Modeling and simulation education: Is there a need for graduate degrees in modeling and simulation?

The authors represent educational institution that currently offer simulation programs and noneducational organizations with vested interests in simulation education. The programs represented by the panel members provide a varied perspective on the answer to the questions ''What skills do simulation professionals need?'' Are separate simulation programs needed?''; ''Is there a sufficient body knowledge to warrant programs in simulation?''; ''Do existing programs in computer science, operations research, and engineering provide sufficient simulation education to meet simulation demand?''. Panel discussions will center on these and other issues related to the growth and need of degree programs in simulation.