Engineering Joint Doctoral Program

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or master's degree from an accredited institution and must meet the requirements for classified graduate admission to both SDSU and UCSD. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 for students with a B.S. and 3.5 for students with an M.S. degree is required.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required only for those applying to Structural Engineering with the following minimum scores:

• Quantitative: 159
• Verbal: 153
• Analytical Writing: 4.0
  
  

The GRE is required to have been taken within the last 5 years.

The GRE is not required, but is recommended for Mechanical and Aerospace, Electrical and Computer, and Bioengineering programs. 

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson English Language Test (PTE) is required for all international applicants who did not earn a degree from a university where the primary language of instruction is English with at least a 3.0 GPA. The GPA requirement also applies to international applicants who have or will complete a degree in the United States or another English-speaking country.  

Please note that the Duolingo language test is not accepted for the Engineering Joint Doctoral Program. Only the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE exams are accepted. 

TOEFL minimum score is 85 on the Internet Based Test (iBT). Other forms of the exam such as the iBT Home Edition are not accepted. 

IELTS minimum score is 7.

PTE minimum score is 65.

Duolingo is not accepted.

TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE tests must have been taken within the last 2 years to be accepted. 

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• Fall 2025 applications are closed. Applications were accepted from: 
  October 1, 2024 to December 1, 2024
• Fall 2026 applications will be accepted from:
  October 1, 2025 to December 1, 2025 

Spring, Summer, and Winter admissions are not offered. Late applications will not be reviewed. 

A complete application to the Engineering JDP includes:

1. Online California State University graduate application and
   Interfolio supplemental application both by December 1, 2024.
   
   a. On the California State University graduate application, select San Diego State University for campus and one of the four JDP engineering degrees:

   • Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering)
   • Engineering Sciences (Electrical and Computer)
   • Engineering Sciences (Mechanical and Aerospace)
   • Engineering Sciences (Structural)
     
     
2. Payment of application fee (This fee cannot be waived for international applicants)
3. Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended sent to SDSU for domestic applicants or to an approved evaluation service for international applicants. 
4. Official GRE (if applicable) and English language proficency scores (if applicable) sent to SDSU Graduate Admissions Office or uploaded to the application
5. Copy of all transcripts uploaded to SDSU supplemental application
6. Resume and statement of purpose uploaded to SDSU supplemental application
7. At least three letters of recommendation uploaded to SDSU supplemental application
8. Acceptance by an SDSU faculty member to serve as advisor with confirmation sent to SDSU Program Manager
9. Online UCSD graduate application 

Steps 1 and 2 are completed via the California State University graduate application and the Interfolio supplemental application. Documents may be added to each application until December 1. Documents received after this date will not be reviewed. 

Steps 3 is completed by following the transcript submission instructions posted by SDSU Graduate Admissions. 
Note: Any document submitted to SDSU cannot be returned. This includes personal copies of degree certificates and diplomas.

Step 4 is completed by sending official scores from ETS to SDSU (ETS Code: 4682). For more details on language test submission, see the next drop down section titled "International Transcript and English Proficiency Test Information".

Steps 5, 6, and 7 are completed by uploading documents to the SDSU Interfolio supplemental application. 

Step 8 is completed when the potential SDSU faculty advisor has informed the SDSU Program Manager of his or her acceptance of the applicant by email. Completing this step is required before an application will be reviewed. Applicants may contact faculty members directly to inquire about serving as their advisor. A listing of faculty, their research, and contact info can be found on each departmental website:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Step 10 is completed via the UCSD graduate application when istructed by the SDSU Program Manager (usually in January).  

Admission occurs when the applicant is formally accepted by the graduate admissions offices of both SDSU and UCSD, provided with an offer of admission from each, and then affirms their intent to enroll at both institutions.

For more information contact:

Donovan Geiger, Joint Doctoral Program Manager
Email: [email protected]

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Applicants who have attended institutions outside the United States have different document and submission requirements. Refer to the requirements here: 

Requirements by Country Listing

and

International Transcript Submission Instructions

In addition, all applicants (regardless of citizenship status) applying to the JDP from an international institution where the medium of instruction was not English or from an English-speaking instutution with less than a 3.0 GPA (including those in the United States) must submit one of the following as proof of English proficiency:

1. TOEFL minimum score of 85 iBT. Score can be sent electronically from Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the SDSU institution code: 4682. Test score must be from within the past two years.
2. IELTS minimum score of 7. Score report must be submitted directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.
3. PTE minimum score of 65. Score report must be submitted directly to the SDSU Graduate Admissions Office. Test score must be from within the past two years.
4. Official transcripts indicate the primary language of instruction is English.

Note that Duolingo is NOT accepted for the Engineering Joint Doctoral Program. In addition, official language scores may be uploaded directly into the application.  

