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ACADEMICS:
OpTech Certificate Program

OPTECH 1Operational Technology (OpTech) is a term used to describe the activity of prototyping, rapid development and integration of technology for the operational community. This exciting program will provide student a hands-on academic experience, with huge opportunity to see the impact that technology and products can have on the warfighting mission.

The OpTech Certificate Program is a nine month program, currently targeting Wright-Patterson AFB personnel. The program is sponsored by AFMC/EN and conducted in partnership between AFIT and AFRL's Center for Rapid Product Development. OpTech is a part-time study program for scientific and engineering (S&E) officers and technically trained project managers to expand operational knowledge, and to explore technologies they could exploit for AF purposes. Students completing this program will earn a Graduate Certificate in Operational Technology.

This program consists of:
  1. OPTECH 218 credit hours of graduate coursework in systems acquisition management and product development, systems engineering, and operational technology and innovation;
  2. A rapid design and prototype program where participants identify opportunities, develop a range of product concepts and conceptual designs, competitively down-select proposals, and then plan and execute a rapid product definition and demonstration effort.
  3. Optional operational and/or technology immersion experiences where participants learn of cutting edge technologies, interact with subject matter experts and experience the operational environment and employment considerations.

Certificate Classes

  • SENG 520 - Systems Engineering Design
  • RDMT 541 - Operational Technology and Innovation
  • SMGT 546 - Project Management
  • RDMT 642 - Systems Development I
  • RDMY 643 - Systems Acquisition Development II

Prospective students should possess a solid technical academic background, have strong records of performance and demonstrate leadership potential. This program is designed for junior officers and civilian engineers/scientists. Qualified candidates must:

  1. Be currently employed at WPAFB with no projected change of station for the nine months of the program
  2. Be serving in the grade of O-1 through O-3 or GS-9 through GS-12
  3. Have a strong record of performance
  4. Be able to attend AFIT classes
  5. Have an undergraduate degree in science, math, engineering or other technical field with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (recent GRE/GMAT scores should be provided if the GPA does not meet this minimum requirement).
Contact

OPTECH 3Announcement and advertising for the OpTech program occurs annually throughout the summer, with nomination packages due in late August. Selection is made in September in time for the start of AFIT Fall classes.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, the OpTech Nomination Package is due 29 August 2008. Note: this package requires the completion of an AFIT Application for Graduate Admission.

Questions can be directed to the AFIT program chair Dr. John Colombi (255-3355 x3347) or The AFRL Center for Rapid Product Development POC (255-6503).