Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering
George Mason University
Key Information
Campus location
Fairfax, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 4,897 / per semester **
Application deadline
01 Jun 2024*
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* for International student | Domestic student is 1st of February
** in-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 16,980 - out-of-state tuition full-time (12-15 credits); USD 1,803 - mandatory student fee
Introduction
The program leading to the bachelor of science in systems engineering (BS/SE) prepares students for a professional career in systems engineering. Our educational program reflects the systems engineer's unique perspective that considers all aspects of a system throughout its entire lifecycle. The systems engineering program at George Mason University is interdisciplinary, drawing from engineering, computer science, operations research, psychology, and economics. The core systems engineering courses tie together these diverse threads to provide a global understanding of how individual engineering disciplines fit into the development of complex, large-scale systems.
Opportunities
As seniors, our CEC systems engineering students explore real-world problems and use their strong computational and systems knowledge to devise innovative engineering solutions to challenges as diverse as underwater mine detection, space debris remediation, trans-oceanic cable protection, and others. Local industry partners often sponsor the projects providing mentorship and guidance to the students. The projects go on to win awards at national competitions.
One of the biggest advantages of a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering is that the program provides a set of skills for graduates to apply to any systems problem. These capabilities enable them to move with their systems engineering knowledge between different industries – defense, finance, healthcare, or economics.
Program Outcome
The program educational objectives of the Systems Engineering program are what we expect our students to attain within three to five years of graduation. Graduates earning a bachelor of science degree in systems engineering will:
- Use critical thinking, quantitative methods, and systems thinking to contribute solutions for global societal challenges.
- Apply systems engineering methods, processes, models, and tools to the engineering of complex systems.
- Advance the objectives of their organizations, profession, and society in a rapidly changing world.
Career Opportunities
Students who graduate with a degree in Systems Engineering will find enormous job opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally. They will be equipped to work in almost any engineering field they choose. Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Noblis, Mitre, SENTARA Health Care, and many more employ College of Engineering and Computing alumni and are eager to hire our graduates.
Curriculum
Degree Requirements
Total credits: 123
Mathematics and Statistics
- MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (Mason Core) 4 or MATH 123 & MATH 124 Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A and Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part B (Mason Core)
- MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II 4
- MATH 203 Linear Algebra 3
- MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III 3
- MATH 214 Elementary Differential Equations 3
- STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I 3
- STAT 354 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists II 3
Total Credits 23
Natural Science
- PHYS 160 & PHYS 161 University Physics I (Mason Core) and University Physics I Laboratory (Mason Core) 4
- PHYS 260 & PHYS 261 University Physics II (Mason Core) and University Physics II Laboratory (Mason Core) 4
Select 4 credits from the following: 4
- PHYS 262 & PHYS 263 University Physics III (Mason Core) and University Physics III Laboratory (Mason Core)
- BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function
- CHEM 211 & CHEM 213 General Chemistry I (Mason Core) and General Chemistry Laboratory I (Mason Core)
- CHEM 271 & CHEM 272 General Chemistry for Engineers Lecture (Mason Core) and General Chemistry for Engineers Lab (Mason Core)
Total Credits 12
Computing
Select from the options below: 7
- SYST 130 Introduction to Computing for Digital Systems Engineering (Mason Core) or CS 112 Introduction to Computer Programming (Mason Core) or ENGR 125T Introduction to Engineering Methods - Transfer (Mason Core)
- SYST 230 Object-oriented Modeling and Design or CS 211 Object-Oriented Programming
Total Credits 7
Communication and Economics
- COMM 100 Public Speaking (Mason Core) 3 or COMM 101 Fundamentals of Communication (Mason Core)
- ECON 103 Contemporary Microeconomic Principles (Mason Core) 3
Total Credits 6
Engineering
- ENGR 107 Introduction to Engineering (Mason Core) 2
Total Credits 2
Systems Engineering
Students must complete each of these courses with a grade of C or better.
- SYST 101 Understanding Systems Engineering 3
- SYST 210 Systems Design 3
- SYST 220 Dynamical Systems I 3
- SYST 221 Systems Modeling Laboratory 1
- SYST 320 Dynamical Systems II 3
- SYST 330 Systems Methods 3
- SYST 335 Discrete Systems Modeling and Simulation 3
- SYST 371 Systems Engineering Management 3
- SYST 395 Applied Systems Engineering 3
- SYST 470 Human Factors Engineering 3
- SYST 473 Decision and Risk Analysis 3
- SYST 489 Senior Seminar 3
- SYST 490 Senior Design Project I 3
- SYST 495 Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) 3
- OR 441 Deterministic Operations Research 3
- OR 442 Stochastic Operations Research 3
Select 3 approved technical electives selected from one of the Technical Emphasis Areas below 9
Total Credits 55
Additional Mason Core
Students must complete all Mason Core requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.
