (’93)
• Astronaut Kathryn Sullivan (’78), first American woman to walk in space
• Rock star Willie Nelson (’60)
• Country music superstar George Strait (’79)
• Actor Matthew McConaughey (’93)
• NFL quarterback Vince Young (’06)
• Supreme Court justice Gregg Abbott (’84)— former Attorney General of Texas
• Rick Perry, 46th Governor of Texas (‘72, ’77)—former U.S. Secretary of Energy
• Former NFL linebacker Curtis Brown III—Texas All-Time Tackles Leader (’00-’04)
• Actor Eva Longoria—Golden Globe-nominated actress for Desperate Housewives (’97-’03)
• MLB powerhouse Roger Clemens—VII Cy Young winner and 21 time All Star (’82-’85)

Alumni Benefits


As a University of Texas at Austin alumnus, you have access to lifelong benefits and resources. From exclusive discounts to special events, UT Austin alumni can get the most out of their alma mater with the following alumni benefits:

  • Discounts on products and services, including Dell Computers.
  • Special events held annually or seasonally around the country.
  • UTexas library access with borrowing privileges.
  • Career Resources such as resume reviews, job search advice and attendance at professional recruiting events.
  • Access to UTEXASconnect for networking connections with fellow alumni worldwide.
  • Advising on issues related to international travel, business relocation and cultural exploration.
  • Invitations to Alumni Association events held throughout the year in various locations near The University of Texas at Austin’s campus.