New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (Also called New Mexico Tech), is a research university located in Socorro, New Mexico. It is a small college focused on engineering
and technology. Founded in 1889 as the New Mexico School of Mines, the Territorial
Legislature laid as its mission to boost the state economy, and "train young mining engineers". The institute was renamed in
1951 to its current epithet.World renowned for its undergraduate education, Tech now offers over 30 bachelor of science degrees in mathematics, the sciences, engineering, management, and
technical communication. As a reflection of its
purpose, each student vying for a bachelor's degree must pass two semesters each of chemistry, physics, and calculus.The university's areas of research include hydrology, astrophysics, atmospheric physics, geophysics, information technology, geosciences, energetic materials
engineering, and petroleum recovery. With the help of Pete Domenici, the growth in federal funding from the Department of
Homeland Security has turned the university into a major research center for homeland security as well.Depite its focus on science and technology, Tech has seen much growth in the humanities, social science. Minors are now
available in history, Latin
American studies, and others. The university is up for NCA reaccreditation in October. Enrollment as of the year 2003 is less than 2000
students but this number has doubled in the past 20 years.New Mexico Tech is affiliated with several scientific agencies including:
The university bought the town of Playas, New Mexico for
use as a research and training facility for the university’s first
responders and anti-terrorism programs.