Applying to Texas Tech

The Application Process

Students are admitted to graduate program in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters by the Graduate School on the recommendation of the Department.

Students applying to the Master's Thesis and PhD in Natural Resources Management must contact faculty members with whom they would like to work, and confirm support, before they submit their Graduate School application. Applicants should inquire about assistantships and funding when they contact faculty members. Master's Non-Thesis students are self-funded and will also need to contact a faculty member to confirm support. Faculty bios, research interests, publications, and contact information can be found here.  

Deadlines

The NRM department accepts applications during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters each year. We ask that applicants submit completed applications at least 10 weeks prior to the start of the semester. 

Admissions FAQs

Q: What are the programs offered?
A: Students can apply to either Master's Thesis, Master's in Ranch Management, Master's Non-Thesis,  or the PhD degree programs. The department also offers an online-only program, the Professional Science Master's. More information about the PSM program can be found here.  

Q: How many hours do I have to complete to graduate?
A: Master's Thesis - students take a minimum of 24 hours of coursework plus, 6 hours of research, and 6 hours of thesis.
Master's in Ranch Management - students take 36 credit hours that include 2 semesters of a Professional Ranch Internship.
Master's Non-Thesis - students take a minimum of 36 hours of coursework: there is no research or thesis component to this degree.
PhD - students take a minimum of 60 hours of coursework, including Teaching Practicum and up to 6 hours of research.  An additional 12 hours of dissertation are required.  PhD students can transfer up to 30 hours of coursework from their Master's. Transfer credits are accepted at the discretion of the Graduate School and can only be applied if the courses taken elsewhere have equivalents at Texas Tech.

Q: What are the required components of the graduate application?
A: Applicants must apply to the Graduate School. Students will apply through the TTU Graduate School. The following application requirements should be uploaded on that application: three letters of recommendation, a cirriculum vitae, personal statement, unofficial transcripts, and TOEFL scores if the students native language is not English. Three letters of recommendation are required from professors or professionals; PhD level scientists in the field of interest that can attest to your aptitude as a student and ability to succeed in graduate school. 

Q: What department should I select on the Graduate School application?
A: Select "Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management" on the Graduate School application.

Q: How long should the personal statement be?
A: We have no official requirement regarding the length of the personal statement, although the typical length is between one and three pages. Your letter should address personal interests and goals in this graduate research program and career objectives after graduation.

Q: Do I have to take the GREs?
A: No, currently the GRE general test is not required. 

Q: Do I have to take the TOEFL exam if my native language is not English?
A: Yes. Texas Tech University requires this exam. For more information on International student requirements visit the Graduate School website. International Prospective Students | Admissions | Graduate School | TTU

Q: Can I apply to the graduate program if my undergraduate and/or Master's degree is not in Natural Resources Management, Conservation, Ecology, Biology, or a related field?
A: Yes. Your record, however, must demonstrate substantial coursework and research ability in the sciences. Discuss with a potential advisor prior to completing the application process. 

Q: Can I apply to the PhD program without an MS/MA?
A: No. All incoming PhD students must have a Master's degree prior to beginning their studies at Texas Tech. Students applying to the MS degree program are required to have a Bachelor's.