The UCF School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training (SMST) considers its degree programs as transdisciplinary, intended for those who wish to pursue a career in academia, government, military/defense, healthcare/medicine, entertainment, technology, education, or service/manufacturing. Most engineering or scientific fields use simulation as an exploration, modeling, or analysis technique. However, Modeling and Simulation is not limited to engineering and science, as it is also used in training, management, and concept exploration. These programs involve constructing human-centered, equipment-centered, and stand-alone computer-based models of existing and conceptual systems and processes.
UCF SMST sought feedback from industry practitioners to identify key competencies for students in our degree programs. This input has been critical to the development of our curriculum, which is designed to provide a broad overall perspective of the developing simulation industry and an awareness of the economic considerations. UCF SMST's objective is to provide education on evaluating the human, organization, equipment, and systems under study through the evaluation of output from the corresponding simulation construct. Alumni of SMST degree programs have both general and specialized skills in Modeling and Simulation.
Students in the Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. program are required to focus their study and research efforts in at least one area of specialization. Students base their specialization on their academic and professional goals and determine these areas in consultation with their faculty adviser and the Modeling and Simulation graduate program director. Common areas of specialization are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list, as the field continues to grow and evolve.
- 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 Prerequisites
Although UCF SMST does not have a mandated prerequisite for its graduate programs, the most successful students are those who have an academic and/or work background that has prepared them in mathematics (introductory calculus and probability and statistics) and computer literacy, preferably, familiarity with at least one higher order programming language (e.g., Python, C/C++, Visual Basic, Java, etc.). Students with undergraduate or graduate degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, or Mathematics will generally have this background.
Students without this background are encouraged to select the elective course IDC 5570 (Introductory Mathematics for Modeling and Simulation). This course will prepare them for the required core course COT 6571 (Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation).
Degree Requirements
Core
15 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- COT6571 - Mathematical Foundations of Modeling and Simulation (3)
- IDS6147 - Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation (3)
- IDS6145 - Simulation Techniques (3)
- IDS6262 - Research Design for Modeling and Simulation (3)
- IDS6267 - Understanding Humans for Modeling and Simulation (3)
Restricted Elective
3 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete at least 1 of the following:
- IDC5602 - Cybersecurity: A Multidisciplinary Approach (3)
- IDC6601 - Behavioral Aspects of Cybersecurity (3)
- IDC6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization (3)
- IDS5142 - Modeling and Simulation for Instructional Design (3)
- IDS6146 - Modeling and Simulation Systems (3)
- IDS6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation (3)
- IDS6916 - Simulation Research Methods and Practicum (3)
- Students must select an elective course taught by the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program. Approved courses are listed below, but others may be used with the program director's approval.
Unrestricted Electives
39 Total Credits
- Earn at least 39 credits from the following types of courses: All Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. students must take at least 39 credits of unrestricted elective courses that reflect their areas of specialization. Students are expected to carefully select electives with guidance from the program director and/or their faculty adviser. The UCF SMST has identified and approved over 175 courses that students may choose as unrestricted electives. This list can be found at the program’s website. New courses are developed at the university every semester, so this list is updated once a semester. If a student identifies a course that will benefit their area of study but is not on the published list, they may request approval from the program director for inclusion in their plan of study. Unrestricted electives must consist of at least 9 credit hours of formal courses, excluding independent studies. The remaining credits may consist of additional coursework, directed research, independent study, and additional dissertation as advised appropriately by faculty adviser and/or program director.
Modeling and Simulation PhD Elective Courses
0 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- In addition to successfully completing the core courses for the M&S PhD program, students are required to carefully select electives with the guidance of a Program Director or faculty adviser. Elective choices should be made with the intent to strengthen a research interest and/or area of focus in order to meet the individual student's educational goals and objectives. Listed below are suggested courses in various areas of focus or specialization. These course groupings are mere guides, are not exhaustive and are only meant to assist with advising and course selection in order to meet the individual student's educational goals and objectives. They are not intended to restrict elective choices among focus areas as we strongly encourage Modeling and Simulation students to maintain an interdisciplinary approach to their graduate studies. If a student identifies another UCF course which may be of value to his/her M&S research area, but is not already identified in a list below, that student may request approval from the Graduate Program Director for the course to be used as an elective in the Graduate Plan of Study. All such requests must be made in advance of enrolling in the course. Those electives categorized as "General" and "Fundamentals of Modeling and Simulation" would be appropriate for all students regardless of interest area. The remaining categories are grouped by area of interest.
General- ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods 3 Credit Hours ESI 6891 - IEMS Research Methods 3 Credit Hours IDS 5907 - Independent Study Variable IDS 5917 - Directed Research Variable IDS 6908 - Independent Study Variable IDS 6918 - Directed Research Variable IDS 6946 - Internship Variable IDS 7919 - Doctoral Research Variable PHI 5340 - Research Methods in the Cognitive Sciences 3 Credit Hours PSY 6216C - Research Methodology 4 Credit Hours STA 5205 - Experimental Design 3 Credit Hours
Fundamentals of Modeling and Simulation- ESI 5219 - Engineering Statistics 3 Credit Hours ESI 6217 - Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation 3 Credit Hours ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods 3 Credit Hours ESI 6532 - Object-Oriented Simulation 3 Credit Hours IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization 3 Credit Hours IDS 6146 - Modeling and Simulation Systems 3 Credit Hours IDS 6147 - Perspectives on Modeling and Simulation 3 Credit Hours IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation 3 Credit Hours IDS 6950 - Modeling and Simulation Capstone Report Planning 1 Credit Hours IDS 6145 - Simulation Techniques 3 Credit Hours
Behavioral Cybersecurity- CAP 6133 - Advanced Topics in Computer Security and Computer Forensics 3 Credit Hours CAP 6135 - Malware and Software Vulnerability Analysis 3 Credit Hours CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks 3 Credit Hours CJE 6688 - Cyber Crime and Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture 3 Credit Hours CNT 5410L - Cyber Operations Lab 3 Credit Hours CNT 6519 - Wireless Security and Forensics 3 Credit Hours COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3 Credit Hours EEL 6785 - Computer Network Design 3 Credit Hours EEL 6883 - Software Engineering II 3 Credit Hours ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation 3 Credit Hours EXP 5256 - Human Factors I 3 Credit Hours EXP 6506 - Human Cognition and Learning 3 Credit Hours IDC 5602 - Cybersecurity: A Multidisciplinary Approach 3 Credit Hours IDC 6600 - Emerging Cyber Issues 3 Credit Hours IDC 6601 - Behavioral Aspects of Cybersecurity 3 Credit Hours IDS 6916 - Simulation Research Methods and Practicum 3 Credit Hours INR 6365 - Seminar on Intelligence 3 Credit Hours INR 6366 - The Intelligence Community 3 Credit Hours PHI 6938 - ST: Digital Ethics 3 Credit Hours STA 5703 - Data Mining Methodology I 3 Credit Hours STA 5825 - Stochastic Processes and Applied Probability Theory 3 Credit Hours
Human Systems- CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology 3 Credit Hours CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans 3 Credit Hours CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation 3 Credit Hours DIG 6432 - Transmedia Story Creation 3 Credit Hours DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning 3 Credit Hours EIN 5248 - Ergonomics 3 Credit Hours EIN 5317 - Training System Design 3 Credit Hours EIN 6215 - System Safety Engineering and Management 3 Credit Hours EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction 3 Credit Hours EIN 6649C - Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design 3 Credit Hours EME 6458 - Virtual Teaching and the Digital Educator 3 Credit Hours EME 6507 - Multimedia for Education and Training 3 Credit Hours EME 6601 - Instructional Simulation Design for Training and Education 3 Credit Hours EME 6614 - Instructional Game Design for Training and Education 3 Credit Hours EME 6646 - Instructional Game Design for Training and Education 3 Credit Hours EXP 5208 - Sensation and Perception 3 Credit Hours EXP 5256 - Human Factors I 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 IDS 6148 - Human Systems Integration for Modeling and Simulation 3 Credit Hours IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation 3 Credit Hours PHI 5225 - Philosophy of Language 3 Credit Hours PHI 5325 - Topics in Philosophy of Mind 3 Credit Hours PHI 5327 - Topics in the Cognitive Sciences 3 Credit Hours PHI 5329 - Philosophy of Neuroscience 3 Credit Hours PSB 5005 - Physiological Psychology 3 Credit Hours TTE 6270 - Intelligent Transportation Systems 3 Credit Hours