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When a student is admitted to the Doctoral Program, the directors of the Engineering Joint Doctoral Program at SDSU and UCSD will appoint a three member Advising Committee consisting of at least one member from each institution.

It is the responsibility of this committee to develop in consultation with the student a course of study and plan of preparation for the Doctoral Qualifying Examination. The qualifying examination should be taken as soon as possible after the two years of study at the two institutions. Students with advanced standing may be capable of taking the exam earlier.

Upon the student's successful completion of the examination, the Advising Committee will recommend the membership of the student's Doctoral Committee, which upon appointment, will supersede the Advising Committee and be responsible for the student's program of study and dissertation research. The Doctoral Committee will consist of five members, two are the faculty advisers (co-chairs of the committee) and the other three may be from either SDSU or UCSD with at least one being from a department outside the student's research area.

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The normative time for the Engineering Doctoral Program is five years. The regulations concerning the normative time are described in the SDSU and UCSD general catalogs and are initiated at the time the student is admitted to the program. Students are expected to make continuous, satisfactory progress and to remain in good standing at both institutions while enrolled.

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering Science (Aerospace and Mechanical), Engineering Science (Bioengineering), Engineering Science (Electrical and Computer), or Engineering Science (Structural) are awarded jointly by the Trustees of The California State University and the Regents of the University of California.

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The laboratories of the engineering departments involved in the program are fully equipped for modern research in different areas of engineering science. Major items include sub- and supersonic wind tunnels, a low speed water channel, shake tables, an acoustic visualization system, soil mechanics laboratory, powder technology laboratory, microelectromechanical laboratory, and a biodynamics laboratory. Research support, machine shops, and numerous computational facilities are also available; SDSU is also a member of the regional CRAY Supercomputer Consortium and is the only participant in The California State University System.

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As of fall 2024, JDP tuition per year at SDSU is:

California resident:
Basic tuition: $4,416 ($2,208 per semester)
Mandatory fees: $2,644 ($1,322 per semester)
Total per year: $7,060 

Non-resident/foreign:
Basic tuition: $4,416 ($2,208 per semester)
Non-resident tuition: $5,040 ($2,520 per semester)
Mandatory fees: $2,644 ($1,322 per semester)
Total per year: $12,100

Please note that international students who enter the program on an F-1 visa cannot convert to resident status for the purpose of tuition during their time in the program even if residency is granted for another purpose. Foreign tuition classification will remain for the duration of studies. 

Tuition waivers are competitive and limited. If granted, tuition waivers are issued for one year at a time and not guaranteed to renew. Tuition waivers only cover fall and spring semesters and do not cover summer or winter terms. Applicants are advised to have appropriate financial savings to cover tuition costs for the duration of their studies.

Students should be aware that tuition waivers do not cover mandatory student fees. As of fall 2024, they total $1,322 per semester. Students must be prepared to cover these fees unless prior arrangements have been made with their adviser.

Apart from tuition costs, faculty advisers strive to provide adequate financial support for their students so that full time can be devoted to research and graduate level study. Graduate and research assistantships are approximately $27,500 per year but do not include benefits such as healthcare which students must purchase on their own. 

San Diego has a very high cost of living, particulary with housing, and applicants should calculate anticipated costs to support their desired standard of living before attending.

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San Diego is located on the coast of southern California, about two hours south of Los Angeles by car. San Diego is a major metropolitan city with over 1.3 million residents, making it the 2nd largest city in California and the 8th largest in America. It is home to many beaches, mountains, and a year-round Mediterranean-style climate. San Diego also supports a vibrant economy and world-class entertainment, historical, and sporting venues.

SDSU is located about 10 minutes east (by car) from downtown San Diego and is served by the San Diego Trolley and several bus lines. UCSD is located about 15 minutes north by car of downtown San Diego and is served by several bus lines and a local university shuttle.

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The cost of living in San Diego is very high being in the top 10 most expensive cities in the US and top 20 most expensive cities in the world. Housing costs (rent, utilities, and taxes) are exceptionally high. As of June 2024, A small 1 bedroom apartment rents for an average of $2,800 a month, a 2 bedroom for over $3,700 a month, and a 3 bedroom for over $5,000 a month. Rental prices are expected to increase every year. 

The cost of food, transportation, and entertainment are also well above the national average. As of June 2024, average gas (petrol) price is the most expensive in the US at over $5.35 a gallon (national average is $3.40 a gallon). Be sure to plan accordingly to maintain your desired standard of living. 

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Applicant should inquire with potential SDSU advisers regarding funding. It can vary from adviser to adviser and their sources of funding which typically comes in the form of a graduate or research assistantship.

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Typically the first two years will be spent primarily at UCSD as students complete a full load of coursework which is on average 2 courses per quarter for a total of 9 to 12 courses. However, some time will be spent in SDSU labs working on research or other tasks at the direction of advisers.

