The doctoral program in Engineering and Computational Mathematics is a joint program with the College of Engineering at California State University, Long Beach. This program was developed with two educational goals.

• To draw upon the synergistic expertise of the research faculty at CGU and CSULB to offer an interdisciplinary degree that integrates advanced mathematical analysis with modern engineering techniques
• To formulate an individually tailored degree program that seeks to combine the applied mathematics field with one or more specific branches of engineering in order to fully enable graduates in their academic, research, or industrial careers

The key objective is to enable the development of each student’s expertise through a challenging combination of mathematics courses and engineering specializations: aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. Programs of study for each student are carefully integrated to ensure the interdisciplinary nature of the academic research.

Degree Requirements

Joint Program Guidelines.  Responsibilities of students enrolled in the program are detailed on the registrar’s Joint Programs webpage.

Course Requirements.  The joint degree program requires 72 units of graduate level coursework. Students in the program take a minimum of 24 units of engineering coursework at CSULB and a minimum of 24 units of mathematics coursework at CGU. CGU coursework must include the following three core courses:

• Math 294 Methods of Applied Mathematics
• Math 388 Continuous Modeling
• Math 368 Numerical Methods for Matrix Computations

Transfer Credit.  Up to 24 units of applicable master’s level coursework completed at another institution may be approved for transfer credit. The University’s policy on transfer credit applies.

Residency.  The residency requirements for the PhD degree may be met either by two semesters of full-time study in a 24-month period or by the completion of 48 units of course work within a 48-month period, including work in the summer session, on either or both campuses. All degree requirements must be completed within seven years (or six with the transfer of 24 units) from the time a student begins graduate study.

Preliminary Examinations.  Two preliminary exams are required:

• At CSULB, based on three engineering topics approved by the dissertation advisor and the CSULB program director.
• At CGU, based on the three mathematics core courses above.

Research Tool.  One research tool is required, demonstrating proficiency in computational problem-solving. Successful completion of the research tool requires providing evidence to the CGU program director that the student has used an appropriate computer language and an algorithmic method to solve a problem from an engineering discipline.

Research Preparation.  On completion of at least 48 units of course work (including transfer units) and completion of the preliminary examinations and research tool, the student embarks on the research phase of the joint doctoral program. In preparation for the research phase, the student is expected to spend at least a semester in advanced graduate courses, seminars, or directed reading courses, where exposure to research material is emphasized.

Research Proposal and Qualifying Examination.  Students will define an area of proposed research and prepare a written dissertation proposal containing an outline of the research to be undertaken and references to relevant source materials. The dissertation proposal is presented to the doctoral committee at least two weeks prior to the qualifying examination. The qualifying examination is an oral presentation to the doctoral committee by the student, describing the research planned. The student is expected to present evidence both as to the mathematical content and to the engineering application of the proposed research, supporting such evidence with references to previous research work in both areas.

Advancement to Candidacy.  After successful completion of the qualifying examination and certification that all other requirements are fulfilled, the student is advanced to candidacy.

Dissertation Completion and Final Oral Examination.  On completion of the research, students will prepare their dissertation in accordance with CGU regulations. A final draft of the dissertation will be presented to each member of the doctoral committee at least three weeks prior to the final oral examination. The oral defense will be held on the campus of the dissertation advisor.

University Policies. Policies detailed in the current Policies and General Information Bulletin apply.

Admission. Admission requirements are detailed in the Admissions section of the current Policies and General Information Bulletin.