Humanitarian Engineering
Engineering for the betterment of communities. The engineering profession has long been proud of its world-changing contributions through infrastructure, water treatment, medical devices, computers and many other technological advancements that continually impact society. The Cockrell School’s Humanitarian Engineering Program takes engineering for society to the next level, providing undergraduate students with rewarding, multidisciplinary opportunities to focus their learning around communities that need their help the most.
Humanitarian Product Development Course
In the Humanitarian Product Development Course (HPD), students work in small teams to address the needs of people in underserved communities such as refugees, displaced people and others who have limited resources. Over the course of two semesters, teams work to research, conduct experiments and create prototypes while learning about design, project management, prototyping and other principles of product development.
The priority deadline is March 13, 2026, by 5:00PM, and the final deadline is April 5, 2026, by 5:00PM. Students applying by the priority deadline will be considered for scholarships to help with costs associated with PUC and HPD international travel.
Projects with Underserved Communities
In the Projects with Underserved Communities (PUC) program, students work in interdisciplinary teams to address infrastructure-related needs identified in partnership with underserved communities. Over the course of the academic year, teams conduct community-engaged research, site assessment and engineering design while learning principles of human-centered design, sustainability and ethical engineering practice. Projects typically culminate in an implementation-focused field experience during the May term.
For engineering and social work students.
The priority deadline is March 13, 2026, by 5:00PM, and the final deadline is April 5, 2026, by 5:00PM. Students applying by the priority deadline will be considered for scholarships to help with costs associated with PUC and HPD international travel.
Certificate in Humanitarian Engineering
Students who pursue the Certificate in Humanitarian Engineering commit themselves to building better, safer, stronger communities by developing innovative solutions that improve lives. The certificate combines technical and non-technical coursework with project-based initiatives and includes course options in the colleges and schools of Liberal Arts, Communication, Natural Sciences, Engineering and more.
Support Humanitarian Engineering
Support the hard work of our students and help strengthen our program by making a gift.
For more information on giving, contact Greg Rulifson, Humanitarian Engineering Program Director, at gregory.rulifson@austin.utexas.edu.
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