The Doctor of Science in Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physics (MPP) is a post-master’s-level doctoral program consisting of 54 credits to be completed over a three-year research-focused curriculum that leads to a D.Sc. degree (a research degree equivalent to a Ph.D.). It is an innovative, cross-disciplinary program that focuses on the foundational pillars of the sciences.
Following traditions dating back to Plato, the program emphasizes the fundamental relationship between mathematics, philosophy, and the physical sciences. The MPP program acknowledges that achieving a more complete understanding requires not only mastering depth within a particular discipline but also exploring the broader context and mutual influences between all three fundamental disciplines.
The MPP program encourages strong and authentic interdisciplinary collaboration with a vibrant intellectual culture. The successful student will be awarded a D.Sc. degree with an emphasis in one of the primary foundational disciplines and will also develop a deeper understanding of how their primary discipline interacts with and is informed by cross-disciplinary connections to the other disciplines.
The curriculum contains selected didactic courses, which serve to train students in research and communication skills common to all three disciplines. The remaining research credits are personalized to each student’s background in close collaboration with their primary adviser and interdisciplinary thesis committee, with the goal of enabling the student to produce high-quality and competitive doctoral research in their primary discipline.
Students will graduate well-prepared for their future career goals, with a D.Sc. degree that is recognized as fully equivalent to a Ph.D. in both the academic and industrial job sectors.
Admission to the program and prerequisites
A master’s degree in math, philosophy, physics, or a related discipline is required prior to the start of the program. Admission will depend on the relationship between the student’s goals and the program’s objectives as well as the likelihood that the student will benefit from the program.
Admission to the program may be achieved by the completion of the following requirements:
- Online application for admission (which includes a $60 non-refundable application fee).
- Official transcripts from degree conferring institution(s) including all post-baccalaureate graduate coursework and advanced degree (if applicable).
- Statement of intent: a 750-word essay in which applicants are expected to address topics they are interested in and how they envision continuing their research in those areas in the MPP program.
- Three letters of recommendation (if possible, from recommenders who all are external to Chapman).
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A writing sample in the form of a published or forthcoming paper, an article, a master’s thesis or dissertation, or a similar representative piece of writing.
International Application Requirements
In addition to the above, international applicants must submit the results of an English Language Test if their degree was awarded from an institution in which the language of instruction is not English. Because our programs are taught completely in English and the classroom experience will require mastery of the English language in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), we require all our students to have the appropriate English language competency. Chapman does not have an ESL program for international students on campus; international students who are non-native English speakers need to demonstrate English proficiency at the time of admission.
Applicants who have completed their degree (Bachelor and Graduate) at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction must submit minimum scores from one of the following English language exams:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 600 (PBT) or 100 (iBT) (Institution Code: 4047)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): 68
- Cambridge English Advanced Exam (CAE): Level C1
Exam scores must come directly from the testing agency to Chapman University and have been taken within two years of the date of application.
Official Transcripts and Diplomas in a Language other than English
Your application requires official transcripts in both the native language and in English. If your university does not provide translations of your transcript, you will need to have your transcript translated, line-by-line and word-for-word exactly, and submit both the official transcript and the official translation.
If your university only provides one official transcript, you will need to submit a notarized copy. Have certified copies of your official transcript made and translated into English if needed. These documents should be stamped by the legal notary who made the copy and/or translation. We do not accept uncertified copies directly from students. Please note that official documents will be required upon acceptance.
While your diploma that officially documents the conferral of a master’s degree will not be required at the time that you submit your application, your later enrollment into Chapman University will be dependent upon the submission of your official diploma. Should you be admitted, your diploma will need to be submitted in both the native language and in English. If your university provides only one official diploma in a language other than English, you will need to submit both the original diploma and a line-by-line, word-for-word translation, if required.
GPA Evaluation
Once your transcripts are received, Chapman University will conduct an in-house evaluation of your credentials to determine your U.S. equivalent GPA.
Supplemental Application for International Students
The International Supplemental Application is the financial certification form that provides comprehensive information about your passport, I-20 requirements, and financial support for your studies. This form is required for F-1 student visa applicants. Should you be admitted into our program, you will be sent information on how to access the Supplemental Application.
If you hold a U.S. passport, or are a permanent resident, you do not need to submit this document. You will apply as a domestic student.
Requirements for the D.Sc. in Mathematics, Philosophy, and Physics degree
Students pursuing the D.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics, and Philosophy are held to the University’s Academic Policies and Procedures .
In addition, these specific degree standards apply:
- Completion of the 54-credit curriculum outlined below.
- Minimum grade “B” or above required in all coursework.
The 54-credit curriculum consists of didactic coursework (12 credits), graduate colloquia (15 credits), research (24 credits), and viva/dissertation defense (3 credits), structured as follows:
- Didactic Courses (12 credits): These courses provide a common foundation for conducting research in the student’s chosen primary and secondary disciplines.
- Graduate Colloquia (15 credits)
- Research (24 credits): Research credits for work on the doctoral dissertation are specialized and extremely personalized credits that match the specific research topics of interest to the student and the faculty members of their Research Committee.
- Dissertation defense/viva (3 credits)
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