Course Descriptions

I. Required Technical Project Management Courses (12 hours)

PMGT 650—Overview of Technical Project Management (3 Hours)

This course applies a systems engineering approach to project man- agement and introduces the student to the entire lifecycle of techni- cal projects as offered by Project Management Institute’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and other resources. Practical assignments are combined with industry-accepted standards for the purpose of developing a logical framework for managing and leading technical projects. The five major process groups of Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitor- ing and Controlling, and Closing are investigated in relationship with the nine knowledge areas of Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communication, Risk and Procure- ment. Professional responsibility and ethics will receive particular emphasis. A Capstone Project requirement is a major component of this course and integrated into the other Technical Project Man- agement (TPM) courses, ENGR 651, ENGR 652, and ENGR 653. A formal presentation of the completed TPM Capstone Project to industry, academic and public professionals will be required at the successful completion of the fourth TPM course. Prerequisite: None

PMGT 651—Technical Project Planning and Scheduling (3 Hours)

This course explores the principles and applications of work breakdown structures (WBS); the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT); earned value management, critical chain scheduling and buffer management; definition and allocation of resources; resource leveling; and sched- ule compression and risk planning and mitigation. Course content includes realistic projects, case studies, MS Project computer appli- cations, along with web-based management and technology tools. Each student will continue working on their Capstone Project started in PMGT-650, and if PMGT-652 and PMGT-653 have been successfully completed, will formally present the completed project as part of this course. Prerequisite: PMGT-650 or instructor permission.

PMGT 652—Applications of Quality Management (3 Hours)

This course investigates the principles of quality management and their application in the technical project environment. The stan- dards, tools, techniques and deliverables as related to the develop- ment and implementation of a comprehensive quality system will be explored. Topics related to ISO 9000, lean six sigma methodol- ogy, business process improvement, and function point analysis will be addressed. Each student will continue working on their Capstone Project started in PMGT-650, and if PMGT-651 and PMGT-653 have been successfully completed, will formally present the completed project as part of this course. Prerequisite: PMGT-650 or instructor permission.*

PMGT 653—Technical Project Support and Operations (3 Hours)

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the activities necessary for the completion of a project, but not normally recognized as project activities. These activities include project plan development, human resources, communication, procurement, and stakeholder management. Each student will continue working on their Capstone Project started in PMGT-650, and if PMGT-651 and PMGT-652 have been success- fully completed, will formally present the completed project as part of this course.

II. Required Leadership Courses (6 hours)

PMGT 671—Project Manager Leadership Development (3 Hours)

This course is designed to provide project management students with knowledge and understanding of proven concepts for the development of leadership skill essential to lead and manage technical project teams. It is intended for students with engineering and technical backgrounds, who want to improve their knowledge in the area of technical project leadership and management responsibilities. Students will be exposed to the issues related to understanding the difference between leadership and management, the leadership behaviors unique to the best performing project managers, the casual influences that impact leadership development, and the importance of coaching, mentoring, and corporate culture. Course content will include the study of proven research results, case studies, guest speakers, individual study, and executive interviews. Prerequisite: PMGT-650.

PMGT-672–Applied Leadership Concepts (3 Hours)

This course is designed to provide project/program management professionals with advanced leadership skills. Areas covered in the course will include leadership challenges unique to international projects, virtual project teams, executive leadership issues, conflict resolution, effective oral and written communications, changing a corporate culture, stakeholder management, and how to lead the team development lifecycle. Course content will include case studies, guest speakers, executive shadowing, and classroom simulations.

III. Leadership Emphasis Track (12 hours)

PSYC 500 – Human Growth and Development (3 Hours)

An analysis of the principles of human development with emphasis on the contributions of biological, social, psychological, and multicultural influences as applied to an understanding of the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development across the life-span.  Particular emphasis will be given to the psychological nature and social context of development as well as cultural and ethnic variations impacting on developmental processes.