Computer Visualization- CAP 5725 - Computer Graphics I 3 Credit Hours CAP 6411 - Computer Vision Systems 3 Credit Hours CAP 6412 - Advanced Computer Vision 3 Credit Hours CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation 3 Credit Hours CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture 3 Credit Hours COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3 Credit Hours DIG 6605 - Physical Computing 3 Credit Hours DIG 6647 - History and Theory of Dynamic Media 3 Credit Hours EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction 3 Credit Hours EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory 3 Credit Hours EEL 5771C - Engineering Applications of Computer Graphics 3 Credit Hours EEL 5820 - Image Processing 3 Credit Hours EEL 5825 - Pattern Recognition and Learning from Big Data 3 Credit Hours EEL 5874 - Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering 3 Credit Hours EEL 6823 - Image Processing II 3 Credit Hours EEL 6843 - Machine Perception 3 Credit Hours ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods 3 Credit Hours IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization 3 Credit Hours MAP 5117 - Mathematical Modeling 3 Credit Hours MAP 6118 - Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics 3 Credit Hours MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing 3 Credit Hours
Quantitative Methods for Simulation, Modeling and Analysis- CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation 3 Credit Hours CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology 3 Credit Hours CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks 3 Credit Hours COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3 Credit Hours EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory 3 Credit Hours EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit Hours EIN 6528 - Simulation Based Life Cycle Engineering 3 Credit Hours ESI 5306 - Operations Research 3 Credit Hours ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation 3 Credit Hours ESI 6217 - Statistical Aspects of Digital Simulation 3 Credit Hours ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods 3 Credit Hours IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization 3 Credit Hours MAP 5117 - Mathematical Modeling 3 Credit Hours MAP 6111 - Mathematical Statistics 3 Credit Hours MAP 6118 - Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics 3 Credit Hours MAP 6207 - Optimization Theory 3 Credit Hours MAP 6385 - Applied Numerical Mathematics 3 Credit Hours MAP 6407 - Integral Equations and the Calculus of Variations 3 Credit Hours MAP 6408 - Perturbations and Asymptotic Methods 3 Credit Hours MAP 6445 - Approximation Techniques 3 Credit Hours MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing 3 Credit Hours STA 5703 - Data Mining Methodology I 3 Credit Hours STA 5825 - Stochastic Processes and Applied Probability Theory 3 Credit Hours STA 6236 - Regression Analysis 3 Credit Hours STA 6246 - Linear Models 3 Credit Hours STA 6326 - Theoretical Statistics I 3 Credit Hours STA 6327 - Theoretical Statistics II 3 Credit Hours STA 6329 - Statistical Applications of Matrix Algebra 3 Credit Hours STA 6704 - Data Mining Methodology II 3 Credit Hours STA 6714 - Data Preparation 3 Credit Hours
Simulation in Healthcare- CAP 6515 - Algorithms in Computational Biology 3 Credit Hours CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans 3 Credit Hours CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation 3 Credit Hours DIG 6647 - History and Theory of Dynamic Media 3 Credit Hours DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning 3 Credit Hours EEL 5820 - Image Processing 3 Credit Hours EEL 6823 - Image Processing II 3 Credit Hours EIN 6645 - Real-Time Simulation Agents 3 Credit Hours ESI 5531 - Discrete Systems Simulation 3 Credit Hours HUM 5802 - Applied Contemporary Humanities 3 Credit Hours NGR 6717 - Introduction to Healthcare Simulation 3 Credit Hours NGR 6771L - Healthcare Simulation Practicum VAR Credit Hours NGR 6794 - Organizational Leadership and Operations in Healthcare Simulation 3 Credit Hours NGR 6978 - Healthcare Simulation Capstone Project 3 Credit Hours PHI 5329 - Philosophy of Neuroscience 3 Credit Hours PSB 5005 - Physiological Psychology 3 Credit Hours SPA 6417 - Cognitive/Communicative Disorders 3 Credit Hours
