Chapman University

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 curriculum that leads to a D.Sc. degree. It is an innovative, cross-disciplinary program that focuses on the foundational pillars of the sciences. The D.Sc. is a research-focused degree that is usually offered in science-related fields. It is considered the academic equivalent of the more commonly awarded Ph.D., and also culminates in a doctoral dissertation. Following traditions dating back to Plato, the MPP program is grounded in the fundamental relationship between mathematics, philosophy, and the physical sciences. The MPP program acknowledges that achieving a more complete insight 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 within a vibrant intellectual culture. The successful student will be awarded a D.Sc. degree with emphasis in one of the three foundational disciplines and will also develop a deeper understanding of how their primary discipline interacts with and is informed by the 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 Doctoral Supervisor and interdisciplinary Research Committee, with the goal of enabling the student to produce high-quality and competitive doctoral research in their primary discipline. Fellowship Opportunities: The MPP Program will offer full funding (consisting of tuition waiver, non-tuition fellowship, and teaching salary as a Graduate Student Instructor) to four students for the 2024–2025 academic year. To be considered for fellowships, applications must be submitted by the priority deadline of January 15, 2024. Further applicants may be admitted with an offer of tuition fellowship only. Research Projects: The faculty of the MPP Program conduct research in a wide range of fields related to mathematics, philosophy, and physics. Some examples include: - History and philosophy of mathematics and logic - Universal algebra, lattice theory, residuated lattices, algebraic logic, substructural logics, enumerative combinatorics - Geometric theory of functions, number theory - Quantum information science, quantum computation, and the foundations of quantum physics Program Highlights: As you are considering graduate programs in mathematics, philosophy, or physics, consider what sets the MPP program at Chapman apart: - You will collaborate closely with faculty mentors in this program. Hands-on, innovative research and communication of the disciplines through effective teaching will play a central role. - The interdisciplinary and personalized nature of the program prepares students for employment in academia, private research centers, and public and private agencies. - Researchers whose work spans multiple disciplines are increasingly in demand in competitive job markets. Please contact Program Director Marco Panza (panza@chapman.edu) or Program Coordinator Lisa Beesley (beesley@chapman.edu) with any questions you may have.