2010-2011 University Catalog 
  
2010-2011 University Catalog

Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering


The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering

Graduate Admissions: 703-993-1512
Graduate Student Services: 703-993-1505
Undergraduate Student Services: 703-993-1511
Web: volgenau.gmu.edu
College Code: VS


The mission of the Volgenau School of IT & Engineering is to provide our students with a high-quality education that emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and entrepreneurship. In addition, the School seeks to develop and disseminate leading-edge research that significantly advances the field of knowledge.

The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering is concerned primarily with study areas that involve integrating the information basis for modern engineering with the more conventional physical and materials science approach. The careful integration of these areas results in a unique academic experience for highly motivated students.

The Volgenau School offers several degree programs that concentrate on important contemporary technological issues and needs. Bachelor’s degree programs are offered in the areas of applied computer science, bioengineering (pending SCHEV approval), civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Minors in information technology, computer science, software engineering, data analysis, and systems engineering and operations research are also available.

Master’s degree programs are available in the following areas: applied information technology, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer forensics, computer science, electrical engineering, information security and assurance, information systems, operations research, software engineering, statistical science, systems engineering, and telecommunications. Several doctoral programs are offered, including a cross-disciplinary program in information technology and more focused programs in civil and infrastructure engineering,  computer science, electrical and computer engineering, systems engineering and operations research, and statistical science. In addition, the engineer degree in information technology provides post-master’s training in an application area.

Undergraduate certificates are offered in applied statistics, information technology, postbachelor computer science, and operations research and engineering. For graduate students, certificate programs are offered in advanced network protocols for telecommunications; architecture-based systems engineering; biometrics; e-commerce; command, control, communications, computing, and intelligence; intelligent agents; communications and networking; computational modeling; systems engineering of software intensive systems; federal statistics; biostatistics; information engineering; information security and assurance; military operations research; signal processing; software engineering; telecommunications forensics and security; networks, systems integration and testing; very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) design and manufacturing; civil infrastructure and security engineering; discovery, design, and innovation; computer networking; network technologies and applications; wireless communications; telecommunications systems modeling; data mining; database management; and web-based software engineering.

The undergraduate degree programs prepare students to enter directly into professional employment or continue studies at the graduate level. The requirements for the bachelor’s degrees include required and elective courses in mathematics, humanities, and general education, and specialty courses in applied computer science, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, information technology, and systems engineering. Each program strongly emphasizes English composition and communication.

Students also have opportunities to develop interest areas in other fields within the Volgenau School that offer undergraduate  courses but do not have undergraduate majors. The bachelor of individualized study  (BIS) degree program may appeal to adult students who have completed a substantial portion of their studies at other institutions.

The Bioengineering program at the Volgenau School continues to expand and develop. New faculty have been added during the past year and this trend will continue. Program faculty are actively engaged with other departments, schools, and institutes at Mason as well as with Washington-area organizations dedicated to health oriented research or clinical service. Our goal is to provide a quality education to students interested in this rapidly growing field.

Administration

Lloyd Griffiths, Dean
Daniel A. Menascé, Senior Associate Dean
E. Bernard White, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
Sharon Caraballo, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
Jennifer Lamb, Assistant Dean for Development
Melinda Barnhart, Executive Director, Finance and Administration
Pete Farrell, Director, Alumni Relations
Jonathan Goldman, Director, Computing Resources
Terri Mancini, Director, Sponsored Research Administration
Lisa Nolder, Director, Graduate Student Services
Nicole Sealey, Director, Graduate Admissions and Enrollment Management
 

Bachelor of Science Programs

The Volgenau School offers seven programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.

 BS Degree                                                        Department

Applied Computer Science                                   CS 

Bioengineering (pending SCHEV approval)         ECE 

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering                   CEIE 

Computer Engineering                                        ECE 

Computer Science                                               CS 

Electrical Engineering                                          ECE 

Information Technology                                      AIT 

Systems Engineering                                          SEOR 
 

Undergraduate Mission, Goals

The undergraduate mission is to provide a quality education to support the needs of Virginia and the nation. The goal is to graduate students who are technically competent; prepared for ethical professional practice and a lifetime of learning; communicate effectively and work as members or leaders of technical teams; and understand the global nature and effect of information technology and engineering.

