Systems Science

Graduate Certificates

Program Overview

The Systems Science program offers graduate certificates in two specialty areas: Computational Intelligence and Computer Modeling & Simulation. Admission to Graduate Certificate Programs is continuous throughout the academic year. New students apply via CollegeNet, whereas for students already admitted to a certificate or degree program at PSU a graduate program change form is used. All courses applied to the Graduate Certificate must be no more than 7 years old at the time of the awarding of the Graduate Certificate. When a student is nearing completion of a certificate, they must apply to graduate with the certificate.

Important Revision Notice

This page reflects a revised version of the certificates that is in the process of being approved by the University. The changes are minor and are expected to pass review. Should any student complete a certificate before the review process is finished, a DARS exception may be required. If you are finishing a certificate in 2018-19 and believe the changes may affect you, please talk to the Systems Science faculty member in charge of the certificate: Dr. Wakeland for GCCMS or Dr. Fusion for GCCI.

Certificate Requirements

In order to earn a graduate certificate, one must:

  • Either apply for admission via CollegeNet (rolling admission, always available) if not yet a PSU student
  • --or-- if already a PSU student, work with their advisor to submit an OGS program change form
  • Complete at least 15 credit hours of courses in the specialty area,
  • Earn a GPA of 3.25 for these courses, and
  • Apply for graduation (be awarded the certificate) via the OGS website

Note: Students do NOT need to be admitted to a graduate degree program in order to earn a graduate certificate.

Graduate Certificate in Computer Modeling & Simulation

The GCCMS encompasses linear systems theory, discrete and continuous system simulation, and statistical modeling of structure. Typical application areas include process engineering, policy evaluation, data analysis & interpretation, and the study of feedback dynamics in complex systems.

GCCMS Courses
SySc 514: System Dynamics, 4 cr. (REQUIRED)
PLUS, AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO COURSES:
SySc 527: Discrete System Simulation, 4 cr.
SySc 525: Agent-Based Simulation, 4 cr.
ELECTIVES. One or more of the following, to reach the required credit total:
CS 545: Machine Learning, 3 cr.
Psych 523: Covariance Structure Modeling, 5 cr.
SySc 535: Modeling & Simulation with R and Python, 4 cr.
SySc 540: Introduction to Network Science, 4 cr.
SySc 551: Discrete Multivariate Modeling, 4 cr.

Graduate Certificate in Computational Intelligence

The GCCI encompasses neural networks, machine learning, evolutionary computing, and artificial intelligence. Typical application areas include pattern recognition, data-mining, control, signal processing, and non-linear optimization.

GCCI Courses
SySc 575: AI: Neural Networks I, 4 cr. (REQUIRED)
SySc 557: Artificial Life, 4 cr.
SySc 551: Discrete Multivariate Modeling, 4 cr.
CS 541: Artificial Intelligence, 3 cr.
CS 545: Machine Learning, 3 cr.
CS 546: Advanced Topics in Machine Learning, 3 cr.
CS 570: Machine Learning Seminar, 1 cr.
ECE 510: Topics: Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning, 4 cr.