Name

John Hawkins

School

University of Texas, Austin

Degree Program

First year PhD student in Computational Engineering

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics and Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Walla Walla University, 2010

Dissertation Topic

Not yet chosen

Research Interests

Computational Engineering

Advisor

Not yet chosen

Hobbies

Travel, philosophy

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose my PhD program in computational engineering at University of Texas, Austin because I was impressed with the school after I did an internship here. My sister was also in the computational engineering program at University of Texas. After my internship, I decided to pursue a PhD here and I was accepted.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

To prepare for my PhD program in computational engineering, I pursued a rigorous course of study as an undergraduate and I also did internships. My internships were especially helpful in preparing me academically for graduate school, and also helped me to make valuable connections. My internship here at University of Texas, Austin allowed me to make sure this was the right educational path for me, and also exposed me to the professors I would be working with in my doctoral research.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, for my application to University of Texas, Austin, I submitted GRE scores. In preparation for the test, I bought Kaplan study books. I did not take any practice tests but I did study a great deal.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I included information about my background. I have heard that undergraduates who do not have research experience are not particularly strong applicants to research-based programs, so I highlighted the research I had conducted in my undergraduate study. I thought that it was important that the admissions committee was aware that I liked research and had experience in that area.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose faculty from my undergraduate program who had been supportive of me. I felt that if they had praised me to my face then they would be able to convey that in a letter of recommendation.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in computational engineering?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in computational engineering, I suggest that you get field experience in programming. If you have never done any programming, you might not do as well in the program as students who have programming experience. You should learn programming because that will help you succeed in a computational engineering program and will also allow you to see if you truly enjoy it.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My PhD program in computational engineering at University of Texas, Austin typically takes 5 to 6 years to complete. The program requires that students contribute to the body of knowledge in mathematics, computation and a third area of the student’s choosing. During the first year, students take courses in each of those 3 areas.

At the end of the first year, students are required to take a preliminary exam to move onto the next phase of the program. In the second and third years, students take courses but the course load tapers off in the third year as dissertation work increases. In the fourth year, students focus completely on dissertation work.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

Because I am still in my first year, I have not started any dissertation research and do not have a topic yet.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

I have not yet chosen my dissertation advisor, but I have a faculty mentor. He was assigned to me and helps guide me through the requirements of the program. He helps me make sure that I am making decisions that will set me up for success later in the program.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, when I give my dissertation proposal, I will also have to do an oral exam. I don’t know much about the exam, but it is not something that students take lightly. I will have to sit before a panel of judges and answer questions about my dissertation research, and anything else they choose to ask. I have heard that the oral exam is intense.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

I do not know how much my PhD program in computational engineering at University of Texas, Austin costs, since I receive full funding that covers tuition and all associated costs. I am responsible for buying textbooks, but those do not cost a significant amount.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my PhD program in computational engineering through a fellowship. It covers the cost of my tuition completely, and also provides me with a living stipend. From my second year on I will be required to work as a teaching assistant or a research assistant. I did not have to apply for my fellowship. It was given to me automatically when I entered the program.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in computational engineering?

I am in the first year of my computational engineering program at University of Texas and during this time, school essentially consumes my life. Most weeks, I spend between 50 and 80 hours on schoolwork. I work on weekdays, and usually on weekends too. Some weeks I have no free time, but once in a while I am able to take the whole weekend for recreation.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has not affected my free time compared to when I was studying for my undergraduate degree. As an undergraduate, I pursued 3 degrees and the workload is similar, so the effect on my personal life has not changed much.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I will probably still be in this program. After I graduate, my plans will depend on what research track I choose for my dissertation, but I have broad goals. I find the idea of academia appealing, and I would like to secure a tenure track position. I would also be open to a technical job in the engineering industry, and there are abundant opportunities for someone with a PhD in computational engineering to enter the field. I don’t have a specific vision but I plan to work in 1 of those areas.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in computational engineering?

If you are considering pursuing a PhD in computational engineering, the best piece of advice I can offer is to utilize the resources available to you while you are searching for a school. You should consult the people around you, particularly professors, because they will be a valuable source of insight and guidance. You should also talk to your friends who have been to graduate school, because they can probably offer you some good information about what graduate school is like.