PSYC 570 - Social and Cognitive Foundations of Interpersonal Behavior (3 Hours)

This course presents a survey of the scientific study of social influence -- or social psychology, in other words.  The class is based on the premise that a fundamental understanding of the basic forces affecting how individuals think and behave in social settings serves as a cornerstone of effective interpersonal behavior and sound leadership, and is thus critical to successful performance in virtually every professional endeavor.  The topics addressed include social judgment and decision-making, attitudes and attitude change, persuasion, group processes, prejudice and discrimination, and conflict resolution. Prerequisites:  None

BADM 710 – Quantitative Methods (3 Hours)

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of analytical tools and concepts used in making optimal decisions in the pursuit of organizational goals including cost efficiency, service delivery, and profit.  Analytical concepts include probability theory, statistics, regression analysis, forecasting, and utility theory.  In addition to the theory covered above, the students will also work on projects employing techniques, particularly regression and forecasting. Prerequisites:  None

BADM 713 – Communication for Leadership (3 Hours)

This course provides insight on the role of organizations as communication systems in which effective writing and speaking are crucial.  Emphasis is on developing awareness of verbal and written styles, interpersonal skills, and creating a repertoire of writing and speaking strategies.  Prerequisites: None

BADM 722 – Leadership in Organizations (3 Hours)

This course is a seminar that focuses on the understanding and application of organizational theory and leadership principles.  In addition, the course will include components on developing individual leadership skills and different theories of organizations.  The applications component of the course will include a variety of approaches such as cases, films, guest speakers, individual self-assessment, role play, team building exercises, and a leadership portfolio.  Prerequisites: None.

ENGR 690—Independent Study (3 Hours)

This course is designed to give students real-world work experience to complement the classroom education they have previously received or to allow for working on an advanced academic project under the direction of one or more of the faculty of the School of Engineering.  Students will have the opportunity to relate their classroom experiences to a variety of managerial issues and/or to the investigation of some advanced topic.  Topics shall not be directly related to the student’s past life experiences.  Applicable efforts, activities, and topics will be coordinated through the School of Engineering. Prerequisites: None

IV. Engineering Emphasis Track (12 Hours)

a.) Electrical & Computer Engineering Courses

ELEC 605 – Advanced Power Systems (3 Hours)

A review of AC systems, power flow and symmetrical faults will be given.  Students will study symmetrical components, unsymmetrical faults, system protection, power system controls, and power line transients.  Additional topics will include power flow computational methods, regulatory aspects of the North American power grid, and the use of computer tools for the design of transmission and distribution systems. Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor, and an undergraduate course in power system analysis or equivalent

ELEC 615 – Spectral Analysis (3 Hours)

Spectral estimation and analysis plays a key role in a large variety of signal processing applications. Classical and modern spectral analysis techniques are developed and compared in terms of performance and implementation. Topics covered include random-discrete signals, sample autocorrelations functions, the periodogram, and parametric spectral estimates. Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor, and an undergraduate course(s) in continuous and discrete time signal analysis or equivalent

ELEC 625 – RF Systems (3 Hours)

Analysis, design, and optimization of radio-frequency systems.  The operation and characterization of RF components, fundamentals of noise and distortion, and system concepts including tools such as level charts and link budgets will be taught.  Applications will include wireless communication systems and radar. Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor, and undergraduate courses in linear systems and electromagnetic fields

ELEC 635 - Adaptive Signal Processing (3 Hours)

An introduction to the analysis and design of adaptive systems with applications in the areas of communications, signal processing, and control. Topics include random signal models; theory of adaptation and performance measures; LMS and RLS algorithms; optimal filtering; adaptive equalization; interference cancellation; signal prediction; and system identification. Prerequisites: Graduate Standing or permission from professor, and undergraduate courses in signals and systems, and probability and statistics for engineers

ELEC 645 – Data Communication Networks (3 Hours)

Fundamentals of data communication networks.  Emphasis on network algorithms and their performance.  Topics include: layered network architecture, Link Layer protocols, high-speed packet switching, queueing theory, Local Area Networks, and Wide Area Networking issues, including routing and flow control Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor, and undergraduate courses in computer programming and probability and statistics for engineers

ELEC 655 – Digital Communications (3 Hours)

Introduction to modern digital communication systems.  Emphasis on modulation and detection techniques and their performance in the presence of noise. Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor, and undergraduate courses in linear systems and probability and statistics for engineers

ELEC 665 - Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion (3 Hours)

This course covers fundamentals of thermodynamics, chemistry, flow and transport processes as applied to energy systems. Topics include analysis of energy conversion in thermomechanical, thermochemical, electrochemical, and photoelectric processes in existing and future power and transportation systems, with emphasis on efficiency, environmental impact and performance. Systems utilizing fossil fuels, hydrogen, nuclear and renewable resources, over a range of sizes and scales are discussed. Applications include fuel reforming, hydrogen and synthetic fuel production, fuel cells and batteries, combustion, hybrids, catalysis, supercritical and combined cycles, photovoltaics, etc. The course also deals with different forms of energy storage and transmission, and optimal source utilization and fuel-life cycle analysis.  Prerequisites: Graduate Status or permission from professor and undergraduate courses in university physics and engineering mathematics