Interactive Simulation and Intelligent Systems- CAP 5512 - Evolutionary Computation 3 Credit Hours CAP 5610 - Machine Learning 3 Credit Hours CAP 5636 - Advanced Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit Hours CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans 3 Credit Hours CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation 3 Credit Hours DIG 6812 - Digital Interaction for Informal Learning 3 Credit Hours EEL 5771C - Engineering Applications of Computer Graphics 3 Credit Hours EEL 5874 - Expert Systems and Knowledge Engineering 3 Credit Hours EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit Hours EIN 5251 - Usability Engineering 3 Credit Hours EIN 5255C - Interactive Simulation 3 Credit Hours EIN 6258 - Human Computer Interaction 3 Credit Hours EIN 6645 - Real-Time Simulation Agents 3 Credit Hours EIN 6647 - Intelligent Simulation 3 Credit Hours EIN 6649C - Intelligent Tutoring Training System Design 3 Credit Hours EME 6613 - Instructional System Design 3 Credit Hours ESI 6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods 3 Credit Hours IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation 3 Credit Hours
Simulation Infrastructure- CAP 6671 - Intelligent Systems: Robots, Agents, and Humans 3 Credit Hours CAP 6676 - Knowledge Representation 3 Credit Hours CDA 5106 - Advanced Computer Architecture 3 Credit Hours CDA 6107 - Parallel Computer Architecture 3 Credit Hours CDA 6530 - Performance Models of Computers and Networks 3 Credit Hours CNT 5008 - Computer Communication Networks Architecture 3 Credit Hours COT 5405 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms 3 Credit Hours DIG 6605 - Physical Computing 3 Credit Hours EEL 5173 - Linear Systems Theory 3 Credit Hours EEL 6762 - Performance Analysis of Computer and Communication Systems 3 Credit Hours EEL 6785 - Computer Network Design 3 Credit Hours EEL 6878 - Modeling and Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit Hours EEL 6883 - Software Engineering II 3 Credit Hours ESI 6551 - Systems Engineering 3 Credit Hours MAT 5712 - Scientific Computing 3 Credit Hours
Simulation Management- EIN 5108 - The Environment of Technical Organizations 3 Credit Hours EIN 5117 - Management Information Systems I 3 Credit Hours EIN 5140 - Project Engineering 3 Credit Hours EIN 5356 - Cost Engineering 3 Credit Hours EIN 6182 - Engineering Management 3 Credit Hours EIN 6215 - System Safety Engineering and Management 3 Credit Hours EIN 6339 - Operations Engineering 3 Credit Hours EIN 6357 - Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis 3 Credit Hours EIN 6528 - Simulation Based Life Cycle Engineering 3 Credit Hours ESI 5227 - Total Quality Improvement 3 Credit Hours ESI 6224 - Quality Management 3 Credit Hours ESI 6358 - Decision Analysis 3 Credit Hours ESI 6551 - Systems Engineering 3 Credit Hours IDC 6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization 3 Credit Hours IDS 6149 - Modeling and Simulation for Test and Evaluation 3 Credit Hours
Waived Credits
0 Total Credits
- The doctoral program will allow up to 30 credit hours to be waived from an earned master's degree in accordance with UCF’s course transfer policy.
Dissertation
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: XXX 7980 - Dissertation Research 15 Credit Hours minimum. Before entering the dissertation portion of the degree program, a student must successfully complete the qualifying examination and candidacy examination milestones. More information for both examinations can be found at the program’s website.
