Paving the Way for Future TAMU-CC Engineers- Master of Science in Engineering

History was made at the 2025 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) Summer Commencement.  Three Islander students walked the graduation stage and became the first to receive a diploma inscribed with the words “Master of Science in Engineering” from TAMU-CC. It was a journey two years in the making.  

The Master of Science in Engineering (MS-ENGR) program at TAMU-CC began in fall 2023. Joshua Garcia ’25, Mazen Hassan ’25, and Fazel Hussain ’25 were the initial students in the program. Each received an education in general engineering studies and had the opportunity to select a concentration in civil, electrical, industrial, or mechanical engineering to help reach their individual goals. Garcia chose a concentration in electrical engineering, while Hassan and Hussain focused on civil engineering.  

The program’s objective is to prepare students to enter the professional space with advanced knowledge in a variety of engineering disciplines as well as a specialized knowledge in current topics within the engineering field.  

“Being exposed to a general body of engineering knowledge has been the most advantageous part of getting my master's of science in engineering at TAMU-CC,” said Garcia.  

Being the first cohort to participate in this degree plan also came with unique benefits. Hussain explained that one of his favorite aspects of the program was the newness of everything, which led to many distinct opportunities.   

“Our labs brought in new equipment that was needed for our research, and we had the opportunity to be trained by industry specialists for each new piece of equipment,” said Hussain. “I wouldn't have gotten this training if I wasn’t one of the first to participate in this program.”  

The completion of the MS-ENGR program not only provided students with a strong academic foundation but also served as a springboard for the next phase in their lives.  

“My experience in the TAMU-CC Master of Science in Engineering program has helped my professional growth, my research, and it has ultimately helped me to get a position in a doctoral program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to continue my research,” Hassan said.  

As the first graduates of the MS-ENGR program, Garcia, Hassan, and Hussain have not only set a precedent for future students but have also demonstrated the value of this new degree. Their success marks a significant milestone for the university and paves the way for future TAMU-CC engineers.