System Dynamics and Control Master of Science Program



The information and program qualifications related to the System Dynamics and Control Master of Science Program, under the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Graduate School, are summarized below.

Information About The Program

The program is a specialized graduate-level track offered under the Department of Mechanical Engineering and provides education exclusively at the master’s level. The field of System Dynamics and Control aims to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge and interdisciplinary application skills in dynamic system modeling, control theory, and intelligent systems. The program targets to foster students’ capability to monitor cutting-edge technological developments, interpret these advances through rigorous scientific analysis, and convert their expertise into globally competitive research outputs by formulating new methods, models, and innovative solutions.

Key research areas include:

-Autonomous Systems and Safe Control: Dynamic modeling of unmanned aerial/ground/surface vehicles; development of stable and safe control algorithms; flight control systems; state estimation; and advanced nonlinear system analysis techniques.

-Nonlinear Control, Optimization, and Real-Time Decision Making: Identification of complex and nonlinear systems; data-driven modeling approaches; nonlinear model predictive control (MPC); multi-objective optimization techniques; hybrid system control strategies; and real-time decision-making algorithms.

-Intelligent Systems and AI-Based Control: Control of smart devices, robots, and industrial/residential systems; deep learning- and reinforcement learning (RL)-based control; artificial neural networks; fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm-based controllers; simulation-to-reality (Sim2Real) transfer; and adaptive control methods.

-Digital Twin, Cyber-Physical Systems, and Smart Manufacturing: Virtual modeling of physical systems; real-time monitoring and prediction; smart manufacturing lines; and Industry 4.0 applications.

-Design and Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Aerodynamic design of fixed-wing and rotary-wing UAVs; mission planning and path optimization; flight stability analysis; multi-UAV coordination; and swarm control strategies.

-Robotics, Biomimetic and Soft Robotics: Development of robotic prototypes; biomimetic locomotion mechanisms (fish/dolphin swimming mechanics, snake-like motion, bipedal walking); control of highly maneuverable robots; and soft robotics applications.

-Smart Sensor Systems, Actuator Dynamics, and Adaptive/Robust Control: Sensor–system interaction; modeling and development of flexible sensors and actuators; adaptive and robust control techniques; sensor fusion; precision motion control; and systems integrated with smart materials.

-IoT-Based Control and Intelligent System Integration: Real-time data acquisition via smart devices and sensor networks; IoT-based remote monitoring and control systems; and IoT-supported decision-making in industrial, agriculture and home automation applications.

-Human–Machine Interaction and Human Modeling: Modeling of human responses and behaviors; collaborative robot (cobot) applications; safe human–robot interaction; operator-assisted control; and biomechanics-based control design.

-Wearable Technologies and Biomechanical Systems: Motion capture and biomechanical measurements; wearable sensors and personalized data analytics; and smart devices for health, performance monitoring, and rehabilitation.

-Automation Applications and Industrial Control: High-precision positioning control; pneumatic/hydraulic actuation systems; automation of manufacturing processes; and optimization of efficiency and energy usage.



Click here for the program's website.


Program Profile

The primary objective of the program is to provide students with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in the fields of system dynamics, control engineering, and intelligent systems. The program aims to educate engineers and researchers who can model complex dynamic systems, design and implement modern control algorithms, and integrate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber-physical systems, and autonomous platforms.

Students are expected to develop the ability to follow state-of-the-art scientific and technological advancements, critically analyze these developments, and produce innovative solutions, methods, and models. Ultimately, the program seeks to cultivate graduates with interdisciplinary research skills, capable of contributing to internationally competitive academic and industrial projects across a wide range of application areas.


Registration Requirements

Application Term : 2025-2026 Spring Semester
Application Dates : 10.11.2025 09:00:00 - 16.01.2026 17:00:00 ( UTC/GMT+3 )

Application Requirements (For T.C Nationality)
ALES Numerical must be minimum 80 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 720, new system GRE minimum 156 ). Undergraduate GPA must be minimum 2.5/4 (65/100). Graduation must be Information and Communications Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Control Engineering, Control and Computer Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, System Dynamics and Control, Textile Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Production Metallurgy and Technologies Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering.
Quota (For T.C Nationality): 10
ITU-TUSAŞ Protocol Quota (For T.C Nationality): 5

Application Requirements (For International Students)
ALES Numerical must be minimum 80 (old system GRE Quantitative minimum 720, new system GRE minimum 156 ). Undergraduate GPA must be minimum 2.5/4 (65/100). Graduation must be Information and Communications Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electrical-Electronics Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture Engineering, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Marine Engineering, Shipbuilding and Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Control Engineering, Control and Computer Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, System Dynamics and Control, Textile Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Production Metallurgy and Technologies Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering.
Quota (For International Students): 3

Transfer Quota : 1

Click here for quotas and conditions for all semesters.
Application Page
Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles

Application requirements, application dates, and quotas are updated in real-time from the Application System.


