Modeling and Simulation (MS)

Program Overview

The UCF Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation equips students with expertise in constructing computer-based models of systems and processes. The program offers a transdisciplinary approach, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, healthcare, technology, and more. Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option, completing a culminating experience that showcases their research or professional skills. The program features a range of elective courses, providing students with specialization options tailored to their career goals.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The UCF School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in Modeling and Simulation. This program is considered transdisciplinary, designed for individuals seeking careers in various fields, including:

• Academia
• Government
• Military/Defense
• Healthcare/Medicine
• Entertainment
• Technology
• Education
• Service/Manufacturing
The program emphasizes the construction of human-centered, equipment-centered, and stand-alone computer-based models of existing and conceptual systems and processes.

Key Objectives:

• Provide a broad perspective of the developing simulation industry.
• Foster awareness of economic considerations within the simulation field.
• Equip students with the skills to evaluate human, organizational, equipment, and system performance through simulation output.
• Develop both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The program requires a total of 36 credit hours.
• Students can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option.
• The program includes core courses, unrestricted electives, and a culminating experience (thesis or non-thesis project).

Course Schedule:

• Required Courses (15 credits):
• COT 6571 - Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
• IDS 6147 - Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
• IDS 6145 - Simulation Techniques (3 credits)
• IDS 6267 - Understanding Humans for Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
• Thesis Option (6 credits):
• IDS 6262 - Research Design for Modeling and Simulation (3 credits)
• IDS 6971 - Thesis Research (3 credits)
• Non-Thesis Option (6 credits):
• IDS 6916 - Simulation Research Methods and Practicum (3 credits)
• Restricted Elective (3 credits)
• Unrestricted Electives (15 credits):
• At least 9 credit hours must be formal courses, including independent study (up to 6 credit hours).
• The remaining credit can be additional thesis (for thesis option students only), directed research, and additional courses as advised.

Modules:

The program offers a wide range of elective courses grouped by areas of focus or specialization. These are not exhaustive and are meant to guide students in selecting electives that align with their educational goals.

