In a rapidly changing technological world, graduate degrees are highly desirable and very often. Our graduate programs are designed to educate the technological leaders of the future in modeling and simulation (M&S) engineering and are structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.
For additional information, please contact the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Hong Yang: hyang@odu.edu).
Program Overview
The master's degree in modeling and simulation (M&S) emphasizes a strong, common subject core while providing the student with the flexibility to design a plan of study to meet each individual's study objectives and needs. The purpose of the program's subject core is to provide a common academic foundation for all simulation students. Thus, all students in this program will have grounding in the same methods, principles, and philosophy of simulation. This provides the mechanisms for the simulationist to work across disciplines and domains while maintaining a common frame of reference for communication, technical specialization, and advanced study and research. The Master of Science (MS) in Modeling and Simulation offers two options: Thesis Option and Course Option. The Thesis Option requires six hours of thesis credit and 24 hours of course credit and it is directed primarily at full-time students who are preparing for a career in advanced M&S research and/or academic positions. The Course Option requires 30 hours of course credit and it is focused on developing the practical skills and knowledge needed to solve problems requiring applications of modeling and simulation. The Course Option is further divided into two tracks: Development Track and Application Track. The Development Track is programming intensive and prepares students for advanced simulation development, while the Application Track focuses on the usage of existing advanced simulation tools. Prospective students are encouraged to speak with the Graduate Program Director (or a faculty advisor) if unsure which pathway is most suitable for their needs.
The program's subject core consists of:
- an overview of modeling and simulation;
- an in-depth exploration of specific simulation methodological approaches;
- simulation system modeling principles and techniques;
- an introduction to computer visualization and visual simulation; and,
- principles of stochastic analysis.
Students have the flexibility to take courses in an online format asynchronously.
Additional Information
Additional Graduate Student Resources (Graduate School): The Graduate School has extensive additional resources for graduate students at https://www.odu.edu/graduateschool/graduate-student-resources
Program Financial Aid: Depending on the funding availability, our programs may offer graduate assistantships with stipends that are awarded to students after a competitive review process. The level of award is determined on the basis of previous experience and performance as a graduate assistant and on the student’s academic achievement and potential in the field. In addition, a number of teaching and research positions are available for financial support of qualified graduate assistants during the summer months (June and July).
Accelerated Study (Dual Dominion Program): Undergraduate students in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology can apply for entry into the Dual Dominion Program, which permits students to begin pursuit of a graduate degree in Modeling & Simulation Engineering while they are still pursuing their undergraduate degree in a complementary discipline. Subject to the approval of the undergraduate and graduate program directors, a student enrolled in the Dual Dominion program can count up to six credit hours of course work towards both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees. Full-time students may be able to complete the requirements for the bachelor's degree in four years and the master's degree in one additional year. Students who are matriculated in an undergraduate major in the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology with a GPA of at least 3.00 overall and 3.00 in the major are eligible to apply for admission to a Dual Dominion Bachelor's/Master's program. Additional Undergraduate Catalog information on the Dual Dominion program can be found at https://catalog.odu.edu/undergraduate/registrationrequirementsandprocedures/linked_programs/.
Admission Information
Application Process
Summary: Applications for graduate study in the Master of Science in Modeling & Simulation Engineering Program should be made through the general ODU Application Portal. Additional materials supporting your application (outlined below) will be required. Once complete, your application package will be reviewed and forwarded to the Modeling & Simulation Engineering Program's Graduate Program Director for consideration. Questions regarding the general application process can be directed to admissions@odu.edu (on-campus) or globaladmissions@odu.edu (online).
Application Deadlines: Our program uses a rolling admission process and does not have a formal application deadline. Entrance into the program and commencement of studies will be timed to begin with the start of the next academic term following admission. Potential students are also welcome to consult the Graduate Program Director if not sure about the deadlines.
General ODU Requirements
General ODU Requirements: General requirements for graduate admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Program (Civil and Environmental Engineering Concentration) can be found on the ODU Graduate Admissions website. Additional details can be found in the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog.
Additional Program Requirements:
Prior Degrees: The Master’s Degree in Modeling and Simulation is designed for students having bachelor’s degrees in Engineering, Science or Mathematics, although students from other educational backgrounds may apply with appropriate leveling courses. Prerequisites for admission include: mathematics – two courses in differential and integral calculus and one course in calculus-based probability and statistics; and computer science – algorithmic problem solving using a high-level object-oriented programming language such as C++. Provisional admission (see below) may also be possible for applicants with prior degrees in a related fields other than the applicant’s intended graduate program.
Potential prerequisite courses for the master’s degrees in modeling and simulation include the following:
- Introductory differential and integral calculus equivalent to MATH 211 (Calculus I) and MATH 212 (Calculus II).
- Calculus-based probability and statistics; this material is available for graduate credit in PSYC 727. Undergraduate courses STAT 330 or ENMA 420 will also meet the prerequisite requirement.