This will shift after the completion of coursework where time is mostly spent in labs at SDSU completing research. However, students always have access to both institutions (labs, facilities, libraries, etc) and go back and forth as needed.

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Absolutely. JDP participants are students at both SDSU and UCSD for the duration of their studies. In fact, it is mandatory that students remain enrolled in units at both institutions every quarter/semester. If regular coursework is complete, students will enroll in research units.

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Some activities are program requirements such as annual orientation/information sessions and the annual JDP Research Symposium. Advisers may require their students to participate in other events such as conferences, symposia, and meetings. There are also optional social events, mixers, and associations that students may attend.

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As of fall 2024, there are 67 students enrolled in the Engineering Joint Doctoral Program:

• 36 in Mechanical and Aerospace
• 24 in Electrical and Computer
• 4 in Bioengineering
• 3 in Structural

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The SDSU application fee cannot be waived by state regulation. However, the UCSD application fee is waived for all Engineering Joint Doctoral Program applicants.

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At SDSU, contact your SDSU adviser to be added to the permission list and for the course ID to enroll in 6 units of ENGR 897 (Research) each semester. You must be enrolled in exactly 6 units at SDSU. If your adviser instructs you to enroll in a regular course, select the appropriate number of research units so your total unit count equals 6. In the semester (or summer term) you submit your dissertation and intend to graduate, you must enroll in 6 units of ENGR 899 (Dissertation). This is required and failure to do so may result in your graduation being delayed to the next term. If you are enrolling in ENGR 899 over the summer, you must contact the SDSU Program Manager for approval and to be added to the permission list. 

At UCSD, contact your UCSD faculty adviser and they will set up your course plan for the first two years. Normally, JDP students take 2 courses per quarter. After completing your regular course plan, you must enroll in at least 1 unit of research every quarter or units as directed by your adviser or departmental doctoral coordinator. If you are having technical difficulties with the enrollment process, consult with the department doctoral coordinator.

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• Preliminary Exam:
  • Usually held at the end of the 2nd year of study.
  • Contact your UCSD Departmental Doctoral Coordinator for the appropriate forms, committee setup/approval, and to reserve a conference room.
• Qualifying Exam (also called Senate Exam):
  
  • Usually held at the end of the 4th year of study.
  • Contact your UCSD Departmental Doctoral Coordinator to complete the appropriate forms, committee reconfirmation/approval, and to reserve a conference room.
  • Contact SDSU Engineering JDP Program Manager Donovan Geiger to setup the JDP-3 form for your committee. You will need to include your committee members (chair/co-chair designated), their email addresses, your SDSU ID and UCSD PID, and exam date. This form is sent electronically via AdobeSign and when complete, you will receive a copy via your SDSU email.
• Final Exam (also called Defense or Dissertation):
  
  • Usually held at the end of the 5th year of study.
  • Contact your UCSD Departmental Doctoral Coordinator to complete the appropriate forms, reconfirm/approve your committee, reserve a conference room, and advertise your defense.
  • Contact SDSU JDP Program Manager Donovan Geiger to setup the JDP-5 form for your committee. You will need to include your committee members (chair/co-chair designated), their email addresses, your SDSU ID and UCSD PID, and exam date. This form is sent electronically via AdobeSign and when complete, you will receive a copy via your SDSU email.

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Graduation is not automatic. You must apply to graduate and pay associated fees at both SDSU and UCSD. If you apply to graduate at SDSU, but need to push your graduation (for example from the spring to summer), you will need to complete the Graduation Cancellation Request eform to roll it forward. Please be aware that tuition waivers do not cover summer term enrollment. For UCSD graduation process, contact your UCSD departmental doctoral coordinator. 

Inform your UCSD Departmental Doctoral Coordinator of your anticipated graduation date, complete any required forms, and to inquire about the dissertation publishing process.

Inform the SDSU College of Graduate Studies Doctoral Coordinator Pat Walls ([email protected]) of your anticipated graduation date, complete any required forms, and to inquire about the publishing process (more info below).

Contact SDSU Engineering JDP Program Manager Donovan Geiger to arrange participation in the SDSU Engineering commencement ceremony held each year in May.

More details on graduate student announcements and deadlines and Ph.D. Dissertation Publication Steps.

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• Bioengineering: Vanessa Hollingsworth; [email protected]
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: Angelica McAllister; [email protected]
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Krista Meinke; [email protected]
• Structural Engineering: [email protected]

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Residency for the purpose of tuition information along with contact details for requesting a determination can be found here: https://registrar.sdsu.edu/students/additional_resources_students/residency_information

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Yes, there is the Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (GSHIP). More information about this program can be found here: https://grad.sdsu.edu/current_grad_students/gship

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No, students in the JDP are not awarded a master's degree at any point during the program of study. 

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