The Graduate School of Engineering and Management, Department of Systems Engineering and Management, offers the Operational Technology (OpTech) certificate. The program provides students with an in-depth study of the unique challenges associated with developing new defense products and systems within the DoD and Air Force. The program is intended to provide exposure to the warfighter’s perspective regarding combat operations and to broaden/deepen technical background relevant to those operations. Students will learn the principles of project management and the associated organizational management necessary for effective defense product development.
OpTech studies are accomplished by a multi-disciplinary team of students (mechanical, electrical, aerospace, physics, chemical, etc.). Graduates should be well positioned to use their technical skills to analyze complex problems, design feasible solutions, and lead technical teams.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)Graduates of the Operational Technology certificate program should be able to:
The target audience for the OpTech program is young scientific and engineering (S&E) officers and civilians, as well as technically trained project managers who will become future leaders in the S&E fields. The OpTech certificate program is designed for part-time students.
Five courses are conducted over a 9-month period in which students are presented graduate-level material and are provided laboratory time to apply the academic principles they are learning. Because of the time commitment, strong support is required from students’ supervisors and leadership throughout the program.
School and Program Admissions CriteriaDEGREE REQUIRED: Technical area (engineering, math, or science) or with significant technical content (e.g., USAFA core)
MATHEMATICS REQUIRED: Differential and Integral Calculus
TEST REQUIRED: None
GPA REQUIRED: OVERALL - 3.0; MATH - 3.0
Waivers to the above criteria may be granted on a case by case basis. Therefore, individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
Degree RequirementsCore Courses
18 hours
Degree Type: Certificate
Delivery Method:
Degree Requirements
Graduate School Catalog