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Simulation and Design

Ph.D.

Home » All Programs » Simulation and Design
Simulation technologies are vital to predicting and planning for successful outcomes in business and technological advancement.

» Program Overview

There has been a growing reliance on the use of simulation and design in all areas of science and technology thanks to the powerful computational tools developed in recent years and the synergies evolving among disciplines, specifically between engineering, health sciences, business, and all areas of science and technology.

LTU, with its 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 to work with Ph.D. students to pioneer advancements in simulation and simulation-driven design and foster interdisciplinary research that drives innovation and creates transformative solutions to global challenges.

This innovative Ph.D. program in Simulation and Design provides access to Ph.D.-level research in all areas of study within our university that fall under the umbrella of simulation and design. Introducing the Ph.D. in Simulation and Design aligns directly with LTU’s single-minded view toward academic reputation, technology, innovation, and interdisciplinary goals.

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, 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.

» Potential Research Areas

  • Business Simulation:
    • Predictive analytics for business decision-making
    • Market and economic forecasting through simulation
    • Financial modeling and risk analysis
    • Operations research and supply chain simulation
    • Business intelligence and AI-driven modeling
  • IT Simulation:
    • Network performance and security threat modeling
    • Cloud computing and cybersecurity resilience simulations
    • AI-driven simulation for decision support
    • Digital twin technologies for enterprise applications
    • Blockchain and FinTech simulation environments
  • Entrepreneurship Simulation:
    • Value chain analysis and emerging industries
    • Simulation-driven economic development decision-making
    • Technology commercialization and innovation diffusion modeling
    • Startup ecosystem simulations and venture capital dynamics
    • Policy modeling for sustainable entrepreneurship

Contact

Minakhi (Mina) Jena, Director of Business Programs

mjena@ltu.edu
248.204.3071

» Why LTU?

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:

  • Industry Collaboration – Engage with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and research institutions through LTU’s extensive corporate network.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities – Access advanced simulation labs, supercomputing resources, and specialized business analytics tools.
  • Interdisciplinary Research Hub – Work alongside experts in engineering, health sciences, and AI, leveraging LTU’s commitment to cross-disciplinary innovation.
  • Career Acceleration – LTU’s focus on applied research prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, consulting, and industry-driven R&D.
SEMINAR coding talking
future technology and communication Abstract background of an internet concept, 5G connectivity in the future. Internet concept for 5G.

» Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements for admission to the program:

  • Submit a research statement describing the area(s) within the broad field of simulation and design specific to this College that interests you. Be as detailed as possible how your interest fits within the areas of research listed above for this College.
  • Hold a BS or MS degree in a technical or appropriately related field from an accredited program or international equivalent. An applicant with a BS degree may require more preparatory course prior to sitting for the Qualifying Examination than an applicant with an MS degree.
  • Have excellent academic credentials with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Submit a resume that validates an aptitude for Ph.D.-level research (e.g., through publications, portfolios, and/or on-site or electronically mediated interviews).
  • Provide at least three letters of recommendation attesting to your aptitude, character, and work ethic.
  • Submit a completed application packet to Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline.
  • Meet University requirements for the demonstration of English proficiency. For international students, the following apply: IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79, Duolingo: 105.

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.