Modeling and Simulation Graduate Study

PREMIER LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Very few universities in the world have a dedicated modeling and simulation program. UCF offers a truly transdisciplinary graduate studies program by integrating disciplines from multiple colleges and allowing students to discover the full potential of the technology. UCF awards Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees, as well as a graduate certificate in M&S. Students customize their learning experience based on educational and career needs, interests and goals.

Through strong, long-standing partnerships with private industry and government, the program opens doors to real-world industry projects and new career opportunities.

START A THRIVING CAREER

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Modeling and simulation (M&S) is a growing field with career opportunities across government and the private sector. Every day more industries are turning to M&S to solve challenging problems and bring value to their organizations. M&S takes us beyond the limits of the tangible world – combining cutting-edge technology with art and science to help solve some of the most important issues of our day.

FIND A FULLY IMMERSIVE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE AT UCF

Nationally recognized for its prestigious modeling and simulation program, the University of Central Florida (UCF) School of Modeling, Simulation and Training (SMST) was one of the first M.S. and Ph.D. programs in M&S. The school is unique because it provides a fully immersive M&S learning experience – one of the few in the nation that takes advantage of an interdisciplinary teaching and research approach.

ASSISTANTSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS OFFER A STIPEND AND TUITION FUNDING TO TOP APPLICANTS.

BOLD RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

SMST operates leading, internationally recognized research facilities dedicated to advancing the M&S field and providing learning opportunities for its students. The Institute for Simulation & Training (IST) employs a large number of researchers and support personnel in computer modeling and virtual, augmented and mixed reality research for defense and commercial applications. Founded in 1982, today it is exploring some of the most advanced M&S research concepts in the world. From basic desktop interaction to full immersion in computer-generated environments, IST is proving the impossible is, in fact, possible.

SOME MS&T RESEARCH SUPPORTED AT UCF

• Emergency, medical and healthcare simulations

• 3D, VR, AR, XR

• Systems modeling & optimization

• Robotics

• Behavioral cybersecurity

• Intelligent tutoring

• Human factors, cognition, and artificial intelligence

VIBRANT MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY

UCF SMST is nestled in Orlando’s Research Corridor – a hub for national and global technology initiatives – located in a city known for welcoming the world.

Students of the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) graduate program enjoy academic, research, and professional partnerships with practitioners from the School, the University and the Research Corridor.

UCF has a rich and diverse student population and recruits students from all over the world. SMST welcomes international student applicants and recognizes that their multicultural perspectives expand the academic diversity of its classes and laboratories. Its helps global organizations provide high-caliber educational opportunities to their employees and constituents. The M&S graduate program has been internationally recognized.

MODELING & SIMULATION DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (P h .D.)

Modeling and simulation (M&S) is a growing field with career opportunities across government and the private sector. It combines cutting-edge technology with art and science to help solve some of the most important issues of our day. Advance your career with a Ph.D. degree from University of Central Florida School of Modeling, Simulation and Training (UCF SMST).

EARNING A P h .D.

Students acquire diverse training that prepares them for pivotal roles in academia, government and industries, including defense, service and hospitality, entertainment and manufacturing. Graduates of UCF’s M&S program also teach and conduct research at academic institutions throughout the world.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

(Fall Admission Only)

• Official transcript from each institution attended

• Official competitive GRE scores, taken within the last five years

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Goal statement

• Three letters of recommendation

• International applicants only: transcript evaluation and minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

• Deepen your knowledge and training in modeling and simulation

• Bridge M&S theory and application for better insight into technical problems

• Increase marketability, employment stability and career opportunities

CURRICULUM

Core Coursework (72 credit hours after the bachelor degree)

• Core Courses (15 credit hours)

• Elective Courses (42 credit hours)

• Dissertation (15 credit hours)

Degree Milestones

• Qualifying Exam

• Candidacy Exam

• Dissertation Defense

CO RE CLASSES (15 CREDITS)

ALL REQUIRED (Substitutions are rarely granted)

IDS6147 Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation

IDS6267 Understanding Humans in Modeling and Simulation

COT6571 Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation

IDS6145 Simulation Techniques

IDS6262 Research Design for Modeling and Simulation

ELECTIVE CLASSES (42 CREDITS)

DEGREE FOUNDATIONAL MILESTONES

• CITI training and RCR seminars

(Can be completed while taking core coursework)

• Qualifying examination

(Upon completion of core coursework)

MODELING AND SIMULATION-SPECIFIC ELECTIVE: 3 credits

UNRESTRICTED ELECTIVES: 39 credits

All Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. students must take at least three credit hours of modeling and simulation-specific elective coursework, then select their remaining elective classes to support their research and professional goals. Students are expected to choose electives to develop areas of specialization and are advised by their faculty adviser and/or program director to develop an effective plan of study.

