Doctor of Philosophy Engineering with a Concentration in Modeling and Simulation Engineering (PhD)
The Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation program focuses on developing the necessary skills and knowledge to enable the graduate to conduct and evaluate independent, original research in an area of modeling and simulation. The goal of the program is to prepare students for careers in teaching and research at academic institutions, as well as the conduct or leadership of research and development in public and private organizations.
Doctor of Philosophy Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. in M&S program is made in accordance with Old Dominion University and Batten College of Engineering and Technology requirements for doctoral programs as specified in this Catalog. Specific requirements for the modeling and simulation degree include the following:
- Completion of a master’s degree in an appropriate and closely related field is expected. However, students who have completed 24 credits of graduate courses in an appropriate field from an accredited institution may apply.
- A minimum GPA in graduate course work of 3.50 (out of 4.0) is required of most students. A student with a GPA greater than 3.25 and with evidence of a high level of professional capability in the field of modeling and simulation may be eligible for admission to the program upon submission of a petition to the graduate program director.
- Recent scores (typically, not more than five years old) on the Graduate Record Examination’s (GRE) verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections must be submitted by all applicants.
- Three letters of recommendation (typically at least two of which are from faculty in the highest degree program completed when the application is within five years of graduation from that degree program) are required.
- The applicant must submit a statement of purpose, goals, and objectives related to the program and a resume.
Applicants are expected to have the following foundation knowledge:
- Mathematics fundamentals including differential and integral calculus, ordinary differential equations, calculus-based probability and statistics, and linear algebra.
- Computer science fundamentals including an object-oriented programming language such as C++, algorithmic problem solving, and data structures.
- Knowledge of the content of the foundation courses required in the Modeling and Simulation Master’s Program.
Curriculum Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. in modeling and simulation is offered in accordance with the general requirements for doctoral degrees as specified in the Requirements for Graduate Degrees Section of this Catalog. Specific program of study requirements for the concentration in modeling and simulation include the following:
- Completion of a minimum of 24 credits of course work beyond the master’s degree; and a minimum of 24 credits of dissertation research.
- Successful completion of a written diagnostic examination before completion of nine credits of advanced course work.
- Successful completion of a written and oral qualifying (candidacy) examination near the completion of the course work.
- Successful presentation of a dissertation research proposal at the beginning of the dissertation research.
- The successful completion and public defense of a dissertation representing independent, original research worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
The program of study for the Ph.D. in M&S program is developed with the approval of the graduate program director and the student’s advisor. The program shall include a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree distributed as follows.
Common Core
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Simulation Course (see the list below) | 3 | |
| MSIM 830 | Simulation Formalisms | 3 |
| MSIM 842 | Synthetic Environments | 3 |
| MSIM 851 | Advanced Analysis for Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Advanced Simulation Course Examples (3 credits)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MSIM 811 | Finite Element Analysis | 3 |
| MSIM 815 | High Performance Computing and Simulations | 3 |
| MSIM 822 | Cluster Parallel Computing | 3 |
| MSIM 825 | Principles of Combat Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| MSIM 876 | Simulation Modeling in Transportation Networks | 3 |
| Other courses with graduate program director's approval. | ||
Electives - Minimum of 12 credits of elective courses that provide a basis for dissertation research. No more than six credits from course work satisfying foundation knowledge requirements may be included in the program of study for elective credit. At least three-fifths (15 credits) of course work for fulfilling the degree requirement must be at the 800-level. Elective courses outside the ECE Department must be approved by the graduate program director.
Certain students entering the program will be required to complete additional pre-requisite leveling courses. These courses are: MSIM 510 Model Engineering; MSIM 541 Computer Graphics and Visualization; MSIM 602 Simulation Fundamentals; and MSIM 603 Simulation Design.
For graduation, students must successfully defend their dissertation and complete the Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers training online.