TTP Program Requirements
General Program Requirements
We in TTP want to provide access for all promising persons who are seriously interested in advanced transportation technologies, transportation planning, policy analysis, and management. The admissions requirements are therefore relatively unconstrained. The program is in part designed to facilitate shifts in careers and educational goals, both for individuals just completing undergraduate (and Master’s) programs and young professionals with no university training in transportation but working in the field.
Two courses in calculus, one course in linear algebra, and single upper-division (with calculus) courses in probability/statistics and microeconomics are required prerequisites. Any deficiencies in the prerequisites may be met after enrollment (consult with your advisor for specific courses consistent with your interests), but these courses will not be counted towards the degree. Students entering the technology track will need either to have an appropriate technical background or to make up a relatively large number of prerequisite courses in order to be able to take the "approved" courses in that track.
There is no foreign language requirement, although the student's faculty advisory committee may recommend such preparation to students whose career goals may require a reading ability in one or more foreign languages.
The Group offers MS and PhD degrees in Transportation Technology and Policy, and students will have the option of following either a technology or policy/management track. The Master's degree is designed to take one to two years. MS students may follow either Plan I (thesis option) or Plan II (exam option). The PhD degree will require completion of course requirements and a dissertation. The normative time for a PhD is 4 years.
Our program requires the completion of a master's degree in a subject related to transportation before completion of the PhD. Since the coursework requirements for an MS in TTP are a subset of those for the PhD in TTP, this could be as "simple" as taking the comprehensive exam for the MS after completing the required coursework. If you do not currently have an MS in a related subject, you should apply for the MS, while noting in your personal statement that you wish to pursue the PhD. You will be admitted to the MS program, and at some point you will 'Petition to Change Degree Objective' to the PhD. Assuming we agree to admit you to the PhD program, that petition will be approved but with the requirement that the current degree objective (the MS) be completed first.
The TTP curriculum is designed to create a truly interdisciplinary program that bridges technology and policy while emphasizing environmental concerns. The curriculum is designed to provide core knowledge and skills while ensuring rigor and enabling flexibility.
- All students in the program take three courses that provide an essential foundation of knowledge: Transportation Technology, Transportation Policy, and Transportation Systems.
- Students take a number of courses (3 for master's students, 4 for PhD students) intended to build critical skills in the areas of research design, economics, and modeling and methods. For these courses, students may choose specific courses that best meet their educational objectives, with the approval of their major professor and program committee.
- All students must also register for the ITS seminar every quarter for 2 years and for some number of research units every quarter for the entire program. First year students must register for the Transportation Orientation seminar in the fall and the Leadership, Professionalism, and Ethics seminar (if offered) in the spring; more advanced students may also re-enroll in the latter course. The seminars and research requirement provide students with an opportunity to broaden their knowledge of transportation and to integrate the knowledge and skills they gain in their different courses. Exceptions will be made for cases of unavoidable course conflicts. These courses are all graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis and do not count toward the total units required for the degree.
- Students may choose a number of electives to round out their individual programs. Several courses are recommended for students wishing to specialize in either technology or policy. Students may also choose other courses with the consent of their major professor and program committee.
Degree Requirements
MS students are required to complete 36 total units. For students choosing the thesis option, 6 of those units are for thesis research. For students choosing the exam option, all 36 of those units are for courses. MS students must complete 6 core courses. Beyond the core requirements, students may choose electives from the approved list of courses for the TTP program. At least 2/3 of all credits must be at the graduate level.
Program of Study (MS) Form (pdf) - About this form
PhD students are required to complete 54 total units (including units completed toward a relevant MS). PhD students must complete 7 core courses, as well as at least three additional technology or policy courses in the chosen track and one additional course in the alternate track. As a part of their three policy electives, policy students are encouraged to complete one policy process course and one policy evaluation course. Beyond the core requirements, students may choose electives the approved list of courses for the TTP program. At least 2/3 of all credits must be at the graduate level.
Program of Study (PhD) Form (pdf) - About this form
PhD students must also pass the TTP PhD Qualifying Examination. Read more about this [pdf].