Texas A&M University

National Excellence Fellowships

Program Description

The National Excellence Fellowship program awards fellowships for graduate study at Texas A&M University leading to doctoral degrees in all areas of engineering and engineering-related disciplines. National Excellence Fellowships are intended for individuals intent on pursuing doctoral studies who intend on pursuing an academic career. The objective is to recruit new graduate students, who are the best and brightest, to our college. All nominees are expected to have exceptional qualifications and be ready to begin doctoral level study and research. The National Excellence Fellowship program supports the vitality of the engineering, scientific and technological workforce in the United States and to reinforce its diversity. Having a strong science and technology knowledge base that will permanently reside in the United States is critical in maintaining this country's strength in higher education, economic development, and national security. Participants in this program are expected to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in engineering and technology. These individuals will be crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation's technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well being of society at large.

Award Information

The National Excellence Fellowships will be awarded for students selected for the fall semester, but spring semester start dates will be an option. The National Excellence Fellowship program will provide $40,000 annually for 3 years, which includes a stipend and tuition/fee allowance. While being supported under the National Excellence Fellowship, students will be encouraged and assisted in submitting proposals to external sources for continued funding. Faculty members who are working with the participants in this program will guide the student throughout the proposal process. It is the intention of this program to be a precursor to the federal funding programs that have the same eligibility criteria, i.e., the students will be supported by the National Excellence Fellowship while they submit proposals for federal programs, which will provide the support for the remainder of the students' education.

Eligibility

Nominees must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident pursuing a Ph.D. in an engineering or engineering-related discipline, with the intent of pursuing an academic career.

Nomination

Applications will be due on January 31 for the following fall semester. Special cases for spring semester awards will be considered. All applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of holders of endowed chairs within the College of Engineering. The committee will make recommendations through the executive associate dean and associate dean for graduate programs to the dean, who will make the final appointment.

Apply

In order to apply you need to:

  1. Download the application and fill out
  2. Prepare the required summary (see "Special Instructions" on application)
  3. Send the application, summary and a current resume to your departmental contact
  4. Items may be sent electronically, but application must be signed

List of Deparmental Contacts