Program Overview
The PhD program in Management Science and Engineering at China University of Petroleum (East China) traces its origins to the master’s program authorized in 1986. In 2003, the University established a doctoral sub-discipline in Petroleum Engineering Management under the first-level discipline of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering. The full doctoral degree in Management Science and Engineering was approved in 2011, followed by the establishment of a postdoctoral research station in 2012. In 2020, the discipline was selected as a Key Discipline with Distinctive Strengths in Shandong Province.
Leveraging the University’s academic excellence and industrial influence in energy—especially oil and gas—this discipline is oriented toward national macroeconomic policy, regional economic and social development, enterprise operations, and project management. Over the past three decades, the program has produced a number of high-impact academic and applied research outcomes in areas such as energy economic systems and policy analysis, operations and supply chain management, engineering and project management, and data-driven decision-making, forming a distinct energy-oriented academic advantage and an innovative talent development system.
Program Objectives
This program aims to cultivate high-level research professionals who are well-rounded in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor education. Graduates will demonstrate strong cmmunication and collaboration skills, critical thinking and innovation abilities, a sense of social responsibility, and a global perspective.
Focusing on the theoretical frontiers and practical challenges of management science, and aligned with China’s strategic needs in energy development and carbon neutrality, the program is designed to develop the following competencies:
A solid and broad-based theoretical foundation in management science and engineering;
Deep knowledge of the discipline’s cutting-edge developments and trends;
Keen insight and continuous innovation capability;
The ability to apply quantitative analysis models and methods to solve real-world management problems, particularly in the energy sector.
Research Areas
No | ResearchArea | Description & Strengths |
1 | Energy Economic Systems Management and Policy Analysis | Focuses on energy–environment–economy systems, addressing energy supply, transformation, transport, consumption, and policy. Combines systems modeling, evaluation, and optimization with methods from management science, economics, and public policy. |
2 | Operations and Supply Chain Management | Explores how innovation in supply chains and advances in information technologies reshape business environments and models. It addresses logistics, capital flow, and information flow under contexts such as sustainability, dual-carbon targets, e-commerce platforms, smart manufacturing, and corporate social responsibility, using methods like game theory, optimization, and empirical statistics. |
3 | Engineering and Project Management | Targets large-scale projects in oil & gas, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Examines financing, organization, cost control, scheduling, and risk management using systems and project management theories. |
4 | Data Science and Management | Applies data-driven methods to fields such as business intelligence, low-carbon management, emergency response, and engineering management. Focuses on data value, security, intelligent algorithms, and managerial decision-making. |
Study Format and Duration
The program combines coursework, independent research, and academic exchange, with individualized or team-based supervision models. It is offered as a full-time program.
The standard duration for regular PhD students is 4 years, with a maximum duration of 8 years.
For students entering directly from a bachelor’s degree, the standard duration is 6 years, with a maximum duration of 8 years.
