About the Wind Energy Bachelor’s Program
Rapid growth in the wind energy industry has produced an increase in demand for a well-educated workforce. Texas Tech University, already a pioneer in wind energy education, has developed educational programs to meet these expanding needs and educate future leaders in the wind energy field.
Job growth in wind energy has been strong, while the wind energy industry contributes to energy independence, positive environmental impact, and favorable growth to the United States economy. Texas Tech supports undergraduate and graduate coursework in the field of wind energy.
The Bachelor of Science in Wind Energy prepares students for a career in all segments of the industry by offering courses on multiple aspects of the industry, from education on the characteristics of wind to instruction on project development and management. The versatile multidisciplinary nature of the degree plan makes Texas Tech’s wind energy program unique. A 2.25 cumulative Texas Tech GPA is required for entrance into the program.
Degree Requirements. Students will maintain a minimum 2.25 GPA and must follow course prerequisites for all courses as stated in their degree plan requirements. Coursework in a wind energy degree must total a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 46 hours of the university’s core curriculum, 47 hours of wind energy core courses, 3 hours of a global component, and 24 hours of applied electives.
Global Component. In today’s globalized wind energy job market, students who are exposed to a foreign language, participate in a study abroad program, or gain job experience through an internship with an international company are considered more marketable and competitive.
Students will complete the university’s foreign language requirement, either by completing two years of high school foreign language or two semesters at the college level, and choose from the following global component options:
- Study Abroad Option. Complete an approved study abroad experience through the International Texas Tech Center, a Texas Tech approved reciprocal exchange program, or a faculty-led program. Students must enroll in and successfully complete 3 credit hours of coursework with a grade of C or better to satisfy 3 credit hours of the global component. Departmental consent required.
- International Option. Complete an approved internship with an international company, either in the U.S. or abroad, related to the wind energy field. Two hundred hours of job related experience and a written report are required to earn 3 credit hours of internship credit. Internships should be completed during the student’s junior or senior year of coursework. Instructor approval required.
Communication Literacy Requirement. Students attending Texas Tech University for the first time in the Fall 2017 term or later will complete a Communication Literacy requirement in their program(s) of study. Communication Literacy courses for the Wind Energy major include WE 2300 , WE 3315 , WE 4310 , and WE 4311 .
Contact: Dr. Andrew Swift, andy.swift@ttu.edu
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