Home:Degree Programs:

Modeling and Simulation


		Description

		Degrees Offered

		Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation

			Admission Requirements

			Degree Requirements

			Quantitative Aspects of Simulation Focus Area

			Simulation Infrastructure Focus Area

			Simulation Management Focus Area

			Computer Visualization in M&S Focus Area

			Simulation Modeling and Analysis Focus Area

			Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems Focus Area

			Human Systems in M&S Focus Area

		Doctor of Philosophy in Modeling and Simulation

			Admission Requirements

			Degree Requirements

			Quantitative Aspects of Simulation Focus Area

			Simulation Infrastructure Focus Area

			Simulation Management Focus Area

			Computer Visualization in M&S Focus Area

			Simulation Modeling and Analysis Focus Area

			Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems Focus Area

			Human Systems in M&S Focus Area

			Qualifying Examination

			Candidacy Examination

			Dissertation Committee

			Transfer Credits

Description

Lead Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. J. Peter Kincaid, College of Arts and Sciences. E-mail: pkincaid@ist.ucf.edu
Associate Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Charles Reilly, College of Engineering and Computer Science. E-mail: creilly@mail.ucf.edu

The University of Central Florida offers interdisciplinary master's and doctoral degrees in Modeling and Simulation (M&S). The Master of Science (M.S.) in Modeling and Simulation prepares scientists who can work with interdisciplinary teams to use simulation and modeling in solving important problems in both the public and private sectors. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Modeling and Simulation is primarily intended for students with an academic or work background in mathematics, engineering, or computer science who wish to pursue a career in academia, defense, entertainment, or manufacturing.

Simulation is the quintessential utility tool. In one way or another, just about every engineering or scientific field uses simulation as an exploration, modeling, or analysis technique. Simulation is not limited to engineering or science. Simulation is used in training, management, and concept exploration. Simulation entails constructing human-centered, equipment-centered, and/or stand-alone computer-based models or systems of existing as well as conceptual systems or processes. The purpose of simulation is to evaluate the behavior of the human(s), organization, equipment, and/or systems under study through the evaluation of output from the corresponding simulation construct. Due to the scale and complexity of modeling and simulation, practitioners have developed both generalized and specialized skills. Input from industry and government M&S users and developers has been instrumental in identifying the key competencies for M&S professionals and has been critical to the development of this curriculum.

Degrees Offered

Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation (M.S.)
Doctor of Philosophy in Modeling and Simulation (Ph.D.)

Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation

Graduates of the Modeling and Simulation M.S. program will be able to establish depth in one of seven focus areas and have the diverse training necessary to enable them to work in varied capacities in government agencies, or in the defense, entertainment, and manufacturing industries. They will have an interdisciplinary core body of knowledge on modeling approaches, human factors, computing infrastructure, and visual representation and will be capable of critically reviewing the literature in the field. They will have developed the capacity to solve complex problems by building simulation models, designing and carrying out experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and managing M&S programs. They will be able to clearly communicate their findings to their peers.

The program offers seven focus areas for students to choose from for their program of study:

Quantitative Aspects of Simulation
Simulation Infrastructure
Simulation Management
Computer Visualization in M&S
Simulation Modeling and Analysis
Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems
Human Systems in M&S

These M&S focus areas have been identified and discussed with M&S leaders from industry and government. Each of these focus areas represents an area in which UCF has considerable faculty expertise, expertise that has developed and grown as UCF has grown with the M&S field in our community. Government and industry leaders in M&S endorse these focus areas because of their importance to the continued growth of the M&S field. For all of the focus areas, opportunities are available for students to work with researchers and M&S faculty on research and development projects. Descriptions of these focus areas are provided under "Degree Requirements" below.

Admission Requirements

Students who enter this program are in general expected to have an academic and/or work background that has prepared them in mathematics (introductory calculus and probability and statistics) and computer “literacy,” including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs, and, preferably, familiarity with at least one higher order programming language (e.g., C++). Students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science, or mathematics will generally have this background. For students with less technical academic preparation, a core course, SIM 5XXX Introduction to Quantitative Aspects of Modeling and Simulation, will prepare them to pursue several, but not all, of the focus areas. For example, these students could pursue the Simulation Management or Human Systems focus areas, but would need a number of prerequisite courses in mathematics, statistics, and computer science to pursue more technical focus areas such as Simulation Infrastructure. SIM 5XXX Introduction to Quantitative Aspects of Modeling and Simulation has a math prerequisite of a one semester introduction to calculus course (e.g., MAC 2233 Concepts of Calculus or MAC 2241 Calculus for Life Sciences).

