Online Security of Cyber-Physical Systems Certificate

Earn an Online Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems Certificate and Get Future-Forward Skills.

Cyber-physical systems, which are everywhere, combine physical components, such as sensors and actuators, with software components, such as controllers. They are typically used to control and monitor physical processes, such as those used in robotics, industrial automation, and transportation systems. Common examples of these systems include autonomous vehicles, robotics, smart grids, and medical devices.

But risks obviously come with these systems. That is, there are potential system failures due to software and hardware faults as well as the inoperability between components. And then there are the matters of security and the ongoing threats of cyber attacks.

Michigan Tech's Online Certificate in the Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems equips students with knowledge of the cyber-physical safety and security strategies arising from modern, advanced system control networks and interconnected system complexes.

Take Practical Online Courses in the Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems.

In this 15-credit program from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, students will take 6 credits of core courses, 3 or more credits in their primary focus area, and up to 6 credits of electives.

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

Required Courses for Students in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, or MEEM

MEEM 5300 - Cybersecurity of Industrial Control Systems

General introduction to cybersecurity of industrial control systems and critical infrastructures. Topics include NIST and DHS publications, threat analysis, vulnerability analysis, red teaming, intrusion detection systems, industrial networks, industrial malware, and selected case studies.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
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, Mechatronics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

MEEM 5315 - Cyber Security of Automotive Systems I

Modern automotive control and communications systems from a cyber security perspective. Topics include: V2X communications, vehicle attack surfaces and vulnerabilities, in-vehicle networks, threat analysis and vulnerabilities, security mechanisms and architectures, security requirements analysis, hardware security modules, and standards.

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): Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5300 or EE 5455

Required Courses for Computer and Electrical Engineering Students

EE 5315 - Cyber Security of Automotive Systems I

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): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5300 or EE 5455

EE 5435 - High-Speed Circuit Design

With increasing operating frequency of integrated circuit, high-speed design becomes excessive important. This course introduces the solution and techniques for dealing with high-frequency (~GHz) signals using transmission line theory, signal integrity analysis, etc.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring, in even years
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering

Thereafter, student choose from the same list of courses for their primary focus areas and electives.

Primary Focus Area (3 or More Credits)

EE 5365 - In-Vehicle Communication Networks

Course focuses on in-vehicle system domains and their requirements, and in-vehicle communication bus Controller Area Network (CAN) and its related physical layers standards. It also covers other buses such as LIN, FlexRay, MOST, Ethernet, as well as introduction to V2V and V21.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3250 or EE 4250

EE 5367 - Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology

Principles, technologies, standards and applications of connected and autonomous vehicles. Topics include vehicular mobility modeling, physical layer considerations, routing protocols, automotive cybersecurity, as well as autonomous vehicles sensors technologies, sensor data fusion techniques, and autonomous vehicles challenges.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
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): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 5365 and EE 4272

EE 5750 - Model-Based Embedded Control System Design

This course introduces embedded control system design using a model-based approach. Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and communication protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles is highly recommended.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
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): MEEM 4700 or MEEM 4775 or EE 3261 or EE 4261

MEEM 5750 - Model-Based Embedded Control System Design

This course introduces embedded control system design using model-based approach. Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and communications protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles are highly recommended.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
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 Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775 or EE 4261 or EE 3261

EE 5811 - Automotive Systems

Automotive systems for light duty vehicles are examined from the perspectives of requirements, design, technical, and economic analysis for advanced mobility needs. This course links the content for the automotive systems graduate certificate in controls, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, connected and autonomous vehicles.

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): Automotive Systems & Controls, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer

MEEM 5811 - Automotive Systems

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, Automotive Systems & Controls, Hybrid Elec. Drive Vehicle Eng, Engineering Mechanics

EE 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

Introduction to automotive control systems. Modeling and control methods are presented for: air-fuel ratio, transient fuel, spark timing, idle speed, transmission, cruise speed, anti-lock brakes, traction, active suspension systems, and hybrid electric vehicles, Advanced control methodologies are introduced for appropriate applications.

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): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261 or MEEM 4775

MEEM 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

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, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775

EE 6320 - Cyber Security of Automotive Systems II

This course covers advanced topics in cyber security of automotive systems. Topics include modeling and simulation of cyber attacks on vehicle subsystems, communications security for V2X systems, vulnerabilities in cooperative vehicle infrastructures, threat analysis, and cyber security of SAE level 2, 3, and 4 autonomous driving systems.

