Doctoral degrees in engineering that focus on Modeling & Simulation Engineering are required for college-level teaching and employment in research institutions. Many leading industries and agencies also seek well-trained doctoral graduates.
The Ph.D. degree is awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field of specialty. A key component of the Ph.D. degree is the student's original research, culminating in a written dissertation and an oral defense. Ph.D. students usually publish the results of their research in highly reputable nationally and internationally refereed journals. In addition, the students are expected to present their work at national and international conferences.
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Hong Yang: hyang@odu.edu).
Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering with a Concentration in Modeling & Simulation Engineering requires a minimum of 48 credits beyond a master's degree (or 78 credits beyond a bachelor's degree). These include 24 credits of coursework and 24 credits of dissertation research (beyond a master's degree).
Our 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.
Additional Information
Additional Graduate Student Resources (Graduate School): The Graduate School has extensive additional resources for graduate students at https://www.odu.edu/graduateschool/graduate-student-resources
Program Financial Aid: Depending on the funding availability, our programs may offer graduate assistantships with stipends that are awarded to students after a competitive review process. The level of award is determined on the basis of previous experience and performance as a graduate assistant and on the student’s academic achievement and potential in the field. In addition, a number of teaching and research positions are available for financial support of qualified graduate assistants during the summer months (June and July). Students are highly encouraged to contact potential faculty advisor for possible graduate assistantships in advance.
Admission Information
Application Process
Summary: Applications for graduate study in the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program (Modeling & Simulation Engineering Concentration) should be made through the general ODU Application Portal. Additional materials supporting your application (outlined below) will be required. Once complete, your application package will be reviewed and forwarded to the Modeling & Simulation Engineering Program's Graduate Program Director for consideration. Questions regarding the general application process can be directed to admissions@odu.edu (on-campus) or globaladmissions@odu.edu (online).
Application Deadlines: The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program uses a rolling admission process and does not have a formal application deadline. Entrance into the program and commencement of studies will be timed to begin with the start of the next academic term following admission.
General ODU Requirements
General ODU Requirements: General requirements for graduate admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program (Modeling & Simulation Engineering Concentration) can be found on the ODU Graduate Admissions website. Additional details can be found in the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog.
Additional Program Requirements:
Prior Degrees: Modeling & Simulation Engineering doctoral degree applicants normally will have a master’s degree in modeling & simulation engineering or a closely related field. However, students who have completed 24 credits of graduate courses in an appropriate field from an accredited institution may apply. Exceptionally well qualified students can be admitted to Ph.D. program directly without a master’s degree. Provisional admission (see below) may also be possible for applicants with prior degrees in a related fields other than the applicant’s intended graduate program.
GPA: A minimum GPA in graduate coursework of 3.50 (out of 4.0) is generally required. 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 the discussion with the Graduate Program Director.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required.
Examination/Test Scores: Submission of recent Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is nominally required. However, this requirement is waived if the applicant holds an engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution in the USA.
Language Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL (or IELTS) scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English unless their BS degrees are from USA institutions. These applicants must meet University admission requirements (IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79); please refer to the website: https://www.odu.edu/admissions/proficiency for additional details.
Résumé: A résumé or CV detailing relevant experience is required.
Personal Statement: Each applicant must submit an essay describing personal and academic goals, professional objectives, preparation for graduate study, and how the chosen program will help the applicant achieve these goals and objectives.
Recommendation Letters: 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.
Provisional Admission: Students not meeting the above requirements may be admitted provisionally. Only the Graduate Program Director (GPD) can waive an admission requirement. Please reach out directly to the GPD if you think you are eligible for a waiver from a requirement. The GPD may request additional information, including GRE scores. Provisionally admitted students may be required to complete additional prerequisite course requirements to prepare them for the graduate curriculum in the discipline.
Additional Notes: 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
Students Starting Doctoral Studies After Master's Degree:
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
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| 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)
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| MSIM 811 | Finite Element Analysis | 3 |
| MSIM 815 | High Performance Computing Simulation and Data Analytics | 3 |
| MSIM 822 | Cluster Parallel Computing | 3 |
| MSIM 825 | Principles of Combat Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| MSIM 876 | Simulation Modeling in Transportation Networks | 3 |
| |
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.
Students Starting Doctoral Studies After Bachelor's Degree:
Please reach out to the Graduate Program Director for additional course selection.
Additional Note: For graduation, all students must successfully defend their dissertation and complete the Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers training online.
