Online Dynamic Systems Certificate

Earn an 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; that is, 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.

Progress Quickly With A Compact Curriculum.

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

With an advisor, you'll then customize a certificate that is based on 6 credits of required courses and 3 credits of electives. This personalized certificate is flexible and compact enough to fit around the demands of your life, your job, and your other responsibilities.

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

Required Courses (Choose Two)

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

MEEM 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 Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Dynamics, Engineering Mechanics

MEEM 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)

MEEM 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, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or EE 3160

MEEM 5702 - Analytical Vibroacoustics

First in a series of two courses on vibro-acoustics to provide a unified approach to study noise and vibration. Emphasizes interaction between sound waves and structures. Presents advanced vibration concepts with computational tools. Discusses wave-modal duality.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
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

MEEM 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 Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 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

This certificate is also available as an on-campus option.

Why Study Dynamic Systems at Michigan Tech?

When you earn your online certificate from us, you'll get a quality education. In fact, Michigan Tech is ranked the #3 best accredited online college in Michigan (EDsmart, 2024).

You'll also have other benefits.

A Rigorous Online Experience

You'll take the same, robust classes as do students in our in-person programs. These classes are taught directly by highly regarded faculty, who receive outstanding support from staff.
Joining One of MTU's Strongest Departments

By pursuing this online certificate, you will be joining the largest department and the biggest academic community at Michigan Tech, which comprises nearly one-fourth of the entire university student population.
Working With Esteemed Faculty

You'll learn from respected professors who not only have industry experience, but also an impressive body of accomplishments and combined expertise in deep learning, dynamic systems, dynamic measurement, vehicle dynamics, mechanical system design and analysis, and many other crucial fields. A few of the respected instructors in this program include Jason Blough, Interim Chair and Distinguished Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Steven Ma, Professor of Practice in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; and Gordon Parker, John and Cathi Drake Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering.

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

What Do Engineers With Dynamic Systems Expertise Work?

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 US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, $130,720 is the 2023 median annual salary for aerospace engineers whereas $99,510 is the 2023 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.