Program Learning Environments

The program’s learning environments provide a comprehensive infrastructure designed to enable students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications and to gain hands-on experience in areas such as control systems, dynamic and mechanism modeling, intelligent systems, robotics, automation, and embedded systems. These environments include both physical and digital components and are structured to support interdisciplinary projects. The primary physical, experimental, and digital learning environments of the program include:

-System Dynamics and Control Laboratory
-ITU Mechatronics Application and Research Center (MEAM)
-Autonomous Systems Research Laboratory
-Intelligent Systems Laboratory
-Flexible Systems Laboratory
-Robotics Laboratory
-Computer-Aided Design Laboratory
-Smart Agriculture & IoT Laboratory
-Dr. Keskin Keser Education and Research Laboratory

Other Laboratories within the ITU Mechanical Engineering Faculty: Automotive, materials, manufacturing, vibration & acoustics, solid mechanics, strength of materials, and fluid mechanics laboratories are also utilized for foundational experimental studies such as structural analysis, biomechanics, materials testing, dynamic system analysis, and actuator/drive system testing.

A variety of virtual laboratories and digital platforms used across ITU for educational purposes are integrated into the program’s learning environments. These include mechanical system simulations, control design modules, circuit modeling tools, fluid dynamics and structural analysis environments, and Digital Twin–based Learning Systems, which allow students to operate physical systems through real-time virtual models. The program also incorporates licensed professional software such as MATLAB–Simulink, ANSYS, SolidWorks, LabVIEW, and ROS (Robot Operating System).


MasterBee

Information about MasterBee


English Proficiency



Regulations and Guidelines

Regulations and Guidelines


Academic Calendar

Academic Calendar


Course Plans



Course Schedules



Course Adjustment and Exemption Procedures

Course adjustment and exemption procedures are carried out in accordance with the Exemption and Adjustment Procedures Regulation of Istanbul Technical University.
Exemption and Adjustment Procedures Regulation


Program Educational Objectives

The aim of the System Dynamics and Control Master of Science program is to train researchers and academicians who are sensitive to global environmental and security problems, and to conduct research and development projects in Turkey and abroad, to contribute to scientific and technological studies within the framework of cooperation with industrial organizations.


Measurement and Evaluation

Evaluating Student Success
The student success is evaluated considering Articles 56, 57, 58, and 59 of the Istanbul Technical University Graduate Education and Training Regulation Senate Principles.

ARTICLE 56 - Before the enrollment for the courses begins, the faculty member who offers the course informs the Program Executive Committee about the types, number and contribution percentage to the final grade of the studies within the semester, as well as requirements for a right to take the semester final exam. These requirements shall be finalized by approval of the Program Executive Committee and approval of the chair of the department, who declares them to the student and informs the Graduate School.

ARTICLE 57 - A student may appeal the final grade of a course within one week following the announcement of the grades. Appeals must be submitted to the Graduate School in writing. The relevant faculty member shall re-evaluate the student's success status and submit the result to the Graduate School within one week. Appeals not submitted within the prescribed time frame shall not be considered by the Graduate School.

ARTICLE 58 - Courses in graduate programs shall be evaluated according to the following grading system.
Grade Description Grade Scale
Excellent AA 4.00
Very good plus BA+ 3.75
Very good BA 3.50
Good plus BB+ 3.25
Good BB 3.00
Conditional Pass CB+ 2.75
Conditional Pass CB 2.50
Conditional Pass CC+ 2.25
Conditional Pass CC 2.00
Fail FF 0.00
Fail(No Exam) VF 0.00

ARTICLE 59 - Students who wish to improve their cumulative grade point average may retake courses during the course-taking period. The most recent grade will be counted for the repeated courses.


Internship

There is no internship in this program.


Graduation Requirements

Minimum 8 courses (24 credits) and 3.00 GPA, accomplishment of Seminar course and Thesis study is required for graduation within six semesters.


The Awarded Degree and Title

Degree : Master of Science    Title : -


Program Employment Opportunities

Students who graduate from System Dynamics and Control graduate program are employed in order to design various systems and / or determine the required control systems according to the characteristics of existing systems in industrial areas such as Robotics, Automation technologies, Manufacturing, Aerospace and Automotive.


Number of Graduates

Graduate Statistics (Last Five Years)
YearNumber of Graduates
20203
20218
20226
202314
20246


Program Outcomes

P.O.1 The ability to carry out a specialistic study related to one’s area independently and Developing new strategic approaches to solve the unforeseen and complex problems arising in the practical processes of one’s area, coming up with solutions while taking responsibility and fulfilling the leader role in the environments where solutions are sought for the problems related to the area (Competence to work independently and take responsibility).
P.O.2 The ability to use the expert-level theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the area and interpreting and forming new types of knowledge by combining the knowledge from the area and the knowledge from various other disciplines (skill).
P.O.3 Using the computer software together with the information and communication technologies efficiently and according to the needs of the area (Communication and Social Competency).
P.O.4 Grasping the inter-disciplinary interaction related to one’s area (knowledge).
P.O.5 Using the knowledge and the skills for problem solving and/or application (which are processed within the area) in inter-disciplinary studies (Area Specific Competency).
P.O.6 Assessing the specialistic knowledge and skill gained through the study with a critical view and directing one’s own learning process (Learning Competence).


Program Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Senem Kurşun
E-mail: kursuns@itu.edu.tr
Web: https://research.itu.edu.tr/tr/persons/kursuns


Head of the Department

Prof. Dr. İlker Murat Koç
E-mail: mknlee@itu.edu.tr
Web: https://research.itu.edu.tr/tr/persons/mknlee