Degree Requirements

The following general requirements must be completed by all undergraduate students:

  • At least 120 credits of academic work including at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above)
  • At least 6 credits of English composition, 3 credits of literature, and 3 credits of oral communication (university general education electives)
  • At least 3 credits of arts, 3 credits of Western civilization, 3 credits of social and behavioral science, and 3 credits of global understanding issues (university general education electives)
  • At least 24 credits of social science and humanities course work, which is normally satisfied by the 24 credits of university general education courses described above
  • All requirements listed in the following sections for specific Volgenau School majors, including university requirements for mathematics, natural science, information technology competency and ethics, and synthesis

Freshmen who are undecided about their specific majors may select Volgenau School undeclared as their major. Sample  schedules that fulfill degree requirements for individual programs within the Volgenau School are available from the departments. With approval of department advisors, some  courses may be taken out of the indicated sequences, particularly English, literature and social science courses.

The requirements for the BIS  degree can be found in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences chapter. Requirements for the applied computer science, bioengineering, civil and infrastructure engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, IT, and systems engineering undergraduate degree programs are provided in the academic departments’ sections of this chapter.

Academic Policies

Students should become familiar with the University’s general academic policies in addition to those specific to each academic unit.  Please see the Academic Policies  section of the catalog.  That chapter also lists additional university requirements for minor programs and additional (double) majors.

Academic Appeal of Policies, Grades and Actions

In most instances, the student’s instructor, academic advisor, and/or department can resolve any academic related issues that arise from time to time in a manner that student, instructor, academic advisor, and/or department find acceptable.  If, however, the student disagrees with a decision at the department level and feels that there may be reasonable grounds for appealing the decision, the student should contact the Volgenau School Student Services Offices at 703-993-1505 for graduate students and 703-993-1511 for undergraduate students.  This office is staffed with student services professionals who can provide details related to pursuing the request with the appropriate dean and the the next levels if necessary.

Academic Progression, Course Repeat

Students majoring in the Volgenau School programs are expected to have an acceptable plan of study formulated with assistance from the department advisor on file. They are expected to make reasonable progress toward their degree during each semester they are enrolled. Undergraduate students may be required to obtain permission from the Volgenau School Student Services Office to repeat some courses required for the major in which they have previously received a grade of D or F. Individual Volgenau School programs may disallow students from retaking  certain high-demand courses in which they have already earned a grade of C or better if they want to retake the course to improve their GPA.

Restricted Courses

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many excellent courses available to broaden their educational experience or strengthen their background; however, some credits earned may not satisfy any degree requirements. Degree requirements for the Volgenau School undergraduate programs may not include credits earned in activity courses in any department. Examples are many of the courses listed under the catalog designations of art, dance, music, or theater; individual sports, physical education, or team sports; and recreational activities. Exceptions in these categories are courses that meet the university general education requirements for the major, including global understanding or Arts. Whenever there is uncertainty, students must consult with an academic advisor in their departments. Generally, degree requirements for computer science and engineering majors may not be met by 100- to  400-level courses designated “IT” (and any associated cross-listed courses) in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. The respective computer science or engineering student’s department might approve requests for some IT courses, such as IT 350, 362, 462, and 466, to satisfy degree requirements.  For more information, contact the department or the Volgenau School Student Services Office at 703-993-1511.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all undergraduate students to successfully complete a course, or combination of courses, designated “writing-intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. To determine the writing-intensive course requirements for specific degrees, refer to the major program descriptions in the following department sections.

BS/Accelerated MS Programs

Many of the BS degree programs offered within the Volgenau School may be packaged with some of the MS degree programs in ways that reduce the total number of credits required. Details may be found in the individual department sections. 
 

Master of Science Programs 

Degree Requirements

The Volgenau School offers 14 Master of Science programs in its academic units. Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow.

