Bachelor of Science in Modeling and Simulation Engineering

Old Dominion University will soon be the only higher education institution in the United States to offer a complete set of degree programs in modeling and simulation (M&S) - from undergraduate right through to Ph.D - after the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) approved the creation of a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in M&S engineering at its July 14 meeting.

The program will begin in the fall semester of 2010, with 13 students admitted in the first year. By the end of the 2013-14 school year, the program aims to graduate 28 entry-level M&S engineers every year, to fill positions in the burgeoning M&S field in Hampton Roads.

"A major component of the mission of Old Dominion University is to respond to the advanced educational and workforce development needs of the Hampton Roads region and the Commonwealth of Virginia," the ODU proposal read.

"Over the past 10 years, modeling and simulation has emerged as one of the region's principal technology sectors. With an expanded workforce, it's likely that this activity will grow at a dramatic rate. We have the potential in Hampton Roads to lead the world in modeling and simulation. The missing component in the educational path needed to expand the M&S workforce is the presence of an undergraduate modeling and simulation program."

Oktay Baysal, the dean of ODU's Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology, said the university can now provide the "full spectrum" of college degrees in modeling and simulation. ODU currently offers both master's and doctoral degrees.

"Our success with the advanced degrees in this field and the development of modeling and simulation industries in Hampton Roads are among the push-and-pull factors for this new bachelor's degree program," Baysal said.
"It will also have the distinction of being the first ndergraduate program in the country addressing the rapidly growing need of experts in modeling and simulation."