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Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

Program Description

Systems Engineering (SE) is a transdisciplinary and integrative approach to enable the realization, use and retirement of successful engineered systems. SE principles and practices are essential for the development of large, complex, high-performing, sustainable and secure systems, whether they are products, services, or enterprises. Modern approaches make use of integrated digital system models to capture requirements, structure, behavior and parametrics. Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) using System Modeling Language (SysML) is state-of-the-practice in the field, with the future toward more open, integrated and interoperable analysis tools and scripting languages.

The program:

· Prepares students for assignments across the acquisition lifecycle, from concept and mission/engineering, stakeholder needs analysis, elicitation of system requirements, system architecture and design, technical evaluation, and technical management of defense systems.

· Develops competence in the application of modern digital techniques and tools of systems engineering. The program allows specialization in domains of interest to the DoD, Air Force and Space Force.

· Prepares students for success in research and development of new digital engineering and/or model-based system engineering techniques. The curriculum includes a series of fundamental system engineering core courses, domain specialty sequences, electives, and an independent study.

The Graduate Systems Engineering (GSE) program is an ABET accredited program leading to a degree titled, Master of Science (MS) in Systems Engineering. This program is provided to full-time USAF military and civilian resident students, part-time (local) resident students and part-time online (distance learning) military, civilians and Defense contractors.

For more information about the DL SE program, or about general DL opportunities and application procedures, please visit www.afit.edu/DL/.

ABET Accreditation

ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization which accredits college and university programs in the disciplines of applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. It is recognized as a worldwide leader in assuring quality in educational programs and assures that academic programs meet the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates.

Provided below are five years of enrollments and degrees awarded for the Graduate School of Engineering and Management’s ABET accredited programs.

ABET Enrollment and Degree Data

Admissions Requirements

Degree Required: Any engineering degree (Aeronautical, Astronautical, Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering) or a degree in Engineering Science. A degree in science (e.g. physics, chemistry), math or computer science will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis. Courses in calculus-based physics and dynamical systems (circuits or engineering dynamics) are required. 

Mathematics Required: Ordinary Differential Equations

Test Required: None 

GPA Required: Overall - 3.0; Mathematics - 3.0; Major - 3.0 

Waivers to the above criteria may be granted (on an individual basis) by the Department of Systems and Engineering Management. Therefore, individuals whose academic credentials fall below any of the above criteria may still apply.

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Outcomes & Objectives

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

The GSE program takes students with traditional engineering backgrounds (mechanical, electrical, computer, aeronautical, etc.) and produces graduates who understand, and can effectively use, the tools and techniques of systems engineering and systems science. Within a few years after graduation, graduates are expected to:

  • Make positive programmatic and/or system engineering impacts, resulting in successful outcomes 
  • Employ sound systems engineering processes and tools across the acquisition lifecycle
  • Contribute as a team member; provide technical leadership to teams; promote and facilitate integration and communication across interdisciplinary teams; sustain and increase an effective professional and technical network

 

Student Outcomes (SOs)

Student Outcomes (SOs) are those competencies that students are expected to achieve by the completion of the program. Graduates should be able to:

  1. Apply SE processes, valid engineering methods and technical analyses in a systematic manner to solve Defense-related problems.
  2. Use integrated descriptive and analytical models, tools and simulations for implementing SE processes across the lifecycle.
  3. Effectively communicate technically complex ideas in written and spoken formats and through digital models
  4. Develop an ability to apply systems engineering in at least one Defense-related domain (such as air, space or cyberspace) or technical specialization.
  5. Conduct independent research on topics related to systems engineering, systems science and/or its application, to include identifying and scoping a problem, synthesizing published work, formulating a design solution, planning and executing a valid research methodology, engineering a model or prototype, and/or analyzing and evaluating results and data.


Program Chair

Lt Col Amy M. Cox

Degree Information

Degree Type: Master's


Delivery Method: In-Residence and Distance Learning


Degree Requirements

  • Core Coursework (16 hours)
  • Mathematics (4 hours)
  • Research Methods (4 hours)
  • Specialization Track (12 hours)
  • Thesis (12 hours)

Graduate School Catalog
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Air Force Institute of Technology
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Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433-7765
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