Programs : Doctoral : FAQs
The following are commonly asked questions and answers about the SDSU-UCSB joint doctoral program.
Nature of the Program
Q. Why is the program conducted jointly between SDSU and UCSB?
A. First, the joint program enables students to have access to and exploit the excellent faculties and facilities of two of the stronger research-oriented Geography departments in the U.S. The second and more pragmatic reason is that California law does not allow departments within the California State University (such as SDSU) to offer a standalone doctoral program. Thus, even though SDSU Geography matches or exceeds research publication and funding rates of many of the Top Ten ranked Geography doctoral programs in the U.S., it is not legally able to offer a Ph.D. degree on its own.
Q. What are the disadvantages of the Joint Doctoral program?
A. The only substantial disadvantage is that students in the Joint Doctoral program are required to be in residence for at least one academic year at both universities. San Diego and Santa Barbara are separated by approximately 200 miles.
Q. Doesn't UCSB have a doctoral program in Geography?
A. Yes, UCSB Geography is well known as one of the top Ph.D. granting departments in the World. The program is particularly known for its strengths in quantitative and computational approaches to spatial analysis and earth system science.