Cockrell-McCombs B.S./M.S. Honors Program

Where Engineers Become Business Leaders

Many of today’s most influential CEOs started as engineers—but had to learn business later. This selective program is designed to accelerate that path from day one.

Applications for Fall 2027 enrollment open August 1.

Build the technical depth of an engineer—and the strategic mindset of a business leader

The Cockrell-McCombs B.S./M.S. Honors Program integrates engineering and business education from the start. It is a highly selective, five-year program. Students accepted to the program will be eligible for dedicated scholarships and will have tailored experiences outside of the classroom to support leadership development.

Designed for exceptional students in Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, the program combines:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Cockrell School)
• Master of Science in Business (McCombs School of Business)

You’ll graduate with the skills to not only solve complex technical problems—but to lead teams, shape strategy and drive innovation in a global economy.

Engineers build the future. Business leaders shape it.

Many of the world’s most successful leaders began as engineers—developing the analytical mindset and problem-solving skills that drive innovation. But traditionally, those leaders had to return to school—or learn business on the job.

This program changes that.

From your first year, you’ll develop:

• Technical mastery in your engineering discipline
• Business fluency in areas like finance, analytics, and strategy
• Leadership skills through curated experiences, internships, and cohort-based learning

You won’t have to choose between engineering and business—or delay one for the other. You’ll build both together.

A Structured Program Path

Over five years, you’ll progress through a carefully designed sequence of academic and real-world experiences:

Choose Your Business Specialization

Tailor your expertise with one of the following McCombs master’s degrees:

• Business Analytics
• Finance
• Marketing
• Information Technology and Management

What Sets This Program Apart

• Selective cohort (10–20 students): Learn alongside peers who are equally driven and high-performing
• Integrated curriculum: Engineering and business education designed to complement each other—not compete
• Career-ready experience: Multiple internships and real-world applications built into the program
• Global perspective: Early international experience to build cultural and business awareness
• Merit-based financial support: Significant scholarship support for all admitted students

Graduate ready to lead—earlier

This program prepares you for high-impact roles across industries, including:

• Engineering leadership roles
• Consulting and strategy
• Energy and infrastructure leadership
• Technology and product management
• Startups and entrepreneurship

You’ll enter the workforce with both deep technical expertise and business acumen — a combination that positions you for rapid advancement.

Application Process

Apply to the honors program as part of your UT Austin application. Admission is highly competitive and limited in size.

Eligibility Requirements

• Incoming first-year students admitted to Mechanical Engineering or Petroleum Engineering
• Must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA to remain in the program

Who Should Apply

We’re looking for students who demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic performance
• Strong interest in both engineering and business
• Leadership potential and initiative
• The drive to make an impact at scale