A model curriculum in modeling and simulation: do we need it? Can we do it?

An international debate on the need for a model curriculum for graduate programs in modeling and simulation (M&S) continues to grow. As the use of M&S continues to expand to new application areas, and its importance as a key enabling technology in the 21/sup st/ century continues to be recognized, many questions are being asked by both universities and corporations concerning the proper basis and content for advanced studies in M&S. Corporations and government bodies are experiencing rising demands for new recruits with broad exposure to the concepts and methodologies of M&S and who are capable of contributing to the increasingly important M&S activities within the organization. Many recruiters are, however, frustrated in their efforts to define productive sources in US universities that meet these needs.