The Center's students work towards either a Master of Science or the Doctor of Philosophy degree. These degrees are awarded through the department in which the student is enrolled, usually the department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Although the primary activities of the Center take place on the graduate level, outstanding undergraduates students are encouraged to participate through project work with individual faculty members.
A well organized sequence of instruction exists in support of the subject areas. There are basic classes taken by all Center students as well as advanced and special topic courses designed to address specific and timely research issues. A total of twenty-one different courses are offered to support the degree programs. Most students minor in mathematics, however, other topics such as computer science and electrical engineering are also used.
There are usually about thirty-five graduate students associated with the Center at any time with approximately 50% in the MS program and 50% in the Ph.D. program. Over twenty-five graduate students are typically supported annually through the Center's funded activities, with the remainder usually supported through department assistantships or independent fellowships.
The faculty members participating in the Center's programs engage in a variety of extension activities in addition to their normal teaching and research duties. They organize and conduct seminars and short courses designed to meet industrial needs. They serve on numerous advisory committees and standards committees for local and national professional societies. They have served on advisory panels for the National Science Foundation, the National Research Board and the Office of Naval Research to identify current and future needs is the areas of acoustics,vibration and dynamics. In addition, they work on an individual basis with industry to transfer technology from the research laboratory to the commercial arena.
As part of its commitment to community and professional service, the Center has served as the Technical Assistance Center for EPA Region IV under the Quiet Communities Act.