Admission requirements include:

GPA of 3.0
GRE of 1000
TOEFL of 220 (computer test)
Resume and goal statement
Introductory calculus and statistics

Both GPA and Test Scores must be officially reported to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Application Deadlines

Degree Requirements

In addition to UCF university-wide requirements for master's degrees, the Modeling and Simulation M.S. has special requirements because of its interdisciplinary nature. Courses will introduce students to the interdisciplinary aspects of the field and require students from different disciplines to work together in teams. Students may select from seven M&S focus areas in planning their program of study. Courses for the focus areas including the cornerstone courses are listed below. Cornerstone courses are required to be taken before the restricted electives can be taken. The culminating experience for graduates of the master's program will be the project, paper, and presentation done as part of required core course, IDS 6XXX Research Methods and Practicum. This project will serve as a capstone experience and will be reviewed by outside experts.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis option requires 36 credit hours, including:

Required core courses (9 credit hours)
Cornerstone courses for two focus areas (6 credit hours)
Electives for focus area (21 credit hours)

Thesis Option

The thesis option requires 30 credit hours, including:

Required core courses (9 credit hours)
Cornerstone courses for focus areas (6 credit hours)
Electives from focus area (9 credit hours)
Thesis (6 credit hours)

Required Interdisciplinary Core

Three core courses will provide an interdisciplinary framework for all students. Teams of program faculty will teach these core courses. A brief description of the proposed core courses follows.

IDS 5937 Introduction to Modeling and Simulation. Introduction to the theory and practice of modeling and simulation with an emphasis on multidisciplinary scientific underpinnings. Led by one instructor augmented by a team.
MAP 5937 Introduction to Quantitative Aspects of Modeling and Simulation. An introduction to matrix algebra, probability and statistics, and high level programming languages for the M&S student who does not have a strong background in these areas. Students who have this background may select an elective instead.
IDS 6XXX Research Methods and Practicum. Pre-requisite or concurrent: ESI 5219 Engineering Statistics, PSY 6216 Advanced Research Methodology I, or equivalent. Project course in which interdisciplinary teams conduct and manage research projects on fundamental and applied issues in modeling and simulation and training. This course will be taught by a team of M&S faculty.

Quantitative Aspects of Simulation Focus Area

The Quantitative Aspects of Simulation focus area caters to those who seek to develop skill in the application of advanced quantitative methods to modeling and simulation. Building on backgrounds in mathematics or statistics they will gain experience in modeling and simulation. Graduates will be able to apply mathematics and statistics to build multidisciplinary models and simulations. Typical courses include: Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation, Advanced Systems Simulation, and Splines and Data Fitting.

Cornerstone Course

AP 5117 Mathematical Modeling (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EML 6062 Boundary Element Methods in Engineering (3 credit hours)
EML 6067 Finite Elements in Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering I (3 credit hours)
ESI 6217 Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6358 Decision Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 6529 Advanced Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6546 Process Simulation (3 credit hours)
MAP 5385 Applied Numerical Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAP 5407 Applied Mathematics I (3 credit hours)
MAP 6118 Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics (3 credit hours)
MAP 6207 Optimization Theory (3 credit hours)
MAP 6408 Applied Mathematics II (3 credit hours)
MAP 6445 Approximation Techniques (3 credit hours)
MAP 6465 Wavelets and Their Applications (3 credit hours)
STA 6246 Linear Models (3 credit hours)

Simulation Infrastructure Focus Area

The Simulation Infrastructure focus area caters to those who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic components of simulation systems and their patterns of configuration and communication, including hardware and software issues. They will gain experience in the development of distributed simulation and training environments. Graduates will be able to implement such systems or manage a team capable of developing such systems. Typical courses include Performance Models of Computers and Networks, Simulation Design and Analysis, High Performance Computer Architecture, and Analysis of Computer and Communication Systems.

