Systems Engineering

Designing Integrated Solutions to Complex Problems

Cadets are at a power transfer station, looking away from the camera. They are listening to a utility worker in a hardhat discuss power generation.

Systems Engineers innovatively solve complex problems in a technologically advanced environment, by engineering solutions which provide significant value to client organizations. Systems Engineers also lead interdisciplinary teams in the development and implementation of technical solutions to complex issues facing organizations. Systems Engineering majors learn to think systematically, engineer systematically, and approach decisions systematically.

Thinking systematically involves understanding the entire environment in which the system operates and includes the needs, wants, and desires of all the stakeholders of the system. Engineering systematically involves identifying and understanding the required system functions, developing alternative system solutions, and applying the basic modeling and simulation tools required to analyze the system from an engineering perspective. Approaching decisions systematically involves leading and participating in multi-disciplinary teams to innovate and implement visionary solutions to these complex problems.

Cadets are sitting at desks, facing an instructor in a military uniform. The instructor has a PowerPoint slide displayed and is lecturing.
Three cadets in military uniforms pose in front of a tricon at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Advances in technology and the transition to a highly networked, global information age has trigged rapid growth in the field of Systems Engineering. These problems require systems thinking and a holistic approach to problem solving that is at the heart of the systems engineering discipline. It is the challenge of systems engineers to harness and direct technology toward solving problems most often related to processes and operations. 

Student Outcomes: 

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Program Educational Objectives: 

  1. Effectively led interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems.
  2. Demonstrated intellectual growth and continued self-improvement through self-study, continuing education, or professional development.
  3. Fostered an organizational ethos that promotes the professional, moral, ethical, and respectful treatment of all.
  4. Analyzed, designed, implemented, and maintained systems throughout their lifecycles.
  5. Clearly communicated engineering solutions and analysis to leaders, both orally and in writing, to enable sound decision-making in the presence of uncertain, biased, or confounding influences.        
  6. Approached problems holistically while recognizing each system as a whole, with its fit and relationship with the environment being primary concerns.

 

The Systems Engineering (B.S.) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Systems Engineering and similarly named engineering programs.

 

Class of 2024 SE Brochure

Coursework