Program Overview

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Modeling and Simulation (MS) Program

The University of Central Florida's School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) offers a Master's degree in Modeling and Simulation (MS). This transdisciplinary program is designed for individuals pursuing careers in academia, government, military/defense, healthcare/medicine, entertainment, technology, education, or service/manufacturing.

Program Overview

The MS program involves constructing human-centered, equipment-centered, and stand-alone computer-based models of existing and conceptual systems and processes. The curriculum provides a broad overall perspective of the developing simulation industry and an awareness of economic considerations. The program's objective is to educate students on developing, validating, testing, and evaluating computer simulations and Digital Twins of complex systems.

Areas of Specialization

Students can choose to focus their study and research efforts in various areas of specialization, including:

• Behavioral Cybersecurity
• Digital Twins
• Geospatial Simulation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Human-Robot Teams
• Human Systems
• Interactive Simulation, and Cognition
• Operational Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization
• Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning
• Simulation in Healthcare and Medicine
• Teams Research/Collaborative Cognition
• Training, Modeling, and Simulation
• Visualization and Immersive Environments (VR/MR/XR)

Program Requirements

The MS program requires:

• 15 credits of required courses, including:
  • COT6571: Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation
  • IDS5147: Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation
  • IDS6145: Simulation Techniques
  • IDS6267: Understanding Humans for Modeling and Simulation
• 9 credits of unrestricted electives, which may include:
  • General courses, such as ESI 6247: Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods
  • Fundamentals of Modeling and Simulation courses, such as ESI 5531: Discrete Systems Simulation
  • Specialized courses in areas like Behavioral Cybersecurity, Human Systems, and Simulation in Healthcare
• A thesis or non-thesis option, with 6 credits of thesis research or a restricted elective and 3 credits of unrestricted electives

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

Students can choose between a thesis and non-thesis option. The thesis option requires 6 credits of thesis research, while the non-thesis option requires a restricted elective and 3 credits of unrestricted electives.

Plan of Study

Students must submit a Graduate Plan of Study (GPS) to the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program office before the end of their second term. The GPS helps design an appropriate program of coursework to support the student's educational needs, goals, and objectives.

Culminating Experience

Students are eligible to complete their culminating experience once they have completed at least 24 credits of coursework and have an approved GPS on file. The culminating experience may be a thesis defense or a non-thesis project, such as a professional portfolio.

Time to Completion

Students are granted 7 years (21 semesters) to complete their degree 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, while part-time students pay a $13.50 equipment fee.

Independent Learning

A thesis serves as the independent learning experience for thesis students, while non-thesis students are required to take IDS 6916 and submit an end-of-program portfolio.

Grand Total Credits

The MS program requires a total of 30 credits.

Application Requirements

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website.

Financial Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies.