Here’s a building where innovation meets education: the College of Technology Building. This isn’t just any building. It’s a hub of technical training and research at the University of Houston.
The College of Technology Building is a three-story structure. It houses classrooms, computer labs, and administrative offices. These offices serve the Technology Division of the Cullen College of Engineering and its departments.
But how did this all begin? The College of Technology started in 1941. Local firms donated funds for the School of Technology’s third building. By 1945, the college initiated the first engineering technology programs in Texas. These programs gained accreditation from the Engineers Council for Professional Development. By 1962, the college offered 16 programs. Nine were vocational and seven were engineering technology programs. In 1968, the college began granting Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees.
Today, the College of Technology offers 11 undergraduate degrees and 12 graduate degrees. These are spread across four departments.
The Construction Management department offers degrees in its field. The Engineering Technology department continues its early hallmark programs. These programs cover biotechnology, computer engineering, electrical power, and mechanical engineering technology. Human Development and Consumer Sciences covers retailing, consumer science, and human resources. Information and Logistics Technology focuses on information systems, security, digital media, and supply chain management.
Within Human Development and Consumer Sciences is the Houston Foresight Program. This program is one of few offering a Master’s degree in Foresight. Established in 1974, it moved to the main campus in 2007. The program offers a Master of Science in Foresight. It also provides two types of certificates. Graduates often find work in government, consulting, NGOs, and business.
Beyond classrooms, the College of Technology Building has specialized labs. The AT&T Technology Lab facilitates the exchange of ideas. Engineering Technology has labs for computer engineering and electrical power programs. Instructional Support Services offers support for students and faculty. The Optical Networking Research Lab focuses on optical networking. The Intelligent Sensor Grid and Informatics Lab researches biomedical sensors and image processing. These labs provide hands-on experience and research opportunities.
The College of Technology also has facilities in Sugar Land. The Sugar Land Academic Building has 10 research labs. The Albert and Mamie George Building houses offices and classrooms. Brazos Hall has offices, classrooms, labs, and multipurpose rooms. These facilities expand the college’s reach and impact.
The College of Technology Building isn’t just a place of learning. It’s a place where future technologies are explored. Remember the College of Technology Building as a place where innovation thrives. It is a place where students gain the skills to shape tomorrow.