A Bachelor of Science in Modeling and Simulation Engineering James F. Leathrum, Jr. and Roland R. Mielke Department of Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Engineering Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 23529, USA ABSTRACT [12], [13] and models [14] for graduate modeling and simulation programs have been described. Graduate modeling and In recent years, a number of Modeling and Simulation graduate simulation programs have been started at several universities programs have been initiated to address the growing demand in including the University of Alabama – Huntsville [15], Arizona industry and government for engineers and scientists educated in State University [16], California State University – Chico [17], this discipline. However, much less has been done to develop Georgia Institute of Technology [18], Old Dominion University undergraduate programs. This paper addresses the design of a [19], and the University of Central Florida [20]. At the curriculum for a baccalaureate program in Modeling and undergraduate level, several universities have developed tracks Simulation Engineering. The constraints and objectives that or concentrations focusing on narrow sub-areas of modeling and guide the curriculum design are described. Then the simulation as part of other degree programs. However, to date, development of a new curriculum, designed to meet the ABET no ABET accredited engineering program in modeling and accreditation requirements for general engineering programs, is simulation has been fully implemented presented. This paper describes the development of the first undergraduate Keywords: Higher Education, Undergraduate Program, degree program in modeling and simulation [19]. The program Modeling and Simulation, Engineering Program, Curriculum is being implemented, one program year each calendar year, Design. over the period 2009 - 2013. The program will award the Bachelor of Science Degree in Modeling and Simulation Engineering (M&SE); it is anticipated that the first graduates 1. INTRODUCTION will complete their studies in Spring 2013. The curriculum is designed to meet the ABET accreditation requirements for a An NSF Blue Ribbon Panel on Simulation-Based Engineering general engineering program. Graduates will be prepared for Science (SBES) [1] identified the importance of simulation in employment as entrance level M&S engineers and for graduate engineering and science research, but noted that the United study in modeling and simulation and possibly other closely States' leadership in the field is losing ground. The panel also related disciplines. Graduates also will be prepared to seek identified the challenges involved in SBES, including the certification as a Certified Modeling and Simulation "education of the next generation of engineers and scientists in Professional (CSMP) and, with appropriate selection of the theory and practice of SBES," and proposed a "sweeping curriculum electives, licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). overhaul of our educational system." Similar findings were presented by the National Research Council [2] where it was The focus of the paper is on the design of the M&SE recommended that "DoD should ensure that its educational curriculum. The curriculum is designed to achieve four goals: programs provide experiences in which students integrate the (1) to satisfy the ABET criteria for a general engineering activities of modeling, simulation, analysis, evaluation, and program; (2) to provide appropriate coverage of the M&S Body communication…", going as far as to propose a core curriculum of Knowledge; (3) to achieve discipline-specific student applicable to DoD practitioners. Congress has attempted to outcomes; and (4) to meet university and college requirements address these pressing needs by passing legislation [3] for a for baccalaureate programs. In Section 2, the curriculum grant program to create new M&S degree programs. While no requirements imposed by these goals are described. Each goal is funding was appropriated, development of M&S academic investigated separately and the impact on the curriculum design programs was included in the Department of Education’s Fund is noted. In Section 3, the details of the curriculum design for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) process and the resulting M&SE curriculum are presented. Comprehensive Program [4] proposal solicitation in 2010. Finally, in Section 4, the remaining activities needed to However, no awards for M&S program development were complete and document the curriculum course designs are awarded. summarized. Since the late 1990’s, a number of papers have been written The purpose of the paper is two-fold. First, the description of an stating the importance and urgency for developing educational M&SE curriculum may serve as a useful model for other programs in modeling and simulation. These papers identify universities considering the initiation of similar programs. desirable program outcomes [5], present suggestions for course Second, it is hoped that the paper will promote additional and curriculum content [6], [7], and describe potential discussion in the literature concerning the development of approaches for, and challenges in, implementing a modeling and undergraduate modeling and simulation programs. simulation program [8], [9], [10], [11]. More recently, curricula 2. CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS 4. An ability to function on a multidisciplinary team; 5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering There are at least four sources of curriculum constraints that problems; should be addressed in the design of a modeling and simulation 6. An understanding of professional and ethical engineering curriculum. These sources include the ABET responsibility; criteria for accrediting engineering programs, the literature 7. An ability to communicate effectively; defining an M&S body of knowledge, a set of discipline- 8. The broad education necessary to understand the impact specific student outcomes identified by program faculty, and of engineering solutions in a global, economic, university general education requirements. In this section, these environmental, and societal context; requirements are described and the impact on curriculum 9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in structure is noted. life-long learning; 10. A knowledge of contemporary issues; and ABET Criteria 11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern The M&SE program is an undergraduate engineering program engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. designed to meet accreditation standards of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET specifies eight ABET Criterion 5 – Curriculum. The curriculum general criteria for accreditation of baccalaureate programs criterion identifies broad content areas, and credit allocation for [21]. Three of these criteria, Criteria 2, 3, and 5, have a direct these areas, that must be included in an engineering curriculum. impact on curricula design and are identified here. At the The engineering curriculum must include: present time, ABET does not recognize modeling and 1. One year of a combination of college level mathematics simulation engineering as a distinct engineering discipline; and basic sciences, some with experimental experience, therefore, the M&SE program will seek accreditation under the appropriate to the discipline; guidelines for general engineering programs. For general 2. One and one-half years of engineering topics, consisting engineering programs, there are no additional program-specific of engineering sciences and engineering design criteria. It is anticipated that eventually modeling and appropriate to the student’s field of study; simulation engineering programs will become recognized as a 3. A general education component that complements the separate engineering discipline and at that time will be assigned technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with program-specific criteria. The following ABET criteria directly the program and institution objectives; and impact the design of the M&SE curriculum. 4. A major design experience based on the knowledge and skills acquired in the earlier course work and ABET Criterion 2 - Program Educational incorporating appropriate engineering standards and Objectives. Program educational objectives are defined as multiple realistic constraints. statements that describe the accomplishments expected of graduates during the first few years following graduation. M&S Body of Knowledge Clearly, the program curriculum must be designed to foster the A number of significant efforts have been made to define an attainment of the program objectives. The program objectives M&S body of knowledge [6], [22]. However, the focus of these defined for the M&SE program are enumerated in the efforts primarily has been to identify content for development of following. M&S graduate programs or for development of licensure requirements for current M&S practitioners. Thus, while The M&SE program seeks to prepare engineering graduates existing body of knowledge presentations may not be entirely who: appropriate to undergraduate program development, the work 1. Practice modeling and simulation engineering serves as a framework from which to select a subset of content successfully in different professional settings; areas that are appropriate to M&SE baccalaureate programs. 2. Work responsibly and effectively as members of a professional team or organization; and Presentation of the M&S body of knowledge often consists