A: You can apply for the program now here.

Student applications are reviewed in the month of December for the following fall semester entry. For example, if you want to enter the program in Fall 2014, you will need to apply in the last half of 2013. Applicants who are chosen for interview will be contacted by mid-February for an interview. Those applicants who are extended an offer to join the program will enter the Fall semester only. There are no spring entries for this program.

A: No, you do not need to have an engineering background to become a member of our Wind Science and Engineering (WiSE) Ph.D. team. Although an engineering background is very helpful, a background in atmospheric sciences, economics, or physical sciences is preferred.

Students are admitted to this program if they have a master's or bachelor's degree in engineering, atmospheric sciences, economics or physical sciences. Preference is given to students with a master's degree. In addition, admission is granted only after personal interview with at least two faculty members representing the WiSE Ph.D. program. Applications are only accepted for students beginning their study in the fall semester.

Your college transcripts and GRE Scores are an important part of the determining process, as well as the personal statement. Also, please look at our Program Policies page.

A: Our students who are admitted to the WiSE Ph.D. program automatically qualify for in-state tuition. Our program is very selective of the students it admits. Students accepted in the WiSE Ph.D. program will be generously supported through various funding sources.

Special attention is taken to enhance the involvement of under-represented students.

A: We certainly hope so and are working around the clock to apply for the funds to sponsor more fellowships. We have applied to the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and several other organizations with an interest in wind energy.

A: Texas Tech University is the only university in the nation to offer this type of multidisciplinary degree. The WiSE Ph.D. degree encompasses several different topics of study including atmospheric science, wind engineering, economics, statistics, leadership/ethics, and wind power systems. The multidisciplinary nature of the program is one-of-a-kind.

A: Please view our Faculty Directory page here.

A: A Ph.D. degree requires a student's dedication and steadfast nature to proliferate into producing ground-breaking research. A person with a Doctor of Philosophy is a steward of the discipline. He or she is responsible for the creation and implementation of knowledge. The Ph.D. qualifies people to conduct independent research and thereby to contribute to the creation of new knowledge in the field. A Ph.D. degree is a lifetime investment, regardless of the fluctuations in economy. It also prepares graduates for research positions in industry. The specific goals of Ph.D. study are:

• Multidisciplinary knowledge of the research, literature, models and practices in the fields of engineering, atmospheric science, economics, or physical sciences.
• The ability to conceptualize, conduct, and report original research contributing to the creation of knowledge in wind science and engineering.
• The ability to transmit knowledge about wind science and engineering through teaching to students and industry practitioners.

A: Please visit our Wind Energy Links page here.  WiSE graduates are located throughout the United States and around the world.  View our Alumni page here.

A: The educational objectives of the program are to provide graduates with the broad education necessary to pursue studies and solve problems related to the detrimental effects of windstorms (hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and others) and to take advantage of the wind's beneficial effects (wind power, natural ventilation, pollution dispersion, etc.). We're focused on education and committed to producing quality graduates who have the potential to improve people's everyday lives.