The department offers three graduate degrees: Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The plan of study is always tailored to the individual needs and interests of the student; however, each student must gain the knowledge of the fundamental methodologies and techniques of systems engineering.
The M.E. student first learns the fundamentals of systems analysis, design, and integration, and applies this knowledge to an ME project (non-thesis option).
The M.S. student first learns the fundamentals of systems, decision, and information sciences, and next applies this knowledge to a more focused research project leading to a master's thesis.
The Ph.D. student first acquires the advanced knowledge in one area of systems, decision, and information sciences, and next contributes to knowledge through research leading to a doctoral dissertation.
Current basic research in the department explores theoretical and methodological issues in the following areas: computational statistics, performance evaluation, capacity assurance, and resource allocation; multivariate systems monitoring; discrete event simulation; probabilistic modeling, empirical model building, data fusion, and data mining; risk assessment and management; learning algorithms; optimization, dynamic programming, and Markov decision processes; Bayesian forecasting and decision theory; cognitive systems engineering, human-computer interaction, decision support systems design, control theory and systems integration.
Research Projects M.S. and Ph.D. students typically associate with an ongoing research project in the department. These projects involve both theoretical and applied elements and allow students to work closely with faculty on challenging, contemporary problems. Examples of current research projects include network optimization, intelligent transportation system, air traffic prediction system, probabilistic forecasting of weather, flood warning system, spatial knowledge discovery, regional crime data analysis, clinical and biological data integration, critical safety data analysis, mitigation of risk to cyber and physical infrastructure, credit scoring and credit portfolio management, valuation of intellectual property, design of hospital systems, and airline cockpit displays, and supervisory control of unmanned vehicles.
Degree Program for Working Professionals The Systems Engineering Program participates in the Virginia Engineering Online (VEO) program by presenting graduate-level courses in a distributed learning environment. VEO students achieve a Master of Engineering degree. VEO students participate in live class sessions alongside their student peers sitting in the classroom, accessing the interactive sessions via their computer and Internet connection. Class sessions are also recorded for later viewing/reviewing.