MS Degree                                           Department

Applied Information Technology             AIT 

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering       CEIE 

Computer Engineering                           ECE 

Computer Forensics                               ECE 

Computer Science                                  CS 

Electrical Engineering                             ECE 

Epidemiology and Biostatistics               STAT 

Information Security and Assurance       CS 

Information Systems                              CS 

Operations Research                              SEOR 

Software Engineering                             CS 

Statistical Science                                   STAT 

Systems Engineering                              SEOR 

Telecommunications                                ECE 
 

Doctor of Philosophy Programs

The Volgenau School offers six PhD programs in its academic units.  Policies regarding admission and degree requirements are provided in the department sections that follow with the exception of the Information Technology PhD program. The PhD in information technology is a program that builds on a fundamental core and emphasizes cross-disciplinary efforts among the 14 master’s programs in the Volgenau School, as well as with related units at Mason. Specific entrance and degree requirements for this doctoral program are found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.

PhD Degree                                                                            Department

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering                                         CEIE 

Computer Science                                                                     CS 

Electrical and Computer Engineering                                        ECE 

Information Technology                                                            Interdisciplinary 

Statistical Science                                                                     STAT                                   

Systems Engineering and Operations Research                       SEOR     
 

Engineer Degree in Information Technology

The engineer degree is a post-master’s degree, but it does not confer a doctorate. Students pursuing the engineer degree can take advanced PhD courses and complete a project of an applied nature to fulfill program requirements. Details about the engineer degree can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this chapter.
 

Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program

The Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP) is a cooperative program of Mason, the University of Virginia (UVA), Virginia Tech, Old Dominion University (ODU), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) designed to make graduate engineering education available in locations throughout Virginia through distance learning. CGEP offers graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology. Instruction takes place through a mix of videoconferencing and web-based courses available at educational and corporate receive sites around the state.

Each degree program is taught by one of the five participating universities, and prospective students should apply directly to the university offering the degree of interest. Mason’s Master of Science in computer science degree is available through CGEP. This program follows all policies stated in this catalog for the MS in computer science, with the exception that, with faculty advisor approval, up to 50% of the required credits may be completed at other CGEP institutions. Courses from the other institutions may be offered at Mason’s Fairfax or Prince William campuses.

Policies for other universities’ programs are determined by those institutions; please consult with the university offering the program of interest for details.  

For more information about CGEP, go to volgenau.gmu.edu/graduates/commonwealth_graduate_engineering.php.

■ Applied Information Technology

Phone: 703-993-3565
Web: ait.gmu.edu

School:  The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Gantz (chair), Jajodia, Marchant

Associate professor: Bruno, Caraballo, Snow (associate chair)

Assistant professors: Aksoy, Boicu, Rytikova, Sanghera, Wang D.

Instructors: D’Alessandro, Garrison, Islam, Lyons, Quinn

Adjunct professors:   Adams, Angelone, Ayehu, Berlin, Bucci, Butu, Caldwell, Camp, Curts, Durie, Eakin, Farrel, Fennell, Goodacre, Haliyur, Hsu, Jalinoos, Jalinous, Kahrl, Karkehabadi, Latiff, Leary, Liao, Long, Lord, Luo, Maren, McLaughlin, Montana, Moody, Morikawa, Pegram, Phung, Quinn, Rabbi, Redman, Reo, Sampson, Santucci, Schorling, Serrato, Tharp, Truong, West, Woodfork, Young, Zahadat, Ziman

Applied Information Technology offers undergraduate and graduate programs to develop expertise in applying information technology to support business applications. The programs emphasize problem-solving, communication, as well as technical and leadership skills.

The BS in Information Technology program aims to meet the existing and emerging needs of industry by educating new IT workers in current principles and practices, and in its applications. The program focuses on equipping graduates with effective skills for interacting at the management level as well as the technical level. Graduates fill jobs that focus on the application of IT in an increasing number of emerging sub-disciplines, including network administration, information security, information systems, telecommunications, web development, and computer graphics.

The MS in AIT emphasizes elements of productive, effective and ethical leadership of major IT projects, in both the federal and private sectors.

The department also offers a certificate program for students seeking to add an AIT certification to their existing credentials. Students currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in other disciplines may choose to add a minor in AIT.

