Modeling and Simulation University of Central Florida

Overview

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 and involves constructing human-centered, equipment-centered, and/or stand-alone computer-based models of existing as well as conceptual systems or processes.

Career Prospects

Because of the scale and complexity of modeling and simulation, practitioners have developed both generalized and specialized skills.

Input from industry and government M&S researchers and practitioners has been instrumental in identifying the key competencies for M&S professionals and has been critical to the development of this program. The curriculum of the Modeling and Simulation program of University of Central Florida is designed to provide a broad overall perspective of the developing simulation industry and an awareness of the economic considerations. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the diverse training necessary to enable them to work in varied capacities in government agencies, or in the defense, service, entertainment, and manufacturing industries.

Graduates of the Modeling and Simulation MS degree program 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; 

• 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; and

• be able to clearly communicate their findings to their peers.

Students in the Modeling and Simulation graduate program have often focused their study and research efforts in one or more of the following research areas:

Behavioral Cybersecurity

The Behavioral Cybersecurity in M&S research area has attracted those who wish to gain expertise in the latent cognitive aspects of security for computer systems, servers, mobile devices, networks, software, and network-enabled devices.  Typical problem areas for behavioral aspects of cybersecurity include insider threats, hacker motivations, user training and education, digital ethics, cyber law and policy, senior leader education, and cyber workforce development and education.  Typical courses include Behavioral Aspects of Cybersecurity, Cyber Operations Lab, Emerging Cyber Issues, Digital Ethics, Human Cognition and Learning, Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice, and Data Mining Methodology I.  

Human Systems

The Human Systems in M&S research area has attracted 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.