Policies

The WiSE program follows general requirements and policies of doctoral program and policies of the Graduate School of Texas Tech University. Special considerations for the WISE program are given here.

The Purpose of a Ph.D.

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. 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.

The Ph.D. in Wind Science and Engineering at Texas Tech

The Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University is pleased to offer the first doctoral degree program in Wind Science and Engineering in the country. 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 that improve people's everyday lives.

Admissions Standards

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 program. Applications are only accepted for students beginning their study in the Fall semester.

Years of Study

A normal length of study is three years after Master’s degree and four years after Bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum Requirements

The doctorate requires at least 60 semester hours of graduate studies in addition to a dissertation (requirement of the Graduate School of Texas Tech University). This 60 hours includes core courses, field of emphasis courses and a 3 to 4 month internship.

Doctoral Degree Plan / Advisory Committee

Each student is required to file a doctoral degree plan during the first year of the program or no later than early part of the second year of the program. The program will be developed through evaluation of the student’s background and with advice and consent of a review committee established by the Director of the Program. An advisory committee of faculty representing at least two different disciplines will be recommended to the Graduate Dean. A chairman of the advisory committee shall be identified in this recommendation.

Annual Review

There will be a review of each student in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters to assess his/her progress. The review will be conducted by the graduate coordinator.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination for Admission to Candidacy for the doctoral degree will be administered by the advisory committee. The Qualifying Examination shall consist of a two-day written examination and an oral examination. It is expected that the Qualifying Examination be completed in the early part of the third year of the program after a bachelor’s degree and in the second year of the program after a master’s degree. Successful completion of this examination is a significant milestone for the applicant.

Dissertation Proposal

Each student is required to submit and defend a dissertation proposal in front of his/her advisory committee. The proposal should be in the format required for an NSF proposal with all the necessary components. This should be accomplished along with or soon after the Qualifying Examination.

Financial Assistance

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program will receive funding as a Research Assistant during the time allotted for their study. It is expected that students with a Master’s degree will complete their doctoral degree in three years and with a Bachelor’s degree in four years. If dissertation research takes more time, their support will be at the discretion of the Advisory Committee Chair. The Research Assistantship includes a stipend and tuition and fee assistance.

Financial Aid

We strongly encourage students to complete the Free Application for Student Aid because as graduate students you may qualify for Grants. Please look at the Student Financial Aid Web site: www.fina.ttu.edu.

More Information

At our Web site, www.wind.ttu.edu, you will find more information and applications, plus links to Texas Tech’s Graduate School Web site. For the Graduate Catalog and Course Schedule go to www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications. Please print the applications and start preparing them. After you look at the Web site, please contact the Ph.D. Coordinator if you have questions.

Kelsey Seger, Academic Coordinator
(806)742-3476, Ext. 321
Kelsey.Seger@ttu.edu