Entry Date:
December 11, 2006

Computation for Design and Optimization Master's Program (CDO)


Computation for Design and Optimization (CDO) is an interdisciplinary master's degree program in the School of Engineering. The program provides students with a strong foundation in computational approaches to the design and operation of complex engineering and scientific systems.

The CDO program emphasizes:

(*) Breadth through introductory courses in numerical analysis and simulation, optimization, and applied probability
(*) Depth in optimization methods and numerical methods for partial differential equations
(*) Multidisciplinary aspects of computation
(*) Hands-on experience through projects, assignments, and a master's thesis

Through hands-on projects and a master’s thesis, students develop and apply advanced computational methods to a diverse range of applications, from aerospace to nanotechnology, from Internet protocols to telecommunications system design. Career opportunities for CDO graduates include companies and research centers where systems modeling, numerical simulation, design and optimization play a critical role.

CDO comprises faculty in the School of Engineering, School of Science, and Sloan School of Management. Their research interests cover a variety of computationally intensive areas in engineering, science, and mathematics, and encompass applications in areas such as aircraft design, materials design, manufacturing operations scheduling, and applied optimization in operations and industrial engineering. Recent research topics include micromachined devices, guidance/control systems, imaging systems, distribution networks, telecommunications systems, and transportation systems. The Computation for Design and Optimization program is associated with, and administered through, the Center for Computational Engineering.