Students entering the doctoral program with an earned graduate degree have the option to transfer up to 30 credits from that degree as electives to their plan of study. This requires program review and approval.

POPULAR AREAS OF STUDY

Digital Twins

Behavioral Cybersecurity

Data Visualization

Human Systems/Human-Computer Interaction

Instructional and Training Simulation

Simulation Infrastructure

Simulation in Government and Military

Simulation in Healthcare and Medicine

Simulation Management

Simulation Modeling, Analysis and Optimization

Interactive Simulation & Intelligent Systems

DISSERTATION (15 CREDITS)

IDS7980 DISSERTATION RESEARCH

DEGREE CAPSTONE MILESTONES

• Develop dissertation committee and submit for university approval before the candidacy examination

• Candidacy examination: can be taken within six credits of coursework completion

Degree requirements dictate a student must take a minimum of 15 dissertation credits. A student is required to remain enrolled in dissertation credits until they complete the project. Students are expected to submit research for publications and presentations by this point in their study.

Students undertake an independent-research projects, guided by a faculty committee. Students develop, perform, and write about their research in a publication-quality project, which is then presented to the university community for approval.

DEGREE COMPLETION MILESTONES

• Defend final dissertation project to faculty committee and the public

• Submit committee-endorsed dissertation for approval and publication by the university

TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE: 72

GHAITH RABADI, PH.D. PROGRAM DIRECTOR KIRSTEN SEITZ PROGRAM COORDINATOR

MODELING & SIMULATION MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

Modeling and simulation (M&S) is a growing field with career opportunities across government and the private sector. It combines cutting-edge technology with art and science to help solve some of the most important issues of our day. Open doors to new career possibilities with a Master of Science (MS) degree from University of Central Florida School of Modeling, Simulation and Training (UCF SMST).

EARNING A MASTER OF SCIENCE

Graduates with a M.S. degree develop expertise in modeling approaches, human factors, computing infrastructure and visual representation. Students solve complex problems by building simulation models, designing and carrying out experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, validating their work and managing M&S programs throughout the world.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

(Fall & Spring Admissions Only)

• Official transcripts from each college/university attended

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae

• Goal statement

• Two letters of recommendation

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

• Deepen your knowledge and training in modeling and simulation

• Improve technical competency for M&S specialists

• Access a cost-effective educational program

• International applicants only: transcript evaluation and minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores

CO RE CLASSES (15 CREDITS)

FOUNDATIONAL (Take all)

IDS6147 Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation

IDS6267 Understanding Humans in Modeling and Simulation

COT6571 Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation

IDS6145 Simulation Techniques

RESEARCH (Choose one)

IDS6262 Research Design for Modeling and Simulation (for thesis students)

IDS6916 Simulation Research Methods and Practicum (for portfolio students)

ELECTIVE CLASSES (9-15 CREDITS, BASED ON CULMINATING EXPERIENCE)

MODELING AND SIMULATION-SPECIFIC ELECTIVE: 3 CREDITS

THESIS STUDENTS: ADDITIONAL 6 CREDITS

PORTFOLIO STUDENTS: ADDITIONAL 12 CREDITS

All Master of Science (M.S.) students must take at least three credit hours of modeling and simulation-specific elective coursework, then select their remaining elective classes to support their research and professional goals. Students are advised by their faculty adviser and/or program director to develop an effective plan of study.

POPULAR AREAS OF STUDY

Digital Twins

Behavioral Cybersecurity

Data Visualization

Human Systems/Human-Computer Interaction

Instructional and Training Simulation

Simulation Infrastructure

Simulation in Government and Military

Simulation in Healthcare and Medicine

Simulation Management

Simulation Modeling, Analysis and Optimization

Interactive Simulation & Intelligent Systems

CULMINATING EXPERIENCE (15 CREDITS)

THESIS

IDS6971 THESIS RESEARCH 6 CREDITS

Students undertake an independent research project, guided by a faculty committee. Students develop, perform, and write about their research in a publication-quality project, which is then presented to the university community for approval.

PORTFOLIO STUDENTS (NONTHESIS)

Students prepare a professional-level portfolio of their work. The portfolio showcases skills acquired by the student’s coursework, as well as projects they have developed academically and professionally. The portfolio is presented to a modeling and simulation program committee for review and approval.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CREDITS REQUIRED FOR DEGREE: 30

GHAITH RABADI PH.D., PROGRAM DIRECTOR KIRSTEN SEITZ, PROGRAM COORDINATOR