ELEC 675 – Computer Architecture (3 Hours)

Organization and design of computer systems hardware.  Provides the basic knowledge required for understanding and designing standard and advanced computer architectures.  Topics include:   instruction set architectures, ALU design and computer arithmetic, memory organization, cache and virtual memories, controller design, pipelining and parallelism. Prerequisites: Graduate status or permission of the professor, and undergraduate courses in digital logic design and assembly language programming

b.) Civil & Environmental Engineering Courses

CIVL 502 – Sustainability (3 Hours)

This course provides an introduction to the broad topic of sustainability and its application to civil engineering.  A foundation of study on the historical perspective of sustainability leads to a focus on sustainable development, sustainable design, and sustainable building materials. Prerequisites: BS degree in engineering or related field

CIVL 504 – Natural Hazards and Preservation of Historical Structures (3 Hours)

Engineering and science applications and socio-economic impacts of natural hazards on historic structures.  Course provides thorough overview of design, rehabilitation, and other socio-economic decisions related to natural hazards and historical structures. Prerequisites: BS degree in engineering or related field

CIVL 506--Geographic Information Systems (3 hours)

Instruction in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) focusing on data analysis and application methods for engineers, planners and related professions.  Fundamental topics include spatial analysis, geostatistical analysis, 3-D modeling, and vector/raster modeling.  The focus of the course is on gaining a fundamental understanding of spatial data structures in GIS, geo-spatial data acquisition, geoprocessing, geostatistical methods; visualization, exploration of spatial data; network analysis, terrain mapping, spatial analysis, and modeling.  The course will include specific emphasis on urban land use evaluation methods, transportation analysis (dynamic segmentation and routing) and hydrologic modeling. Prerequisites: BS in math, science, or engineering, or permission from professor. Familiarity with basic GIS concepts with and either ARC/INFO, ArcView, or ArcGIS highly recommended.

CIVL 508 – Monitoring of Civil Engineering Infrastructure (3 Hours)

Design and analysis of instrumentation systems to monitoring of civil engineering infrastructure for the purpose of evaluating performance and/or design.  Covered topics include principles of measurement, measurement errors and error analysis, instrumentation sensor types and calibration, data acquisition and signal conditioning, and data management. Prerequisites: CIVL330 or equivalent or permission from professor

CIVL 602 – Water Quality Modeling and Management (3 Hours)

Water quality analysis and simulation of physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting rivers, lakes, estuaries, and drinking water distribution systems.  Included are best management practices based on application of water quality modeling techniques to environmental systems (rivers, lakes, distribution systems, etc.  Prerequisites: CIVL 312 or permission from professor

CIVL 604 – Aquatic Chemistry (3 Hours)

Quantitative treatment of variables that govern the chemistry of aquatic systems such as lakes, oceans, rivers, estuaries, and groundwater.  Emphasis on carbonate in open and closed systems, metal complexation and solubility, and oxidation-reduction reactions. Prerequisites: CHEM 152/162 permission from professor

CIVL 608 – Building Load Analysis (3 Hours)

Structural engineering applications of analysis methodologies used to determine loads in accordance with ASCE 7.  Course provides thorough overview of all practical load considerations.  Prerequisites: CIVL 309 or approved equivalent

CIVL 610 – Timber Design (3 Hours)

Design of wood framed structures in accordance with the NDS Specification.  Course provides thorough overview of practical member and connection design and real world applications.  Prerequisites: CIVL 304 or approved equivalent

CIVL 612 – Urban Transportation Planning (3 Hours)

A systems approach to the transportation planning process focusing on policy issues and the decision making process.  Topics include: 1.) Trip generation modeling –variables influencing trip generation, regression analysis and category analysis; Trip distribution – modeling factors governing trip distribution, growth-factor methods and gravity models, calibration of gravity models; 3.) Mode split modeling – factors influencing mode choice, discrete choice models; 4.) Route selection – traffic assignment; and 5.) Transportation surveys; transport related land use models, urban structure, urban goods transport.  Use of popular travel demand software and transportation planning applications will also be covered. Prerequisites: BS in math, science, or engineering, or permission from professor.

CIVL 614 – Ground Improvement (3 Hours)

This course provides a thorough overview of several design and construction methods for improving in-situ soil conditions.  Covered topics include site exploration; evaluation of in-situ soil conditions via in-situ testing; soil liquefaction; soil shear strength and compressibility; soil nailing; foundation problems for highway embankments; soil grouting; dynamic compaction, vibro-compaction; and vibro-replacement. Prerequisites: CIVL410 or equivalent or permission from professor

CIVL 616 – Deep Foundations (3 Hours)

Design, construction, and inspection of deep foundation systems.  Covered topics include effects of deep foundation installations; static capacity and settlement analysis of single pile and pile groups under axial and lateral loads; drilled shaft design, construction, and inspection techniques; deep foundation load testing standards, interpretation, and simulation; non-destructive testing and subsequent analysis; cost analysis of deep foundations.  Prerequisites: CIVL410 or equivalent or permission from professor

CIVL 650 – Special Graduate Topics in Civil Engineering (3 Hours)

Selected graduate topics in civil engineering.  The offering of this course will depend upon the interest of the students, the availability of an instructor, and the approval of the department head.  Since the content of this course may change, a student may repeat the course for credit with the consent of the department head.  Prerequisites: Graduate status and permission from department head. Prerequisites: none

c.) System Engineering Management Courses

Required Courses:

PMGT 680–System Engineering Management Fundamentals (3 Credit Hours)

This course is an overview of system engineering practices and principles, with an emphasis on system life cycle processes and activities. Content is based on the INCOSE System Engineering Handbook as well as other related texts and applicable industry standards. Students will participate in individual and team projects. Topics of study include System Engineering Concepts, the System of Systems (SOS), System Definition and Development, System Design Requirements, integration strategies, System Modeling, Project Planning, System Engineering Processes, leadership, and organizing to manage processes associated with complex technical systems. Prerequisites: None.

PMGT 681–Requirements Development and Management (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to build the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the translation of needs and priorities into a system of requirements and to develop derived requirements. These together form the basis of the engineering of complex technical and multidiscipline projects. Course topics will focus on managing the processes associated with the development of system requirements. The course will introduce concepts associated with the translation of user needs and priorities into basic functions and quantifiable performance requirements, along with how to analyze and improve upon the requirements in areas such as correctness, completeness, consistency, measurability and testability. Prerequisite: PMGT-680 or instructor permission.

PMGT 682–System Verification and Validation (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to build knowledge and performance competencies related to the verification and validation processes associated with ensuring the integrity of an evolving design solution. A comprehensive exploration of system verification and validation practices will be performed to provide a basis for applying technical modeling and simulation techniques and lifecycle phases. Course topics will include an examination of applicable industry standards and provide a broad understanding associated with relevant process areas. Prerequisite: PMGT-680 and PMGT-681 or instructor permission.

Elective Courses:

PMGT 683–Systems Modeling and Integration (3 Credit Hours)

This course provides an overview of how systems engineers employ models and simulations to implement the systems engineering process model. Conceptual understanding and practical skills in the application and integration of systems modeling and simulation will be addressed, in addition to model and simulation development and application to facilitate decision making. Principles and theoretical frameworks will be explored to provide the practical knowledge and skills associated with the application and integration of systems modeling and simulation within complex systems or technical organizations. Topics of study include process improvement, lean enterprise concepts, requirements allocation, and system optimization.

PMGT 684–Human System Integration (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the application of human system integration (HSI) theories and principles to understand human factors, safety engineering, and the limitations of the human. Emphasis will be placed on reducing life cycle costs and optimizing system performance through an understanding of the relationships between humans and technology in complex systems. Topics will focus on the design of interactive products to support the way people communicate and interact, including human factors, safety, rapid prototyping, mock-ups, habitability, survivability and team behavior. Prerequisites: None.

PMGT 685–Decision and Risk Analysis (3 Credit Hours)

This course takes a broad study of decision analysis tools and techniques used in technical and management decision making within a risk management context. Integration of decision and risk analysis will be emphasized. Students will develop an industry standard Risk Management Strategy and a Decision Management Strategy. Topics of study include decision and alternative definition, analytical decision support, probability theory and statistics, decision framing, cognitive bias, risk planning and identification, risk analysis, risk breakdown structures, Game Theory, sensitivity and multi-attribute utility analysis and decision implementation. Prerequisites: None.