Course Work

The AIT Department offers all 100 - 400 IT courses and many 500/600 level AIT courses in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

■ Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering

Phone: 703-993-1675
Web: civil.gmu.edu

School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Arciszewski, Bronzini (emeritus), Goodings (chair), Houck

Associate professors: deMonsabert, Flannery, Venigalla

Assistant professors: Casey, Urgessa

Research professor: Thirumalai

Term Professor:  Liner

Adjunct Faculty: Adler, Bhargava, Binning, Chipley, Choudhury, Donahue, Doyle, Gagne, Goode, Hardy, Hartmann, Harrop-Williams, Matusik, Miller, Reger, Rodriguez, Ward, Zobel

The Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE) Department offers the BS, MS, and PhD degree in civil and infrastructure engineering. These degree programs complement the study of civil and environmental engineering with advances in information technology (IT), and they focus on the physical and organizational infrastructure essential to the functioning of an urban society. The bachelor’s program in civil and infrastructure engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012; 410-347-7700.

Civil and infrastructure engineering is the study of land, transportation, water, environmental, structural, energy, and telecommunications systems from a civil engineering perspective and within a complex technological, social, political, economic, and environmental context. The focus is on how these systems are successfully conceived, developed, designed, built, operated, maintained, and renewed in the built environment such as the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

An urban society thrives and prospers when adequate, appropriate, reliable, robust, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure systems are provided. The investment in existing infrastructure and other urban systems in the United States is enormous. The investment required to maintain, operate, renew, and manage the evolution of these infrastructure systems in the future is even greater. The need for highly educated professionals to confront and solve these continuing vital problems is pressing. Examples of infrastructure systems include water supply and distribution; streets, roads, and highways; wastewater management; transit; storm water management; public utilities; energy supply and distribution; telecommunications; buildings, facilities, and structures; and solid waste management.

Course Work

The department offers all courses designated CEIE in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Computer Science

Phone: 703-993-1530
Web: cs.gmu.edu

School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Barbara, J. Chen, DeJong, Gomaa (chair), Kerschberg, Menascé, Motro, Offutt, Pullen, Setia, Sibley, Sood, Tecuci, Wechsler

Associate professors: Ammann, Aydin, Brodsky, Carver, Domeniconi, Duric, Kosecka, Luke, Richards, Simon, P. Wang, White, Wijesekera

Assistant professors:  Allbeck, S. Chen, Heishman, Li, Lien, Lin, T. Maddox, Malek, Nordstrom, Rangwala, Shehu, Sousa, Stavrou, X. Wang, Zhong

Instructors: Fleck

Adjunct professors: Abdurazik, Abdulla, Ahmed, Alazzawe, Armour, Baldo, Duan, Ellis, Foxwell, Geldon, Howard, Hwang, Kodali, M. Maddox, Martin,  Nidiffer, Olimpiew, Pettit, Ritchey, Sharif, Smeltzer, Smith

Emeritus faculty: Baum, Hamburger, Rine

Introduction

Computer science is at the center of the information revolution in the 21st century. Advanced computation tools and techniques are revolutionizing and transforming the way we work, play, communicate, collaborate, and conduct business. In addition, computation is creating new scientific and engineering fields; such as robotics, computational sciences, bioinformatics, and health informatics, to name a few. Computer science is a discipline concerned with the analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, and evolution of computer-based systems used in almost all walks of life.

Computer scientists must be well-grounded not only in the theory of computing, but also in its application to diverse application areas, for example, web-based applications, wireless networking, online computer game design, social networks, agent-based systems and e-commerce. Computer scientists must be capable of working closely with members of other professions associated with computing. Students who pursue this discipline will learn (1) theories of computation, analysis of algorithms, operating systems, and artificial intelligence; (2) communication and coordination via advanced computer networks; (3) storage, retrieval, and management of large databases; and (4) analysis, design, and implementation of reliable software systems.

Course Work

The Department of Computer Science (CS) offers courses designated CS, INFS, ISA and SWE in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. The department offers undergraduate programs in computer science and applied computer science. A double major is offered in computer science and computer engineering. Students may also select a minor in computer science or software engineering. Several accelerated BS Computer Science/MS Programs are offered. Graduate programs offered are an MS in computer science, an MS in information security and assurance, an MS in information systems, an MS in software engineering, a PhD in computer science, and several graduate certificate programs. The department also participates in the PhD in Information Technology Program with the following concentrations: PhD study in information security and assurance, PhD study in information systems, and PhD study in software engineering.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Electrical and Computer Engineering