English (6 credits) 6
- ENGH 100 Composition for Multilingual Writers (Mason Core) or ENGH 101 Composition (Mason Core)
- ENGH 302 Advanced Composition (Mason Core)
Literature 3
Arts 3
Western Civilization/World History 3
Global Understanding 3
Total Credits 18
Technical Emphasis Areas
The systems engineering program requires 9 credits of technical electives. Students must select one of the following technical emphases, each containing three courses. Students must complete each of these courses with a grade of C or better.
Aviation Systems
- SYST 420 Network Analysis 3
- SYST 460 Introduction to Air Traffic Control 3
- SYST 461 Air Transportation System Engineering 3
Total Credits 9
Bioengineering
- BENG 230 Continuum Biomechanics and Transport I 3
- BENG 320 Bioengineering Signals and Systems 3
- BENG 330 Computational Methods in Bioengineering 3
Some of the courses listed above have additional prerequisites. Students should pay careful attention to prerequisites when selecting courses.
Total Credits 9
Computer Network Systems
- SYST 420 Network Analysis 3
- ECE 465 Computer Networking Protocols 3
- TCOM 500 Modern Telecommunications 3
Total Credits 9
Cyber Security Engineering
- CYSE 211 Operating Systems and Lab 3
- CYSE 430 Critical Infrastructure Protection 3
And choose one of the following: 3
- SYST 448 Technologies and Security for Cryptocurrencies and Financial Transactions
- CYSE 460 Power Systems and Smart Grid Security
- CYSE 465 Transportation Systems Design
- CYSE 470 Human Factors and Cyber Security Engineering
- CYSE 477 Intrusion Detection
Total Credits 9
Data Analytics
- SYST 468 Applied Predictive Analytics 3
- IT 214 Database Fundamentals 3
- STAT 463 Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis 3 or SYST 438 Analytics for Financial Engineering and Econometrics
Total Credits 9
Electrical Engineering
Select three courses from the following: 9
- ECE 201 Introduction to Signals and Systems
- ECE 301 Digital Electronics
- ECE 321 Continuous-Time Signals and Systems
- ECE 330 Circuit Theory or ECE 285 Electric Circuit Analysis I
- ECE 286 Electric Circuit Analysis II
- SYST 421 Classical Systems and Control Theory or ECE 410 Applications of Discrete-Time Signal Processing
Total Credits 9
Environmental Engineering
- CEIE 240 Hydraulics 3
- CEIE 355 Environmental Engineering and Science 3
- CEIE 450 Environmental Engineering Systems 3 or CEIE 453 Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes
Total Credits 9
Financial Engineering
- SYST 438 Analytics for Financial Engineering and Econometrics 3
- SYST 488 Financial Systems Engineering 3
And choose one of the following: 3
- SYST 448 Technologies and Security for Cryptocurrencies and Financial Transactions
- SYST 468 Applied Predictive Analytics
- STAT 455 Experimental Design
- STAT 463 Introduction to Exploratory Data Analysis
- MBUS 304 Entrepreneurship: Starting and Managing a New Enterprise
Total Credits 9
Mechanical Engineering
Select one of the following options: 9
Option 1: Mechanical Design
- ME 211 Statics or CEIE 210 Statics
- ME 212 Solid Mechanics or CEIE 310 Mechanics of Materials
- ME 341 Design of Mechanical Elements or ME 231 Dynamics
Option 2: Thermal Fluids
- ME 221 Thermodynamics
- ME 322 Fluid Mechanics
- ME 323 Heat Transfer or ME 342 Design of Thermal Systems
(Some of the courses listed above have additional prerequisites. Students should pay careful attention to prerequisites when selecting courses.)
Total Credits 9
Operations Research
- OR 481 Numerical Methods in Engineering 3
- SYST 420 Network Analysis 3
- SYST 468 Applied Predictive Analytics 3
Total Credits 9
Software-Intensive Systems
- CS 310 Data Structures 3
- CS 321 Software Engineering 3
- SWE 443 Software Architectures 3
Total Credits 9
Synthesis Requirement
Mason's synthesis requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by the successful completion of SYST 495 Senior Design Project II (Mason Core). Students who do not pass SYST 495 Senior Design Project II (Mason Core) with a C or better must retake both SYST 490 Senior Design Project I and SYST 495 Senior Design Project II (Mason Core).
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason’s writing-intensive requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by the successful completion of the SYST 489 Senior Seminar.