Int. J. Simulation and Process Modelling, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2009 3 Copyright © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. A model for multidisciplinary graduate education in modelling and simulation Roland R. Mielke* Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA E-mail: rmielke@odu.edu *Corresponding author Mark W. Scerbo Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA E-mail: mscerbo@odu.edu Kurt Taylor Gaubatz Graduate Program in International Studies, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA E-mail: kgaubatz@odu.edu Ginger S. Watson Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA E-mail: gswatson@odu.edu Abstract: Modelling and Simulation (M&S) is increasingly important in numerous disciplines. M&S also has gained acceptance as a discipline in its own right. There is growing demand for at least two different approaches to M&S graduate education, one path for users and another for developers of M&S. Thus, the traditional department-focused approach is no longer adequate for M&S education. This paper outlines the development of a multidisciplinary approach to M&S graduate education at Old Dominion University. The approach encourages development of a number of M&S programmes, coordinated by university-level oversight, in which all academic colleges participate. Keywords: M&S; modelling and simulation; graduate education; multidisciplinary academic programmes; programme organisational model. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Mielke, R.R., Scerbo, M.W., Gaubatz, K.T. and Watson, G.S. (2009) ‘A model for multidisciplinary graduate education in modelling and simulation’, Int. J. Simulation and Process Modelling, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp.3–13. Biographical notes: Roland R. Mielke is Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Old Dominion University and holds the designation University Professor. He also is the Graduate Program Director for the Modelling and Simulation Programme in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. He received the BS, MS, and PhD Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1968, 1970, and 1975, respectively. His research interests include mathematical systems theory, composability theory, and applications of discrete event simulation, and modelling and simulation education. Mark W. Scerbo is Professor of Human Factors Psychology at Old Dominion University. He received his PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 1987 and worked at the AT&T Systems Evaluation Center from 1987 to 1990. He is a Fellow of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society and has over 25 years of experience researching and designing systems that improve user performance. His current interests focus on user interaction with medical simulation technology as well as factors that affect human interaction with virtual environments, automated systems, and adaptive interfaces.