Cornerstone Course

CDA 5530 Performance Models of Computers and Networks (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

CDA 5106 Advanced Computer Architecture I (3 credit hours)
CDA 5501 Computer Communication Networks Architecture (3 credit hours)
CDA 6107 Advanced Computer Architecture II (3 credit hours)
COP 6615 Operating Systems Theory (3 credit hours)
EEL 5708 High Performance Computer Architecture (3 credit hours)
EEL 5762 Performance Analysis of Computer and Communication Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 5891 Continuous System Simulation I (3 credit hours)
EEL 6785 Computer Network Design (3 credit hours)
EEL 6878 Modeling and Artificial Intelligence (3 credit hours)
EEL 6893 Continuous System Simulation II (3 credit hours)

Simulation Management Focus Area

The Simulation Management focus area caters to those who wish to gain expertise in the management of projects related to modeling, simulation, and training. A graduate will be prepared to manage such projects for military agencies or MS&T companies. Typical courses include Environment of Technical Organizations, Modeling and Simulation of Real-Time Processes, Management Information Systems, and Project Engineering. A course sequence in simulation-based acquisition is being developed.

Cornerstone Course

EIN 5108 The Environment of Technical Organizations (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EEL 6887 Software Engineering Life-Cycle Control (3 credit hours)
EIN 5117 Management Information Systems I (3 credit hours)
EIN 5140 Project Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 5381 Engineering Logistics (3 credit hours)
EIN 6322 Engineering Management (3 credit hours)
EIN 6339 Operations Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 6357 Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 5316 Operations Research (3 credit hours)
ESI 6358 Decision Analysis (3 credit hours)
SIM/EIN 5XXX Simulation-based Acquisition I (under consideration)
SIM/EIN 6XXX Simulation-based Acquisition II (under consideration)

Computer Visualization in M&S Focus Area

The Computer Visualization in M&S focus area caters to those who wish to gain expertise in technical aspects of computer graphic systems, virtual environments, and human-centered simulation systems. A graduate will have knowledge and experience in applying the state-of-the-art in computer graphics and other human-interface technologies. Typical courses include Computer Graphics Systems, Computer Vision, Machine Perception, Human-Virtual Environment Interaction, and Sensation and Perception. Some students in this focus area will also have an interest in UCF’s Digital Media program.

Cornerstone Course

CAP 5725 Computer Graphics Systems I (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

CAP 5415 Computer Vision (3 credit hours)
CAP 6411 Computer Vision Systems (3 credit hours)
CAP 6412 Advanced Computer Vision (3 credit hours)
EEL 5771C Engineering Applications of Computer Graphics (3 credit hours)
EEL 5820 Image Processing (3 credit hours)
EEL 5825 Pattern Recognition (3 credit hours)
EEL 6843 Machine Perception (3 credit hours)
EIN 6258 Human Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)

Simulation Modeling and Analysis Focus Area

The Simulation Modeling and Analysis focus area caters to those who desire to gain expertise in using simulation as a tool for effective design, planning, analysis, and decision making. The emphasis of this track is on problem definition, model formulation, design of simulation experiments, and model-based analysis. A graduate will be prepared to work with corporate and government decision makers as they model and evaluate the impacts of proposed policies and system designs. Typical courses include Discrete System Simulation, Experimental Design, and Object-Oriented Simulation.

Cornerstone Course

ESI 5531 Discrete Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EEL 5891 Continuous System Simulation I (3 credit hours)
EEL 6878 Modeling and Artificial Intelligence (3 credit hours)
EEL 6893 Continuous System Simulation II (3 credit hours)
EIN 6524 Simulation Modeling Paradigms (3 credit hours)
EIN 6529 Simulation Design and Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 6217 Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6247 Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods (3 credit hours)
ESI 6529 Advanced Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6532 Object-Oriented Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6546 Process Simulation (3 credit hours)

Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems Focus Area

The Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems focus area responds to the needs of those who wish to pursue or are currently pursuing careers in the training simulation/simulator industries. Graduates specializing in this focus area possess the basic tools to create system designs for simulators and simulator-based training systems and to apply expert systems and other intelligent systems in a simulation setting. Typical required courses include Training Systems Engineering, Simulation of Real-Time Processes, and Intelligent Simulation.

