Ph.D. in Wind Science & Engineering

Policies

The Wind Science and Engineering (WDSE) Ph.D. program follows general requirements and policies of doctoral program and policies of the Graduate School of Texas Tech University. Special considerations 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

NWI 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.). NWI is 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 NWI program. Applications are only accepted for students beginning their study in the fall semester. More about Applying to the Ph.D. program.

Years of Study

Average length of study is three years after master's degree. Length of study depends heavily on dissertation progress and each student's progress will not be considered 'typical'. Each student's progress is up to the student, therefore length of study depends on each student's drive and passion to complete their research.

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). These 60 hours includes core courses, field of emphasis courses and a 3- to 4-month internship. More about program curriculum.

Doctoral Degree Plan/Advisory Committee

Each student is required to file a doctoral degree plan before the end of the first year of their doctoral coursework.  The program will be developed through evaluation of the student's background and with advice and consent of the academic advisor. An advisory committee of faculty representing at least two different disciplines will be recommended to the Graduate School dean. A chair of the advisory committee shall be identified in this recommendation.

Doctoral Degree Plan Form (complete and email to the program coordinator)

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 two parts: a written examination and a dissertation proposal. It is expected that the qualifying examination be completed in the second year of the program after a master's degree. Successful completion of this examination is a significant milestone for the applicant and allow registration of dissertation hours. 

The written examination is prepared by the advisory committee based on the student's course work and research experience. It typically contains a list of open-book questions. Then 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.

More Information

Doctoral Programs: Required Steps by the Graduate School