• General:
• ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods
• ESI 6891 - IEMS Research Methods
• IDS 5907 Independent Study
• IDS 5917 Directed Research
• IDS 6908 Independent Study
• IDS 6918 Directed Research
• IDS 6946 Internship
• IDS 7919 Doctoral Research
• PHI 5340 - Research Methods in the Cognitive Sciences
• PSY 6216C - Research Methodology
• STA 5205 - Experimental Design
• Fundamentals of Modeling and Simulation:
• EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction
• ESI 5219 - Engineering Statistics
• ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation
• ESI 6217 - Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation
• ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods
• ESI 6532 - Object-Oriented Simulation
• IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization
• IDS 6145 - Simulation Techniques
• IDS 6146 - Modeling and Simulation Systems
• IDS 6147 - Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation
• IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation
• IDS 6950 - Modeling and Simulation Capstone Report Planning
• Behavioral Cybersecurity:
• CAP 6133 - Advanced Topics in Computer Security and Computer Forensics
• CAP 6135 - Malware and Software Vulnerability Analysis
• CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks
• CJE 6688 - Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice
• CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture
• CNT 5410L - Cyber Operations Lab
• CNT 6519 - Wireless Security and Forensics
• COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• EEL 6785 - Computer Network Design
• EEL 6883 - Software Engineering II
• ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation
• EXP 5256 - Human Factors I
• EXP 6506 - Human Cognition and Learning
• IDC 5602 - Cybersecurity: A Multidisciplinary Approach
• IDC 6600 - Emerging Cyber Issues
• IDC 6601 - Behavioral Aspects of Cybersecurity
• IDS 6916 - Simulation Research Methods and Practicum
• INR 6365 - Seminar on Intelligence
• INR 6366 - The Intelligence Community
• PHI 6938 - ST: Digital Ethics
• STA 5825 - Stochastic Processes and Applied Probability Theory
• Human Systems:
• CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology
• CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans
• CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation
• DIG 6432 - Transmedia Story Creation
• DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning
• EIN 5248 - Ergonomics
• EIN 5317 - Training System Design
• EIN 6215 - System Safety Engineering and Management
• EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction
• EIN 6649C - Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design
• EME 6458 - Virtual Teaching and the Digital Educator
• EME 6507 - Multimedia for Education and Training
• EME 6601 - Instructional Simulation Design for Training and Education
• EME 6614 - Instructional Game Design for Training and Education
• EME 6646 - Instructional Game Design for Training and Education
• EXP 5208 - Sensation and Perception
• EXP 5256 - Human Factors I
• EXP 6255 - Human Performance
• EXP 6257 - Human Factors II
• EXP 6258 - Human Factors III
• EXP 6506 - Human Cognition and Learning
• EXP 6541 - Advanced Human Computer Interaction
• IDS 6148 - Human Systems Integration for Modeling and Simulation
• IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation
• PHI 5225 - Philosophy of Language
• PHI 5325 - Topics in Philosophy of Mind
• PHI 5327 - Topics in the Cognitive Sciences
• PHI 5329 - Philosophy of Neuroscience
• PSB 5005 - Physiological Psychology
• TTE 6270 - Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Computer Visualization:
• CAP 6411 - Computer Vision Systems
• CAP 6412 - Advanced Computer Vision
• CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation
• CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture
• COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• DIG 6605 - Physical Computing
• DIG 6647 - History and Theory of Dynamic Media
• EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory
• EEL 5820 - Image Processing
• EEL 5825 - Pattern Recognition and Learning from Big Data
• EEL 5874 - Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering
• EEL 6823 - Image Processing II
• EEL 6843 - Machine Perception
• EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction
• ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods
• IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization
• MAP 6118 - Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics
• MAP 5117 - Mathematical Modeling
• MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing
• Quantitative Methods for Simulation, Modeling and Analysis:
• CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation
• CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology
• CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks
• COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory
• EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence
• EIN 6528 - Simulation Based Life Cycle Engineering
• ESI 5306 - Operations Research
• ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation
• ESI 6217 - Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation
• ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods
• IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization
• IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation
• MAP 5117 - Mathematical Modeling
• MAP 6111 - Mathematical Statistics
• MAP 6118 - Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics
• MAP 6207 - Optimization Theory
• MAP 6385 - Applied Numerical Mathematics
• MAP 6407 - Integral Equations and the Calculus of Variations
• MAP 6408 - Perturbations and Asymptotic Methods
• MAP 6445 - Approximation Techniques
• MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing
• STA 5825 - Stochastic Processes and Applied Probability Theory
• STA 6236 - Regression Analysis
• STA 6246 - Linear Models
• STA 6326 - Theoretical Statistics I
• STA 6327 - Theoretical Statistics II
• STA 6329 - Statistical Applications of Matrix Algebra
• STA 6704 - Data Mining Methodology II
• STA 6714 - Data Preparation
• Simulation in Healthcare:
• CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology
• CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans
• CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation
• DIG 6647 - History and Theory of Dynamic Media
• DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning
• EEL 5820 - Image Processing
• EEL 6823 - Image Processing II
• EIN 6645 - Real-Time Simulation Agents
• ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation
• NGR 6717 - Introduction to Healthcare Simulation
• NGR 6771L - Healthcare Simulation Practicum
• NGR 6794 - Organizational Leadership and Operations in Healthcare Simulation
• NGR 6978 - Healthcare Simulation Capstone Project
• PHI 5329 - Philosophy of Neuroscience
• PSB 5005 - Physiological Psychology
• SPA 6417 - Cognitive/Communicative Disorders
• Interactive Simulation and Intelligent Systems:
• CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation
• CAP 5610 - Machine Learning
• CAP 5636 - Advanced Artificial Intelligence
• CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans
• CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation
• DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning
• EEL 5874 - Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering
• EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence
• EIN 5251 - Usability Engineering
• EIN 5255C - Interactive Simulation
• EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction
• EIN 6645 - Real-Time Simulation Agents
• EIN 6647 - Intelligent Simulation
• EIN 6649C - Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design
• EME 6613 - Instructional System Design
• ESI 6247 - Experimental Design
• IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation
• Simulation Infrastructure:
• CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans
• CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation
• CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture
• CDA 6107 - Parallel Computer Architecture
• CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks
• CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture
• COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• DIG 6605 - Physical Computing
• EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory
• EEL 6762 - Performance Analysis of Computer and Communication Systems
• EEL 6785 - Computer Network Design
• EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence
• EEL 6883 - Software Engineering II
• MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing
• Simulation Management:
• EIN 5108 - The Environment of Technical Organizations
• EIN 5140 - Project Engineering
• EIN 5356 - Cost Engineering
• EIN 6182 - Engineering Management
• EIN 6215 - System Safety Engineering and Management
• EIN 6339 - Operations Engineering
• EIN 6357 - Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis
• EIN 6528 - Simulation Based Life Cycle Engineering
• ESI 5227 - Total Quality Improvement
• ESI 6224 - Quality Management
• ESI 6358 - Decision Analysis
• ESI 6551 - Systems Engineering
• IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization
• IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation

Plan of Study:

• Students must submit a Graduate Plan of Study (GPS) before the end of their second term.
• The GPS should be developed with the student's faculty adviser or program director.
• All graduate program credit must be at the 5000-level or higher, with a minimum of 50% at the 6000- or 7000-level.

Culminating Experience:

• Students can complete their culminating experience once they have completed at least 24 credits of coursework, have an approved GPS, and have an advisory committee.
• Thesis Option:
• Students must select an adviser and form an advisory committee.
• The thesis defense is a formal oral presentation of the written project before the advisory committee.
• Non-Thesis Option:
• An advisory committee identifies a non-thesis capstone project, which is a professional portfolio highlighting the student's skills.
• The portfolio is graded "Pass" or "Fail."

Assessment:

• Thesis Option:
• The thesis and its defense are assessed by the advisory committee.
• A majority vote is required to pass, with no more than one dissenting vote.
• Non-Thesis Option:
• The professional portfolio is assessed by the advisory committee.
• The portfolio is graded "Pass" or "Fail."

Teaching:

• Faculty:
• Students work with faculty advisers to develop their GPS and select electives.
• The program director provides guidance and support.
• Teaching Methods:
• The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group projects, and independent research.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for careers in various fields, including academia, government, military/defense, healthcare/medicine, entertainment, technology, education, and service/manufacturing.
• Alumni of the program have both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation.

Other:

• Prerequisites:
• Students without this background are encouraged to take IDC 5570 (Introductory Mathematics for Modeling and Simulation).
• Time to Completion:
• Students have 7 years (21 semesters) to complete the program.
• Failure to comply with the "7-Year Rule" may result in dismissal from the program.
• Equipment Fee:
• Full-time students pay a $27 equipment fee each semester.
• Part-time students pay a $13.50 equipment fee each semester.
• Independent Learning:
• Thesis students complete their thesis as an independent learning experience.
• Non-thesis students complete a research project in IDS 6916 and submit an end-of-program portfolio.