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Operational Technology Certificate

Program Description

Program Description

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:

  • Understand and apply the concepts, methods, and tools related to research and development of new defense products including planning, directing, and controlling resources (people, material, equipment, and funds) in a systems management context
  • Understand and apply concepts from a wide range of business disciplines within the specific context of DoD product development
  • Understand the overall DoD and USAF product development and systems development environment
  • Provide oversight support and make specific recommendations on appropriate strategies and administration techniques for each phase of a weapon system development effort
  • Apply the best commercial practices to the DoD product development process
Additional Information

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 Criteria

DEGREE 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 Requirements

Core Courses
18 hours
 

Admissions Requirements

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Degree Information

Degree Type: Certificate


Delivery Method:


Degree Requirements

Graduate School Catalog
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Air Force Institute of Technology
2950 Hobson Way
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7765
Commercial: 937-255-6565 | DSN: 785-6565