UT Permian Basin

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) is a public university located in Odessa, Texas, and is part of the esteemed University of Texas System. Established in 1973, UTPB offers a high-quality, affordable education with a focus on student success and preparing graduates for professional opportunities. The university is dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging environment for its diverse student body.

Academics

UTPB offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across five colleges: Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Engineering and Sciences, and Health Sciences. The university is particularly focused on energy-related education, offering programs like mechanical engineering with a nuclear engineering concentration, energy marketing, energy accounting, energy finance, and petroleum engineering, reflecting its location in a major oil-producing region. UTPB emphasizes hands-on learning and research, with opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research across various disciplines, supported by the Office of Student Research. Notable facilities include a state-of-the-art Science and Technology Building for biology, chemistry, and computer science, and specialized labs for various engineering disciplines.

International Students

UTPB defines an international student as someone in the U.S. on a non-immigrant student visa (F or J Visas). The university provides support services for international students, including assistance with visa information, obtaining a driver's license, and social security card requests. English language proficiency is required for non-native English speakers, with accepted tests including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo. While specific diversity statistics for international students are not extensively detailed, the overall student body at UTPB is highly racially diverse, with 60% identifying as minorities or people of color, and 7% of the student population being international non-citizens. The university encourages student engagement through various organizations, including an international student club, fostering cultural integration.

Campus & Location

UTPB's main campus is situated in Odessa, Texas, a city known for being in the heart of the Permian Basin, a significant energy-producing region. The campus features apartment-style student housing, a Student Residence Dining Hall, a gymnasium with a weight training facility, and courts for various sports. Recreational amenities include walking and rollerblading trails, a duck pond, and an Olympic-sized outdoor heated swimming pool. The university also has a Midland campus, and plans are underway for expansion, including new academic buildings, performing arts spaces, and a trail connecting the two campuses. A Falcon Shuttle service operates between the main campus and Midland.

Career Outcomes

UTPB is dedicated to ensuring students graduate with the skills needed for successful professional opportunities. The Career Services office provides support such as career counseling, resume writing assistance, interview skill practice, and help finding internships and job opportunities both on and off-campus. The university also fosters industry connections, particularly within the energy sector, through initiatives like the Petroleum Industry Alliance and the Office of Innovation and Commercialization, which facilitates collaborations and startup support. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected through the Falcon Alumni Network, which offers career services and networking opportunities.