Cornerstone Course

EIN 5255 Interactive Simulation (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EEL 5874 Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering (3 credit hours)
EEL 6875 Engineering of Artificial Intelligence Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 6876 Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 6895 Current Issues in Real-Time Simulation (3 credit hours)
EIN 5251 Human-Computer Interaction: Usability Evaluation (3 credit hours)
EIN 5317 Training System Design (3 credit hours)
EIN 5602C Expert Systems in Industrial Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 6645 Modeling and Simulation of Real-Time Processes (3 credit hours)
EIN 6647 Intelligent Simulation (3 credit hours)
EIN 6946 Simulation Practicum (3 credit hours)
EIN 6649C Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design (3 credit hours)
TTE 6270 Intelligent Transportation Systems (3 credit hours)

Human Systems in M&S Focus Area

The Human Systems in M&S focus area caters to those who wish to gain expertise in the content and techniques of human behavior in simulation systems, including human factors, human-computer interaction, virtual worlds, statistical and quantitative procedures, experimental design, computer techniques, and other research methodologies. Typical problem areas for R&D include human-in-the-loop simulation; team performance under stress; and use of visual, audio, haptic, and other sensory input/output modalities to coordinate human-machine activities. Typical courses include Human Factors, Training Systems Engineering, Human Computer Interaction, Intelligent Simulation, and Distributed Learning.

Cornerstone Course

EXP 5256 Human Factors I (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EIN 5248C Ergonomics (3 credit hours)
EIN 6215 System Safety Engineering and Management (3 credit hours)
EIN 6258 Human Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)
EME 5051 Technologies of Instruction and Information Management (3 credit hours)
EME 6457 Distance Education: Technology Process Product (3 credit hours)
EME 6613 Instructional System Design (3 credit hours)
EXP 5208 Sensation and Perception (3 credit hours)
EXP 6255 Human Performance (3 credit hours)
EXP 6257 Human Factors II (3 credit hours)
EXP 6258 Human Factors III (3 credit hours)
EXP 6506 Human Cognition and Learning (3 credit hours)
EXP 6541 Advanced Human-Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)
INP 6215 Assessment Centers and Leadership (3 credit hours)
INP 6317 Organizational Psychology and Motivation (3 credit hours)
INP 6605 Training and Performance Appraisal (3 credit hours)
PSY 6216 Advanced Research Methodology I (3 credit hours)
EXP 6XXX Team Training (under consideration)
PSY 6XXX Skill Acquisition, Learning and Training (under consideration)
SIM 5XXX Simulation Approaches to Crisis Management (under consideration)

Doctor of Philosophy in Modeling and Simulation

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Modeling and Simulation is an interdisciplinary program primarily intended for students with an academic or work background in mathematics, engineering, or computer science who wish to pursue a career in academia, defense, entertainment, or manufacturing.

Admission Requirements

Students must satisfy the admission criteria specified for graduate program admissions to UCF. These requirements are a 3.0 GPA or 1000 on the combined verbal-quantitative portions of the GRE; international students must have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 220 (computer-based test). Selected outstanding applicants who have a GPA of at least 3.4 in the last 60 attempted semester hours of their undergraduate degrees and at least 1200 on the combined verbal-quantitative portion of the GRE may be considered for direct entrance as doctoral students from their bachelor’s degrees. Students meeting these criteria and the approval of the Academic Advisory Board may be admitted into the program.

Application Deadlines

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. degree consists of at least 72 semester hours of course work, including a minimum of 15 dissertation hours. The core will consist of four required courses and two restricted courses. These six core courses and a research seminar will provide an interdisciplinary framework for all students. In addition, students are required to take three of the seven focus area cornerstone courses.

Required Core—12 Credit Hours

SIM 5XXX Introduction to Modeling and Simulation (3 credit hours)
SIM 5XXX Introduction to Quantitative Aspects of Modeling and Simulation (3 credit hours)
EIN 6258 Human Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)
SIM 6XXX Research Methods and Practicum (3 credit hours)

Restricted Core—6 Credit Hours

EIN 5255 Interactive Simulation or EEL 5891 Continuous System Simulation I (3 credit hours)
ESI 5531 Discrete Systems Simulation or ESI 6532 Object-Oriented Simulation (3 credit hours)

Focus Area Cornerstone Courses—9 Credit Hours

CAP 5725 Computer Graphics Systems I (3 credit hours)
CDA 5530 Performance Models of Computers and Networks (3 credit hours)
EIN 5108 The Environment of Technical Organizations (3 credit hours)
EIN 5255 Interactive Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 5531 Discrete Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)
EXP 5256 Human Factors I (3 credit hours)
MAP 5117 Mathematical Modeling (3 credit hours)