Plan of Study
0 Total Credits
- After admission to the Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. program and before the end of the third term of enrollment, students must submit a Graduate Plan of Study (GPS) to the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program office. The GPS helps the student design an appropriate program of coursework to support the student's educational needs, goals, and objectives. The GPS should be developed in concert with the student's faculty adviser or (if adviser is not yet identified) program director and form a unified cohesive strategy for degree completion. All doctoral program credit must be at the 5000-level or higher, with a minimum of 50% at the 6000- or 7000-level. Students are eligible to make changes to their Graduate Plan of Study at any time, with the approval of their faculty adviser and the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program.
Equipment Fee
0 Total Credits
- Full-time students in the Modeling and Simulation PhD program pay a $27 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay a $13.50 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled.
Milestones
0 Total Credits
- In addition to their coursework, all Modeling and Simulation Ph.D. students are required to successfully complete three milestones before the award of their degree: qualifying examination; candidacy examination; and dissertation defense.
Qualifying Examination (QE)
0 Total Credits
- Students are eligible to fulfill the Qualifying Examination as early as the end of the term in which their final core classes are completed, if their plan of study and the university’s workshops are finished (check the program’s handbook for detail on workshops). The objective of the qualifying exam is to assess the student’s ability and readiness to conduct academic research. The program’s website and handbook provide more detail.
Candidacy Examination
0 Total Credits
- Students are eligible to complete the SMST Candidacy Examination (CE) requirement once they successfully complete the QE; are within 6 credits of completing all coursework (i.e., completed at least 51 credits of coursework); have an approved up-to-date GPS on file with the graduate program; and have an advisory committee (approved by the College of Graduate Studies) on file. The CE consists of: Dissertation research proposal Oral defense of the dissertation research proposal Refereed published (or accepted for publication) manuscript on the student's dissertation topic Detailed information and protocol regarding the CE can be found on the program’s website and handbook
Dissertation Adviser and Advisory Committee
0 Total Credits
- Students are responsible for selecting an adviser from a list of faculty members authorized to direct dissertations to serve as the chair of their advisory committee. Then, in concert with their adviser, the student must identify and select the remaining members of the advisory committee. The advisory committee must contain a minimum of four members (chair plus three members). All committee members must hold a terminal degree and be in fields related to the student's dissertation topic. At least three members, including the chair, must be classified as Modeling and Simulation graduate faculty and one external. At least one member must have served as a committee member on a prior SMST advisory committee. With approval from the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program Director, a committee member may serve as a committee's co-chair. The UCF College of Graduate Studies, as well as UCF SMST, reserve the right to review appointments to advisory committees; place a representative on any advisory committee; or appoint a co-adviser.
Admission to Candidacy
0 Total Credits
- Students who fulfill all the requirements for the candidacy examination and have an approved advisory committee on file will be admitted to candidacy and authorized to enroll for dissertation hours.
Dissertation Defense
0 Total Credits
- The dissertation defense is a formal oral presentation of the written dissertation before the student's advisory committee. All dissertation defenses are announced in advance and open to the public. Committee members vote either "Pass" or "Fail" of the written dissertation and oral defense. The dissertation and its defense must be approved by a majority vote, with no more than one dissenting vote. Normally, students are granted one opportunity to pass the dissertation defense. In extenuating circumstances and at the discretion of the Modeling and Simulation Graduate Program Director, a student may be allowed one additional attempt to pass the dissertation defense (no more than two attempts will be allowed).
Time to Completion
0 Total Credits
- Students are granted 7 years (21 semesters) from the term of admission to complete their degree program. Failure to comply with the "7-Year Rule" may result in dismissal from the program, and may require reapplication to the program as well as repeating coursework and other program requirement.
Independent Learning
0 Total Credits
- The dissertation is an independent project completed under the guidance of a student's faculty advisory committee. All research, data collection and analysis, and writing of the project are completed by the student, creating a challenging and fulfilling independent learning experience.
Grand Total Credits: 72
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship 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. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