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 & Computer Engineer, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Campus(s): Co-op and Online Course(s), Co-op Program, Off Campus, Off Campus MTU On-Line
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5310 or EE 5310

MEEM 6320 - Cyber Security of Automotive Systems II

This course covers advanced topics in cyber security of automotive systems. Topics covered include modeling and simulation of cyber attacks on vehicle subsystems, communications, security for V2X systems, vulnerabilities in cooperative vehicle infrastructures, threat analysis, and cyber security of SAE level 2, 3, and 4 autonomous driving systems.

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): Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5310 or EE 5310

Elective Coursework (Up to 6 Credits)

CS 4471 - Computer Security

This covers fundamentals of computer security. Topics include practical cryptography, access control, security design principles, physical protections, malicious logic, program security, intrusion detection, administration, legal and ethical issues.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411 or CS 4411

CS 5471 - Computer Security

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 3411 or CS 4411

CS 5472 - Advanced Topics in Computer Security

This course covers various aspects of producing trusted computer information systems. Topics include network perimeter protection, host-level protection, authentication technologies, formal analysis techniques, and intrusion detection. Current systems will be examined and critiqued.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 4471 or CS 5471 or SAT 4520

CS 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and Application

This course covers the four main paradigms of Computational Intelligence, viz., fuzzy systems, artificial neural networks, evolutionary computing, and swarm intelligence, and their integration to develop hybrid systems. Applications of Computational Intelligence include classification, regression, clustering, controls, robotics, etc.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

CS 5841 - Machine Learning

This course will explore the foundational techniques of machine learning. Topics are pulled from the areas of unsupervised and supervised learning. Specific methods covered include naive Bayes, decision trees, support vector machine (SVMs), ensemble, and clustering methods.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Pre-Requisite(s): CS 4821

EE 5821 - Computational Intelligence - Theory and application

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

EE 5841 - Machine Learning

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Permission of instructor required; May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore, Junior

MEEM 4730 - Dynamic System Simulation

Methods for simulating dynamic systems described by ordinary differential equations using numerical integration are developed. Quantifying simulation errors for both batch and real-time, control system applications is covered along with numerical optimization strategies for model validation. MATLAB and Simulink are used to illustrate key concepts.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750

MEEM 5430 - Human Factors - Transportation

This course aims to provide an understanding of drivers as a system component in the operation of vehicles and other transportation systems. Topics covered include human factors, driver-vehicle interaction, intelligent transportation systems, connected vehicle technology, and user interface.

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, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

This certificate is also available on campus.

Get Options by Earning an Online Certificate in the Safety and Security of Cyber-Physical Systems.

Our 15-credit program, which certifies that students have taken graduate courses covering advanced aspects of cyber-physical systems, will open up job opportunities. Many students also choose to build upon this certificate by earning a 30-credit Master of Science in Electrical Engineeringor Mechanical Engineering.

Nonetheless, whether you plan to enter a graduate program soon or later down the road, your online power engineering certificate from MTU will provide you with versatile, in-demand skills.

Get Education That Meets Industry Needs.

Automotive systems, such as acceleration, braking, steering, stability, speed control, and collision avoidance, which are physically integrated with the computers, software, sensors, and actuators, are some of the most common cyber-physical systems. And these systems need protection. With this certificate, you can meet the demand for cybersecurity engineers with a deep knowledge of the embedded control and communications components of physical systems.

Although this certificate features autonomous vehicles, the knowledge you learn transfers to other cyber-physical systems such as robots, manufacturing, and infrastructure. That is, the focus of this certificate is on the physical hardware, the embedded controllers within that hardware, and the systems integration and communications among the subsystems. The ultimate goal, then, is ensuring the safety and security of massive autonomous systems.

What Can You Do With an Online Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems Certificate?

Cybersecurity engineers, though they often work with autonomous vehicles, are employed in a wide variety of other industries, such as manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, energy, logistics, and defense. They work on self-driving cars, industrial robotics, intelligent manufacturing systems, connected healthcare devices, smart grids, robots for warehouse automation, and autonomous military drones.

Engineer working in a factory with a robotic arm.

Possible Career Paths

Cyber-physical systems engineer
Automation engineer
Robotic Software engineer
Autonomous systems engineer
Vehicle integration engineer
Mechanical engineer
Cybersecurity engineer
Machine learning engineer
Systems integration engineer
Embedded software engineer

Get Started on Your Online Certificate.

If you're up for these and other challenges in working at the intersection of cybersecurity and safety of autonomous systems, consider this certificate from Michigan Tech. We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.