The Certificate in System Dynamics (CSD) provides a methodology using simulation and mathematical modeling to better understand complex and dynamic systems. The CSD provides knowledge and tools that enable users to better determine how feedback loops, stocks (inventories), and flows (rates) change over time and influence system behavior. Inherently interdisciplinary in approach, it can support fields such as engineering, economics, project management, logistics, environmental, and strategic decision-making. CSD is for both non-degree and degree-seeking students.
Sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense, Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), the CSD program helps DoD to develop and maintain a clearable, knowledgeable workforce to support and execute DoD program workforce modernization needs in microelectronics, research, acquisition, and other areas. The certificate will give today’s workforce a graduate level education in the unique capabilities of System Dynamics modeling to support these goals.
The target audience is DoD civilians, active duty military, and defense contractors with STEM or related backgrounds working defense acquisition engineering and management, in laboratories, test centers, program offices, logistics centers, or similar organizations.
The certificate can be earned as a minor concentration as part of another AFIT degree or accomplished independently entirely via online/distance learning.
For general information about online/distance learning (DL) programs, opportunities, and application procedures, please visit AFIT Office of Online Learning Support, www.afit.edu/DL/.
To apply for the program:
AFIT Admissions: 937-257-3184 or DSN 787-3184; afit.ene.admissions@us.af.mil
If you have any questions regarding the System Dynamics program, please contact Dr. Brandon Lucas. (Note: please email Dr. Lucas after you apply to AFIT as well)
To be considered for admission to the CSD, candidates should have completed a bachelor’s degree in an engineering, scientific, financial, or management related field. An overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 is required. Academic admission requirements may be waived at the discretion of the department on a case-by-case basis.
A GRE or GMAT test is not required for certificate students, but if the student intends to pursue the separate AFIT master’s degree and the GRE is required by the department they are applying to, GRE scores will be required prior to the completion of their third course in the program. Requirements for admission to and completion of a graduate degree program will apply and are covered in existing AFIT operating instructions.
The modality for all QMGT courses is via distance learning.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
The CSD program takes students with diverse backgrounds (program management, engineering, financial analysis, etc.) and produces graduates who understand, and can effectively use, the tools and techniques of systems thinking and system dynamics. Within a few years after graduation, graduates are expected to:
Educational Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Upon completion of the certificate program, the students will be able to:
Brandon M. Lucas
Degree Type: Certificate
Delivery Method: Distance Learning
Degree Requirements
Courses (4 courses, 16 credits)
These courses provide a common breadth of knowledge, basic and advanced modeling, and a capstone course to employ skills on a chosen project.
QMGT 530 – Fundamentals of Systems Thinking
QMGT 610 – System Dynamics Modeling and Analysis I
QMGT 620 – System Dynamics Modeling and Analysis II
QMGT 630 – System Dynamics Capstone
Graduate School Catalog