The systemic problems faced by society today are complex and ever evolving, especially amidst rapid technological innovation and economic growth. To better understand and develop solutions for these sociotechnical challenges, policymakers and engineers alike are increasingly becoming systems thinkers. Systems thinking offers novel ways of understanding interconnected casual relationships and complex interactions.
One method of systems thinking is system dynamics. Using computer simulation modeling techniques, system dynamicists can examine competing social, economic, and ecological systems; promote strategic thinking through serious games and what-if analyses; and assist decision makers in determining optimal policy solutions.
For more about the design, construction, and maintenance of systems, see Systems Engineering.
Through our systems thinking and system dynamics graduate programs, you can earn your Master of Science (MS), Certificate, or Interdisciplinary PhD in System Dynamics; Interdisciplinary MS in Systems Modeling; and MS or Certificate in System Dynamics & Innovation Management.
For questions specific to the System Dynamics & Innovation Management degrees, reach out to Khalid Saeed.
System Dynamics Bachelor’s/Master’s Program: Interested in systems thinking and system dynamics as an undergraduate? Through our 5-year Bachelor’s/Master’s program, you can complete your BS in any subject and MS in System Dynamics.
System Dynamics Minor for Undergraduates: We also offer a System Dynamics minor for undergraduate students. See SSPS Undergraduate Degrees for more information about SSPS undergraduate minors.
For questions about System Dynamics undergraduate opportunities, reach out to Oleg Pavlov.
Our System Dynamics MS and Certificate programs are currently undergoing revisions, and we will not be accepting students into these programs at this time.
Our System Dynamics & Systems Thinking curriculum equips undergraduate and graduate students alike with the tools and skills necessary to be effective system dynamicists. Explore the dropdown below to see what topics we teach!
See our SSPS course list for all System Dynamics courses.
WPI System Dynamics students aid the International System Dynamics Society by leading initiatives for peer mentoring in special interest groups (SIG), such as the Conflict, Defense and Security SIG; organize the monthly Economics SIG meeting; and host a weekly Collective Learning Meeting during the academic year. We also volunteer at the International System Dynamics Conference and serve on various committees (e.g., learning, diversity, and marketing).
System dynamics students at WPI have access to the following software and software packages.
AnyLogic (PLE, University Researcher, Pro)
See the System Dynamics Society’s "Useful Open Source Tools” list for more helpful resources.
Molecules of Structure: a useful collection of small expert structures for building system dynamics models.
Model Library: library of classic system dynamics models from MetaSD.
See SSPS faculty & staff for a full list of SSPS faculty.