Quantitative Aspects of Simulation Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

MAP 5117 Mathematical Modeling (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EML 6062 Boundary Element Methods in Engineering (3 credit hours)
EML 6067 Finite Elements in Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering I (3 credit hours)
ESI 6217 Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6358 Decision Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 6529 Advanced Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6546 Process Simulation (3 credit hours)
MAP 5385 Applied Numerical Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MAP 5407 Applied Mathematics I (3 credit hours)
MAP 5936 Splines and Data Fitting (3 credit hours)
MAP 6118 Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics (3 credit hours)
MAP 6207 Optimization Theory (3 credit hours)
MAP 6408 Applied Mathematics II (3 credit hours)
MAP 6445 Approximation Techniques (3 credit hours)
MAP 6465 Wavelets and Their Applications (3 credit hours)
STA 5285 Stochastic Processes and Applied Probability Theory (3 credit hours)
STA 6246 Linear Models (3 credit hours)

Simulation Infrastructure Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

CDA 5530 Performance Models of Computers and Networks (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

CDA 5106 Advanced Computer Architecture I (3 credit hours)
CDA 5501 Computer Communication Networks Architecture (3 credit hours)
CDA 6107 Advanced Computer Architecture II (3 credit hours)
COP 6615 Operating Systems Theory (3 credit hours)
EEL 5708 High Performance Computer Architecture (3 credit hours)
EEL 5762 Performance Analysis of Computer and Communication Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 5891 Continuous System Simulation I (3 credit hours)
EEL 6785 Computer Network Design (3 credit hours)
EEL 6878 Modeling and Artificial Intelligence (3 credit hours)
EEL 6893 Continuous System Simulation II (3 credit hours)

Simulation Management Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Management focus area caters to those who wish to gain expertise in the management of projects related to modeling, simulation, and training. A graduate will be prepared to manage such projects for military agencies or MS&T companies. Typical courses include Environment of Technical Organizations, Modeling and Simulation of Real-Time Processes, Management Information Systems, and Project Engineering. A course sequence in simulation-based acquisition is being developed.

Cornerstone Course

EIN 5108 The Environment of Technical Organizations (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EEL 6887 Software Engineering Life-Cycle Control (3 credit hours)
EIN 5117 Management Information Systems I (3 credit hours)
EIN 5140 Project Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 5381 Engineering Logistics (3 credit hours)
EIN 6322 Engineering Management (3 credit hours)
EIN 6339 Operations Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 6357 Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 5316 Operations Research (3 credit hours)
ESI 6358 Decision Analysis (3 credit hours)
SIM/EIN 5XXX Simulation-based Acquisition I (being considered for development)
SIM/EIN 5XXX Simulation-based Acquisition II (being considered for development)

Computer Visualization in M&S Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

CAP 5725 Computer Graphics Systems I (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

CAP 5415 Computer Vision (3 credit hours)
CAP 6411 Computer Vision Systems (3 credit hours)
CAP 6412 Advanced Computer Vision (3 credit hours)
EEL 5771C Engineering Applications of Computer Graphics (3 credit hours)
EEL 5820 Image Processing (3 credit hours)
EEL 5874 Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering (3 credit hours)
EEL 6843 Machine Perception (3 credit hours)
EIN 6258 Human Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)

Simulation Modeling and Analysis Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

ESI 5531 Discrete Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)

Restricted Courses

EEL 5891 Continuous System Simulation I (3 credit hours)
EEL 6878 Modeling and Artificial Intelligence (3 credit hours)
EEL 6893 Continuous System Simulation II (3 credit hours)
EIN 6524 Simulation Modeling Paradigms (3 credit hours)
EIN 6529 Simulation Design and Analysis (3 credit hours)
ESI 6217 Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6247 Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods (3 credit hours)
ESI 6529 Advanced Systems Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6532 Object-Oriented Simulation (3 credit hours)
ESI 6546 Process Simulation (3 credit hours)

Interactive Simulation/Intelligent Systems Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

