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 model-based system engineering tools across the lifecycle.
This graduate certificate program provides the system engineering depth beyond traditional acquisition training. The target audience is active duty military, Air Force civilians, and Defense contractors with traditional STEM backgrounds working Defense acquisition engineering and management, in laboratories, test centers, program offices, logistics centers, or in a requirements/concept/capability planning organizations.
The Certificate can be earned as a minor concentration as part of another AFIT degree or accomplished independently entirely via online/distance learning. Completion of this certificate also provides a pathway for engineers to continue into an AFIT Systems Engineering Master's program.
For general information about online/distance learning (DL) programs, opportunities, and application procedures, please visit AFIT Office of Extension Services, www.afit.edu/DL/.
For specific information about Systems Engineering online/distance learning (DL) programs email OnlineSE@afit.edu.
The general requirements for admission to the GSE program are as follows:
Degree: A bachelor’s degree in a STEM-related discipline, including Physical Science or Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Engineering or Mathematics.
Mathematics Courses: One year of college-level calculus.
GPA: Undergraduate GPA ≥ 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall; ≥ 3.0 in mathematics (on a 4.0 scale); ≥ 3.0 in major (on a 4.0 scale)
Test: The GRE is not required for certificate-seeking students. However, if the student intends to pursue a master’s degree, the master’s degree admission criteria will apply. The criteria for the Graduate Systems Engineering (GSE) and Applied Systems Engineering (ASE) programs include additional and more restrictive standards than those required for the SE Certificate, including undergraduate engineering math (up to ordinary differential equations) and a course in dynamic systems.
Waivers to the above criteria may be granted (on an individual basis) by the Department of Systems Engineering and Management. Individuals whose academic credentials fall outside any of the above criteria are encouraged to apply.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
The SE Certificate 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:
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:
Maj Mark Bateman
Degree Type: Certificate
Delivery Method: In-Residence and Distance Learning
Degree Requirements
Courses (4 courses, 16 credits):
These courses provide a common breadth of knowledge and the basic building blocks for DoD systems engineers.
Note: The SEC is not available to students already in one of the SE Masters programs.
Note: Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) began sponsoring the Certificate in 2016. Students who apply though AFMC will take SENG 670 as their fourth and final course.
Graduate School Catalog