New Mexico Tech was founded as the New Mexico School of Mines in 1889, when it was established by
an act of the Territorial Legislature. In recognition of the growing role of the Institute, the State
Legislature changed the name in 1951 from “New Mexico School of Mines” to “New Mexico Institute of
Mining and Technology,” the official name.
Over the years, Tech’s emphasis has expanded, first into the area of petroleum engineering, and then, in
the 1940s, into physics research. Today, New Mexico Tech is known for its expertise in highly specialized
areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences, astrophysics, energetic materials, cybersecurity, and
chemical, civil, electrical, materials, mechanical, environmental, petroleum, and mineral engineering.
