Focus: Business and Information Technology
There has been a growing reliance on the use of simulation and design in all areas of science and technology thanks to powerful computational tools developed in recent years and the blurring lines between disciplinary areas, specifically between architecture, urban design, engineering, health sciences, business, and all areas of science and technology. As a technological university, LTU realizes the importance of readying professionals for this emergence and is proud to announce an innovative and strongly interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Simulation and Design.
LTU, with its five colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences and the varied expertise of its highly qualified faculty, is uniquely positioned work with Ph.D. students to pioneer advancements in simulation and simulation-driven design in all academic disciplines and foster interdisciplinary research that drives innovation and creates transformative solutions to global challenges.
The vast variety of interdisciplinary applications of simulation and design underscores the opportunities for students interested in an intensive research-focused Ph.D. program that equips graduates in and across all academic disciplines with the skills to harness simulation and design to lead the next wave of technological advancements for solutions to the world’s challenges.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, simulation and design are transforming how organizations strategize, operate, and innovate. Business simulations provide a powerful tool for modeling dynamic market conditions, optimizing supply chain logistics, and assessing financial risk. Through advanced simulation techniques, companies can explore multiple scenarios, refine decision-making processes, and enhance operational resilience—without real-world consequences.
The role of simulation in information technology (IT) is equally critical. From cybersecurity threat modeling to AI-driven decision support systems, IT professionals leverage simulation to predict, analyze, and optimize complex systems. By simulating network performance, software behavior, and emerging cyber threats, organizations can proactively enhance security, improve system efficiency, and mitigate risks before implementation.
Beyond traditional business and IT applications, simulation is also revolutionizing entrepreneurship and economic development. By integrating value chain analysis, researchers can model the economic and technological feasibility of emerging industries, such as energy storage, to inform state and regional decision-making. Simulation-driven tools can support policy modeling, startup ecosystem dynamics, and venture capital allocation, equipping leaders with data-driven insights to drive sustainable growth and innovation.
With a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, computational modeling, and strategic foresight, the College of Business and Information Technology’s (CoBIT’s) approach to Simulation and Design research prepares Ph.D. students to lead in fields where predictive analytics and optimization shape the future of business, technology, and entrepreneurship.
At Lawrence Technological University, our Ph.D. in Simulation and Design stands apart through its interdisciplinary approach, industry-driven curriculum, and hands-on research opportunities. Situated in the heart of the Midwest’s technology and business ecosystem, LTU fosters a unique collaboration between academia and industry, enabling Ph.D. candidates to tackle real-world challenges through applied simulation research.
Our CoBIT faculty brings expertise and research mentorship in business analytics, FinTech, cybersecurity, and AI-driven decision-making. Our emphasis on computational modeling ensures that graduates emerge as thought leaders prepared to drive innovation in corporate, technological, and academic landscapes as the next generation of scholar-academics.
Ph.D. students at LTU also benefit from:


Minimum requirements for admission to the program:
Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom
From Computer
Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone
To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera