Online Dynamic Systems Certificate

Equip Yourself For Success in Model-Based Engineering.

Our world is composed of dynamic systems: those that are not static but that change with time due to inputs, external stimuli, or natural occurrences. Dynamic systems alter their trajectory (acceleration, orientation, velocity, position); physical qualities (temperature, pressure, volume, mass); or other attributes (current, voltage, frequency). Examples of these dynamic systems include weather patterns, biological systems, economic markets, and, of course, one that people often take for granted: the automobile.

Engineers, then, must work with dynamic systems, making them as stable and safe as possible.

In the Online Dynamic Systems Certificate, students will use MATLAB Simulink and Simscape to model, analyze, and control multiphysics dynamic systems; they will acquire crucial skills in designing these systems prior to costly prototyping and testing. They will also gain expertise in numerical model prediction, which is a powerful tool for optimal design, vibration analysis, test plan development, and control system design.

You'll also learn from respected professors, such as Jason Blough and Gordon Parker, who not only have industry experience, but also an impressive body of accomplishments and expertise in deep learning, dynamic systems, dynamic measurement, vehicle dynamics, mechanical system design and analysis, and other crucial fields.

Who is This Certificate For?

This certificate is designed for engineers who want deeper skills in mathematical modeling, simulation, and dynamic behavior. The courses are especially relevant to mechanical and related engineering professionals who work with vehicles, electromechanical systems, vibration, or other complex systems that change over time.

What You'll Study

To qualify for this certificate, you must first have certain fundamental prerequisites such as Control Systems (EE 3261), Mechanical System Design and Analysis (ME 3400), and Dynamic Systems (ME 3750).

With an advisor, you'll then customize a certificate based on 6 credits of required courses and 3 credits of electives.

When planning your program, always check the course registration page for the availability of classes.

Required Courses (Choose Two)

ME 5701 - Intermediate Dynamics

Intermediate study of several topics in engineering dynamics, including three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics, generalized coordinates, Lagrange's equation, and Hamilton's principle. Uses computer-aided dynamic simulation tools for analyzing dynamic systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5730 - Dynamic System Simulation

Methods for simulating dynamic systems described by ordinary differential equations using numerical integration are developed including error quantification and simulation verification. MATLAB, Simulink and Simscape are used to illustrate key concepts.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Vehicle Dynamics

ME 5990 - Special Topics

Study of selected subjects related to mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics.

Credits: variable to 4.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Electives (Choose One)

ME 4775 - Analysis & Design of Feedback Control Systems

This course covers topics of control systems design. Course includes a review for modeling of dynamical systems, stability, and root locus design. Also covers control systems design in the frequency domain, fundamentals of digital control and nonlinear systems.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or EE 3160 or ME 3750

ME 5702 - Engineering Vibrations

This course provides an in-depth exploration of vibrations, including single-degree-of-freedom systems, multiple-degree-of-freedom systems, distributed parameter systems, dynamic finite element modeling, numerical solutions, vibration isolation, absorption, optimal design for vibration reduction, analytical modal methods, transfer function methods, and damping models and analysis.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Aerospace Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): ME 4702(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5715 - Linear Systems Theory and Design

Overview of linear algebra, modern control; state-based design of linear systems, observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear time-varying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, linear quadratic regulator, Kalman filter,

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or ME 3750 or EE 3261

EE 5715 - Linear Systems Theory and Design

Overview of linear algebra, Modern Control: state-space based design of linear systems, observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear time-varying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, Linear Quadratic regulator, Kalman filter, Introduction to robust control.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261 or MEEM 3750 or ME 3750

Learn more about mechanical and aerospace engineering research at Michigan Tech.

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

Knowledge of dynamic systems is used in a wide range of fields, such as aerospace engineering, automotive, energy, and manufacturing companies, as well as government and academic laboratories. Engineers with this expertise may design, develop, and implement new dynamic systems; or analyze and improve existing ones.

And these careers are lucrative, too. For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, $134,830 is the 2024 median annual salary for aerospace engineers whereas $102,320 is the 2024 median annual salary for mechanical engineers.

Close up of the inside console of a plane while it is flying.

Possible Career Paths

Aerospace Engineer
Automotive Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
Dynamic Systems Engineer
Embedded Systems Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Systems Engineer

Get Started on Your Online Dynamic Systems Certificate.

Take the next steps on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program. When you're ready, reach out or start or free, easy graduate application.