Computational Science, Ph.D.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Computational Science program is based on a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s qualifications including Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, undergraduate and graduate grade point average, and letters of recommendation.

Applicants who do not meet these minimums but whose application materials indicate high potential for success may be admitted conditionally. Such students must meet the conditions of their admission in the time stated to remain in the program of study.

Application Procedures

All application materials are to be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies.

The application deadline is February 15 for those wishing to be considered for graduate assistantships for the following Fall. Late applications may be considered, but admission and financial support in the form of an assistantship are not guaranteed.

Applicant must

1. submit an application with the appropriate application fee (online at www.mtsu.edu/graduate/apply.php).
2. submit official scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing measures of the GRE that indicate potential for success in the Computational Science program. The GRE is an important measure and is given significant consideration in the admissions review process. Successful applicants typically have Verbal and Quantitative scores at or above the 50th percentile for persons intending graduate study in science with a combined V + Q score exceeding 297;
3. submit official transcripts showing a GPA in previous academic work that indicates potential for success in advanced study. Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.50 GPA in their graduate work or a minimum 3.00 GPA when entering with a bachelor’s degree. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a science discipline;
4. provide letters of recommendation from at least three professors or professionals that address the applicant’s potential to successfully complete a Ph.D. in the Computational Science program.

It is also strongly recommended that prospective students submit a one-page statement of their background and research interests as part of the application. The statement should include a short summary of experience in mathematics, computer programming, and in science along with the types of problems they hope to work on when they join the program.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Computational Science requires completion of a minimum of 72 semester hours.

In order to satisfy the minimum requirements for the degree, students must successfully

1. complete 48 hours of approved graduate core coursework composed of foundation, core, and elective courses;
2. complete 12 hours of directed research;
3. complete the qualifying exam before the end of the second year in the program;
4. complete 12 hours of dissertation research;
5. make at least two research presentations at regional, national, or international meetings as the lead or coauthor;
6. serve as lead author or make significant contributions of two articles published, in press, or under review in high quality, peer-reviewed journals;
7. make a significant contribution to the development of at least one external grant proposal in collaboration with an MTSU faculty member serving as principal investigator;
8. complete a dissertation, including the final oral defense.

Curriculum: Computational Science

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of directed research and a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be applied to degree requirements.

Program Notes

Applicants holding a master’s degree will be expected to have earned at least 21 semester hours of graduate mathematics, science, or engineering credit with evidence of strong mathematical skills and experience in computation through coursework, employment, and/or research experiences. Applicants applying from the baccalaureate level must have an appropriate science degree with evidence of strong mathematical skills and experience in computation through coursework, employment, and/or research experiences.

Students entering with a master’s degree in a mathematical, science, or engineering discipline may, on the recommendation of the program coordination committee and with the approval of the graduate dean, have up to 12 credit hours accepted from their master’s if it directly corresponds to coursework in the Computational Science curriculum. Students who are interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Mathematics or Computer Science while pursuing their Ph.D. will need to consult with the program director and the respective departments to understand the additional requirements.

Applicants lacking necessary foundational coursework in previous degrees will be required to complete some remedial courses as part of their program of study in addition to the degree requirements.

Candidate must

1. file a degree plan in the College of Graduate Studies prior to entry into the program;
2. file a Notice of Intent to Graduate form in the College of Graduate Studies within the first two weeks of the term in which candidate intends to graduate.