The University of Texas at Tyler launched two partnerships aimed at increasing opportunities for students.

The first is with the University of Sonora, or UNISON, in Hermosillo, Mexico, which is in the northwest part of the country.

“This partnership presents an outstanding opportunity for The University of Texas at Tyler and the University of Sonora to pool faculty expertise in a manner that will offer students at both institutions academic and research opportunities they would not otherwise have,” Dr. James Nelson, UT Tyler’s dean for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and lead UT Tyler partner, said.

Nelson said the engineering faculty from both schools complement each other, which will help create stronger research programs and elective areas of study.

However, the partnership goes beyond one academic program. Officials from both schools are working on comprehensive action plan for collaboration.

According to a news release, a Spanish immersion program for UT Tyler faculty and students, along with bilingual teachers in Tyler also is in the works.

The second partnership involves UT Tyler and San Jacinto College in Pasadena.

The partnership is designed to create a smooth transition for San Jacinto College students and graduates to earn bachelor’s degrees in civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

UT Tyler will provide the upper-level engineering courses at its Houston Engineering Center, which is located at the Houston Community College’s Alief Campus.

Per the agreement, transferring students must finish all lower level engineering, math and science courses with at least a 2.5 overall GPA at San Jacinto College, according to a news release.

The institutions also will develop and offer engineering courses at both locations to better prepare students to complete their engineering degrees.

“The partnership is a win-win for both institutions, and especially the students,” Nelson said. “A key advantage for students will be in cost savings.”

The cost for a student to earn an engineering degree through this program is about $20,000, almost half the cost of a similar degree at other Texas universities, according to a news release.