Phone: 703-993-1569
Web: ece.gmu.edu

School:  The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Allnutt, Cook, Ephraim, Gertler, Griffiths, Ioannou, Jabbari, Levis, Manitius (chair), Mulpuri, Pancrazio

Associate professors: Berry, Chang, Gaj, Hintz, Mark, Pachowicz, Paris, W. Sutton, Wage

Assistant professors: Ikonomidou, Kaps, Li, Nelson, Peixoto, Sikdar

Research professors:  Katona, Wagenhals, Zaidi

Instructor:  Lorie, Pandula

Adjunct professors:  Abgariah, Allen, Alper, Amos, Beatty, Bollino, Durie, Follendore, Fowler, Gong, Hall, Hassan, Herman, Hibey, Hockensmith, Hrnjez, Lazarevich, Leaf, McCaughey, Orebaugh, Osgood, Pollak, Sabzevari, Sheppard, Storev, Sud, Tham, Tran, Van Meter T, West S, Williams, Wilson, Wu, Young   

Emeritus faculty: Baraniecki, Beale, Black, Schaefer, Tabak, Van Trees

 

The undergraduate education mission of the ECE Department is to provide a quality education for electrical engineering and computer engineering students to support the needs of Virginia and the nation.

The objectives of undergraduate programs within the ECE Department relate to the abilities of our graduates three to five years after graduation. These objectives include:

  • Technical knowledge: Graduates will be able to apply the fundamentals in the appropriate engineering discipline as demonstrated by success as productive engineers in industry, government, or graduate school.
  • Preparation for further study: Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to engage in lifelong learning.
  • Professionalism: Graduates will have the skills and understanding needed to fulfill their professional responsibilities as engineers, including written and oral communication, ethics, and teamwork.

Graduate programs leading to MS and PhD degrees prepare students for careers in industry, government, and academia. Graduate certificate programs provide well-defined targets for students who want to advance or update their knowledge in selected areas. ECE offers the PhD in electrical and computer engineering, MS degrees in computer engineering, electrical engineering, telcommunications, and computer forensics, and certificates in communications and networking, signal  processing, and very large-scale integration design and manufacturing.

ECE is committed to high standards of teaching and research excellence in communications, digital systems design, computer networks, microprocessor and embedded systems, distributed computing, signal and image processing, control systems, intelligent systems, systems integration and microelectronics.  Graduate students are offered a progressive environment with ample opportunities for the type of advanced research needed to confront the complex realities of the 21st century.

The courses in these programs are offered during the evening or late afternoon hours to accommodate students who are employed full time. For those who enter the programs on a full-time basis, some financial aid may be available in various forms, such as teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and work-study and co-op agreements with local industry.

Course Work

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department offers all courses designated ECE, BENG, CRFS and TCOM in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. The department also offers some ENGR  courses.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Interdisciplinary Programs (VSITE)

School:  The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

The Volgenau School offers two interdisciplinary post-master programs: the PhD in Information Technology and the Engineer in IT degree. The first is designed for students who seek a doctoral program in Information Technology and want to be able to customize it to their needs. The second is a professional degree with the flexibility to integrate knowledge from all of the disciplines offered in our School.  The programs are managed by the Graduate Student Services Office under the purview of the Senior Associate Dean.

Doctoral students may conduct their doctoral research under the supervision of any eligible faculty member of any of the school’s departments.  The doctoral program allows students to take a broad range of courses and research options. Students can specialize in various areas, including information systems, software engineering, and information security.

The Engineer in IT degree program allows a student to combine the advanced course work of the PhD degree in IT with an applied project. It is designed to meet the needs of working professionals seeking advanced and up-to-date training in IT areas, but who are not planning a research career.  

Programs

Professional Degree

Doctoral Degree

■ Statistics

Phone: 703-993-3645
Web: statistics.gmu.edu

School: The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Carr, Gentle, Rosenberger (chair), Wegman

Associate professors: Davis (associate chair), Miller, C. Sutton

Assistant professors: Diao, Tang

Instructors: Izmirli, Sims, Surina

Emeritus faculty: Bolstein

 

Course Work

The Statistics Department offers all courses designated STAT in the Courses  chapter of this catalog. Statistical methods and methods for data analysis are crucial for researching and exploring the life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, business, nursing, education, and engineering. The Statistics Department offers a variety of introductory courses and more advanced course work in specialized statistical methodology and applications. The focus of the department’s offerings is applied, with special emphasis on biostatistics, graphics and visualization, federal and survey statistics, and engineering applications of statistics and data analysis.

