Modeling and simulation (M&S) are powerful tools used in a wide range of fields and industries to help solve complex problems, understand systems and processes, test hypotheses, and make predictions about future outcomes.  Modeling is the process of constructing a simplified or abstract representation of real or hypothetical objects, systems, and processes. Simulation, on the other hand, imitates the behaviors of dynamic models and allows the observation of system behavior.  M&S are widely applied in various fields, including defense, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, economics, social sciences, healthcare, environmental sciences, and many others.  Modeling and Simulation Engineering is an engineering discipline concerned with the study, design, and applications of computational modeling and simulation for a wide array of domains. There is a high demand for M&S professionals across various industries, but often there is a shortage of skilled individuals in this field.  Increasing the availability and capacity of academic programs in modeling and simulation would be the key to address this, cultivate a skilled workforce, and meet the growing demand for their expertise.

Old Dominion University (ODU) has a rich history in M&S education and research. ODU has been at the forefront of advancing the field and has established itself as a leader in offering high-quality academic programs and conducting cutting-edge research in M&S. Over the years, ODU has developed a range of academic programs and initiatives related to M&S. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs that equip students with a strong foundation in the principles and applications of M&S.  The following significant milestones highlight ODU’s contribution to and prominent role in M&S education.

  • 1998: Master of Science in Modeling and Simulation program and Master of Engineering in Modeling and Simulation were established.
  • 2000: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with Concentration in Modeling and Simulation program was established.
  • 2002: Doctor of Engineering in Modeling and Simulation was established.
  • 2002: Graduate Certificate in Modeling and Simulation was established.
  • 2003: The first Ph.D. in Modeling and Simulation in the world was granted.
  • 2005: ODU declared M&S a university-wide initiative.  Each of the six colleges offers graduate certificate related to M&S.
  • 2010: Bachelor of Science in Modeling and Simulation Engineering (BSMSE) program was established.  The BSMSE program is the only program that offers an undergraduate degree in M&S in the U.S.
  • 2013: The first class was awarded the BSMSE degree.
  • 2015: ODU’s BSMSE program received accreditation from ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), which also was applied retrospectively to students graduated in 2013 and 2014.
  • 2021: A new Modeling and Simulation Engineering major was established within the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program.