- Computer science fundamentals including an object-oriented programming language such as C++, algorithmic problem solving, and data structures.
Undergraduate GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.80 overall and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the undergraduate major are required. Students with notable deficiencies may be considered for provisional admission and will be required to complete prerequisite course requirements in addition to the graduate degree requirements. Job experience and training may be considered in evaluating prerequisite requirements.
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended are required.
Examination/Test Scores: Submission of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is nominally required. However, this requirement is waived if the applicant holds an engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution in the USA.
Language Proficiency Requirements: TOEFL (or IELTS) scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English unless their BS degrees are from USA institutions. These applicants must meet University admission requirements (IELTS: 6.5 or TOEFL iBT: 79); please refer to the website: https://www.odu.edu/admissions/proficiency for additional details.
Résumé: A résumé or CV detailing relevant experience is required.
Personal Statement: Each applicant must submit an essay of 500 words or less describing personal and academic goals, professional objectives, preparation for graduate study, and how the chosen program will help the applicant achieve these goals and objectives.
Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. At least one must be from former or current professors, and one could alternatively be from an employment supervisor.
Provisional Admission: Students not meeting the above requirements may be admitted provisionally. Only the Graduate Program Director (GPD) can waive an admission requirement. Please reach out directly to the GPD if you think you are eligible for a waiver from a requirement. The GPD may request additional information, including GRE scores. Provisionally admitted students may be required to complete additional prerequisite course requirements to prepare them for the graduate curriculum in the discipline.
Curriculum Requirements
Curriculum requirements in the Master of Science in Engineering (Modeling & Simulation Concentration) are in accordance with the general requirements for masters' degrees at Old Dominion University as specified in the Requirements for Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.
Progression in the M.S. program is governed by a Plan of Study that is established by the student in conjunction with his/her advisor and guidance committee within the first nine credit hours of coursework. The Plan of Study will follow the established course requirements (below) unless a substitution to one or more courses is agreed upon between the student and their primary advisor and approved by the Graduate Program Director.
The plan of study is designed to prepare the student to undertake scholarly research in the particular field and specialization of their thesis. A high degree of flexibility is provided to customize the plan of study, taking into account the diversity in the fields of study, the multidisciplinary nature, student interest, as well as the different levels of preparation that individual students have upon entry to the program.
The Master of Science in Engineering with a Concentration in Modeling & Simulation Engineering can be earned through two possible Options with differing combinations of classwork, projects, and thesis requirements.
- Thesis Option: 30 credit hours total (24 credits coursework + 6 credit thesis)*
- Coursework Option: 30 credit hours total (all credits coursework)*
*Note that the Thesis Option requires students to complete a thesis and pass an oral defense examination. Coursework Option requires students to pass an written comprehensive examination at the end of all course work.
Degree requirements for each of the Options are outlined below.
Master of Science Degree Requirements
The Master of Science program requires 12 hours of course credit in modeling and simulation foundation courses. These foundation courses include:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| MSIM 741 | Principles of Visualization | 3 |
| MSIM 551 | Analysis for Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| or MSIM 751 | Advanced Analysis for Modeling and Simulation |
| 3 |
| 3 |
Advanced Modeling Course Examples (3 credits)
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| Machine Learning I | |
| System Architecture and Modeling | |
| Systemic Decision Making | |
| Simulation Formalisms | |
| Modeling Global Events | |
| Transportation Network Flow Models | |
| |
Advanced Simulation Course Examples (3 credits)
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
| Finite Element Analysis | |
| High Performance Computing Simulation and Data Analytics | |
| Cluster Parallel Computing | |
| Principles of Combat Modeling and Simulation | |
| Synthetic Environments | |
| Simulation Modeling in Transportation Networks | |
| |
The remaining course credits (12 credits for the thesis option and 18 credits for the course option) are elective course credits. These courses are selected to achieve one or more program objectives or themes and must be approved by the student's advisor and/or graduate program director. Elective courses outside the ECE Department must be approved by the graduate program director. The thesis option concludes with 6 credit hours of thesis credit (MSIM 699) and a thesis defense and the course option concludes with a comprehensive exam. Students must also complete the Responsible Conduct of Research for Engineers training online.
Certain students will need to take pre-requisite leveling courses that will count towards the 12 credit hour elective course requirement. These courses are: MSIM 510 Model Engineering; MSIM 541 Computer Graphics and Visualization; MSIM 602 Simulation Fundamentals; and, MSIM 603 Simulation Design. The Course Option Application Track only requires MSIM 510 Model Engineering and MSIM 602 Simulation Fundamentals as leveling courses.
The MS Coursework Option is also offered online via Canvas which provides online lectures, homework submissions, examinations, discussion boards, wikis, video/audio collaboration sessions, and grading. Students with reliable high-speed internet service can connect and participate in engaging discussions and distributed asynchronous learning with the instructor and other students. All course materials are distributed and collected electronically. Students located in the Hampton Roads region may utilize live courses to fulfill the elective course requirement with approval from the Graduate Program Director.
