The Department of Systems Engineering and Management offers the Master of Science in Cost Analysis (GCA). The GCA program is designed to advance the knowledge and creative problem solving skills needed to effectively estimate program resources within the global military, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Air Force environments. The curriculum integrates a strong foundation in quantitative concepts and techniques with specific military cost-related topics to prepare students to contribute effectively in a variety of complex and challenging roles in the global military arena. Besides the weapon system cost sequence, the curriculum includes courses in mathematical methods, quantitative decision-making, economics, cost management, risk, systems engineering and maintenance and production management.
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance or Math preferred
Mathematics Required: Calculus (but not necessarily including) differential equations and at least one course in statistics.
Test Required: GMAT 550 (28 Verbal, 37 Quantitative, 4.5 Analytical Writing); GRE 153V/148Q (within the last five years)
GPA Required: Overall - 3.0; Mathematics - 3.0; Major - 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.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Student Outcomes (SOs)
The Cost Analysis program provides a strong technical foundation in cost analysis, cost estimating, and decision support. The following student outcomes are those competencies that students are expected to achieve by the completion of the program:
• Apply a risk-based decision-making framework using descriptive and inferential statistics to analyze problems under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
• Analyze and apply the concepts, methods, and tools related to cost estimating in a program acquisition context.
• Apply and synthesize concepts from a wide range of business disciplines within the specific context of DOD resource estimation.
• Conduct and present methodical research to creatively solve complex and ambiguous problems and support resulting decisions with appropriate documentation.
• Effectively communicate using both (a) oral and (b) written communications.
Dr. JONATHAN D. RITSCHEL
Degree Type: Master's
Delivery Method: In-Residence
Degree Requirements
As specified in EN policy, an MS degree at AFIT requires a minimum of 48 credit hours, and the student must obtain an average GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken. In addition to 12 hours of thesis research, the following courses fulfill the degree requirements:
Cost Core (19 hours):
COST 510: Principles of Cost Estimating
COST 520: Advanced Concepts in Cost Estimating
COST 610: Risk and Uncertainty Analysis
COST 630: Defense Cost Economics
COST 674: Seminar in Cost Analysis
EMGT 550: Engineering Economics
Math/Stats Core (8 hours):
STAT 525: Applied Stats for Managers I
STAT 535: Applied Stats for Managers II
Other Core (10 hours):
COST 625: O&S Cost Estimating
ECON 520: Managerial Economics
SENG 610: Project Management
Graduate School Catalog