Introductory courses are targeted for undergraduates in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Health and Human Services, as well as in the Volgenau School. The STAT 250–350 sequence is targeted for general audiences, while the STAT 344–354 sequence is targeted for technical and scientific audiences. STAT 362 deals with computer statistical packages and is appropriate as a second or third course for students from a wide variety of backgrounds. It is strongly recommended for students who elect to minor in data analysis.

Although the department does not offer an undergraduate degree in statistics, it does offer an undergraduate certificate program in applied statistics and a minor in data analysis. Also, a variety of advanced undergraduate courses is available for inclusion in other degree programs.

Programs

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Dual Master's

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree

■ Systems Engineering and Operations Research

Phone: 703-993-1670
Web: seor.gmu.edu

School:  The Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering 

Faculty

Professors: Adelman, Chang, Chen, Donohue, Hoffman, Nash, Polyak, Schum, Sage, Sofer (chair)

Associate professors: Brouse, Laskey, Loerch, Sherry, Shortle, Speller, White

Assistant professors: Ganesan

Affiliated faculty members: Houck, VanTrees

Research and term professors: Costa, Gross, Sherry, Wagenhals, Wagner, Wolman

Adjunct professors: Alexander, Barry, Belle, Camp, Carley, Charboneau, Humphrey, Killam, Laveson, McDevitt, Morris, Rothwell, Soller, Stanojevic, Stephenson, Stevens, Wieland, Yost

Emeritus faculty: Palmer

The Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) Department offers a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, a minor in systems engineering and operations research, master’s degrees in systems engineering and in operations research, and a PhD degree in systems engineering and operations research. In addition, the department offers seven certificate programs at the master’s level: architecture-based systems engineering; command, control, communications, computing, and intelligence (C4I); discovery, design and innovation; military operations research; computational modeling; systems engineering analysis and architecture; and systems engineering of software intensive systems.   The Department also offers a dual degree MS in Operations Research and Statistical Science jointly with the Statistics Department.

Systems engineers determine the most effective ways for an organization to use all of a given system’s components: people, machines, materials, information, and energy. The engineers plan, design, implement, and manage integrated systems, working to ensure performance, safety, reliability,  and maintainability. They also work to ensure that systems are delivered on time at a reasonable cost. Examples of systems are computer networks, automobiles, intelligent robots, stereos, the Metro, and Mason. Whereas other engineering disciplines concentrate on individual aspects of a system, such as electronics, ergonomics, or software, systems engineers focus on the system as a whole. Systems engineering, perhaps more than any other engineering discipline, is involved with the human and organizational aspects of developing the desired system. Systems engineering is the people-oriented engineering profession.

Operations research is the professional field that deals with using scientific methods in engineering and management decision making, often focusing on how best to allocate limited resources. Operations researchers do for organizations what physicists do for the physical world: they try to find order in apparent chaos by identifying the structure in complex situations and understanding how the components of organizations interact. The goal is to explain and predict the effects of actions taken on these systems. Much of this work is developing and manipulating mathematical and computer models of organizational systems composed of people, machines, information, and procedures. The overall purpose is to provide a rational basis for decision making.

Mason’s operations research faculty members are principally involved in the theoretical and empirical study of managerial and operational processes, and the use of mathematical and computer models to optimize these systems. Models are needed for a variety of decision-making purposes in business, industry, scientific research, and government to describe different environments and relate alternative plans of action. Thus, the courses in operations research focus on quantitative modeling and the analysis of complex systems. Courses stress the use of contemporary computer hardware and software in modeling and analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field of operations research will be one of the fastest-growing professions of the next decade.

Obviously, there is much overlap between systems engineering and operations research. The department encourages students of either discipline to elect courses in the other. For more information, go to seor.gmu.edu.

Course Work

The department offers all courses designated SEOR, SYST, and OR in the Courses  chapter of this catalog.

Programs

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor's Level Certificate

Undergraduate Minor

Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Program

Master's Degree

Dual Master's

Master's Level Certificate

Doctoral Degree