Control Systems is the science that studies how to manipulate the parameters affecting the behavior of a system to produce a desired or optimal outcome.  The tools that form the body of knowledge, usually known as control theory,  are applicable to very large classes of systems that include electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological systems, economical, and social systems.

UCSB is a world-renown center at the forefront at control systems theory and its applications. The research carried out at UCSB has very high impact and visibility, bringing to UCSB numerous international awards. This explains why UCSB alumni occupy pre-eminent positions in academia and industry around the world.

Control engineering activities at UCSB are coordinated by the multi-disciplinary Center for Control, Dynamical Systems and Computation (CCDC). Currently, the Center consists of 22 faculty and about 80 graduate students from the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Please see the links to associated research centers, labs, and groups for more detailed descriptions of faculty research interests and activities.