EIN 5255 Interactive Simulation (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EEL 5874 Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering (3 credit hours)
EEL 6875 Engineering of Artificial Intelligence Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 6876 Current Topics in Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Systems (3 credit hours)
EEL 6895 Current Issues in Real-Time Simulation (3 credit hours)
EIN 5251 Human-Computer Interaction: Usability Evaluation (3 credit hours)
EIN 5317 Training System Design (3 credit hours)
EIN 5602C Expert Systems in Industrial Engineering (3 credit hours)
EIN 6645 Modeling and Simulation of Real-Time Processes (3 credit hours)
EIN 6647 Intelligent Simulation (3 credit hours)
EIN 6649C Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design (3 credit hours)
EIN 6946 Simulation Practicum (3 credit hours)
TTE 6270 Intelligent Transportation Systems (3 credit hours)

Human Systems in M&S Focus Area—Minimum 9 Credit Hours

Cornerstone Course

EXP 5256 Human Factors I (3 credit hours)

Restricted Electives

EIN 5248C Ergonomics (3 credit hours)
EIN 6215 System Safety Engineering and Management (3 credit hours)
EIN 6258 Human Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)
EME 5051 Technologies of Instruction and Information Management (3 credit hours)
EME 6457 Distance Education: Technology Process Product (3 credit hours)
EME 6613 Instructional System Design (3 credit hours)
EXP 5208 Sensation and Perception (3 credit hours)
EXP 6255 Human Performance (3 credit hours)
EXP 6257 Human Factors II (3 credit hours)
EXP 6258 Human Factors III (3 credit hours)
EXP 6506 Human Cognition and Learning (3 credit hours)
EXP 6541 Advanced Human-Computer Interaction (3 credit hours)
INP 5825 Human Computer Interface (HCI) Design (3 credit hours)
INP 6215 Assessment Centers and Leadership (3 credit hours)
INP 6317 Organizational Psychology and Motivation (3 credit hours)
INP 6605 Training and Performance Appraisal (3 credit hours)
PSY 6216 Advanced Research Methodology I (3 credit hours)
EXP 6XXX Team Training (under consideration)
PSY 6XXX Skill Acquisition, Learning and Training (under consideration)
SIM 5XXX Simulation Approaches to Crisis Management (under consideration)

Qualifying Examination

The Qualifying Examination is a comprehensive written exam that covers core areas in M&S, and is usually taken during the first year of study. The exam is designed to ensure that students know and can integrate knowledge in all interdisciplinary core subjects offered in the program.

Candidacy Examination

The Candidacy Examination evaluates the student’s preparation to undertake the research in the student’s dissertation topic. A student may sit for the Candidacy Exam if he/she has passed the Qualifying Examination and has completed all conditions placed as a result thereof. The Candidacy Examination consists of:

A Candidacy Proposal developed by the student to identify the chosen area of research.

An oral presentation of the Candidacy Proposal to the dissertation committee by the student.

A written Candidacy Examination based on the student’s chosen area of research may be required by the major professor. The format is determined by the major professor in consultation with the dissertation committee.

Upon successful completion of the Candidacy Examination, the student can be accepted into Candidacy status, allowing the student to enroll for dissertation credit hours. The final step in the process is the Dissertation Defense Examination, which is an oral examination taken in defense of the written dissertation before the dissertation committee.

Dissertation Committee

Students have the responsibility to select a dissertation adviser from a list of Modeling and Simulation faculty authorized to direct dissertations. The Program Coordinator, assisted by the Program Academic Committee, will assist the student and his/her advisers with committee formation, additions, and deletions. The doctoral committee will consist of a minimum of five members. All committee members should hold a doctoral degree and be in fields related to the dissertation topic. At least three members must be Modeling and Simulation faculty (one to serve as chair) from at least two colleges. At least one member must be from outside the M&S faculty. Non-Modeling and Simulation faculty, adjunct faculty, and off-campus experts may serve on the committee, but not as chair. At UCF, the Office of Graduate Studies has the right to review appointments to advisory committees, place a representative on any advisory committee, or appoint a co-adviser.

In unusual cases, with approval from the Program Coordinator, two committee members may chair the committee jointly. All members vote on acceptance or rejection of the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. The dissertation proposal and final dissertation must be approved with at most one dissenting member of the advisory committee. A student is normally given only one opportunity to pass the final dissertation defense, but the Program Coordinator upon the recommendation of the Dissertation Committee may approve a second attempt.

Transfer Credits

The doctoral program will allow up to 30 credit hours to be transferred into the program, whether from UCF or another institution.