2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Systems Engineering, BS


Banner Code: VS-BS-SYST

School:  Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department:  Systems Engineering and Operations Research 

The program leading to the BS in systems engineering prepares students for a professional career in systems engineering. The educational program reflects the systems engineer’s unique perspective, which considers all aspects of a system throughout its lifetime. Mason’s systems engineering program is interdisciplinary, drawing from engineering, computer science, operations research, psychology, and economics. The core systems engineering courses tie these diverse threads to provide a global understanding of how individual engineering disciplines fit into the development of complex, large-scale systems. Students gain depth in a technical area by selecting a sequence of technical electives that constitute an emphasis. Students choose their own emphasis with the help of their advisor. A year long senior design project provides hands-on experience in applying various systems engineering methods and tools.

The mission of the undergraduate program is to equip students with the ability to participate productively in the many professional activities associated with engineering a trustworthy system that satisfies client needs. The term “system” is interpreted broadly to include information, telecommunication, defense, health delivery, transportation and manufacturing systems, and corporate processes.

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering Program at George Mason University are to produce graduates who are able to:
 

  1. Apply critical thinking, quantitative methods, systems thinking, and principles of engineering to the engineering of contemporary and future systems.
  2. Apply systems engineering methods, processes, models and tools to the engineering of contemporary and future systems.
  3. Work successfully, professionally, and ethically as members and leaders of multi-disciplinary teams

This program is accredited by ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Maryland 21202-4012; 410-347-7700. The requirements for the degree may be satisfied through part-time enrollment. Cooperative education provides students with the opportunity to integrate paid career-related work experience with classroom learning.

Degree Requirements


In addition to Mason’s general education requirements, students must meet specific requirements for this degree. In the first two years, students obtain a basic foundation in mathematics, the natural sciences, computing, writing, humanities, Arts, and social sciences. The systems engineering program builds on this foundation, teaching theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to apply systems thinking to problems. Teamwork, collaborative learning, analytical skills, practical problem solving, and oral and written communication are strongly stressed.

Degree requirements for the systems engineering major include 120 credits. Students must complete the following:

Humanities and social sciences:


  • Approved courses in Literature, Western Civilization, Global Understanding, and Arts to satisfy the university’s general education requirement.   Note that all general education courses should be selected from the department’s list of approved courses. 

Advising and Plan of Study


All systems engineering students are assigned a faculty advisor. With the advisor’s help and approval, each student is required to complete a plan of study. This plan of study, contained in the detailed pamphlet available from the SEOR office, constitutes a learning plan for the degree program. The advisor must approve changes to the plan of study. All students in systems engineering are required to see their advisor at least once each semester to plan for the next semester’s registration.

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.

Synthesis Requirement


Mason’s synthesis requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by successful completion of SYST 495.

Writing-Intensive Requirement


Mason’s writing-intensive requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by successful completion of SYST 489.

General Education Electives


General education electives should be selected from the department’s list of approved courses.

Total: 120 credits


Sample Schedule


The following sample schedule shows the required and elective courses in the program. Students are strongly encouraged to follow this sample schedule to ensure that prerequisites are satisfied. For students who do not place into MATH 113 by taking the math placement exam, an alternative schedule is available. The position of the technical elective courses within the schedule will vary depending on the emphasis, and the position of some general education classes may vary as well. Please consult with your advisor to plan the correct sequence.

Total: 15 credits


Total: 15 credits


Total: 16 credits


Total: 14 credits


Fifth Semester


Total: 15 credits


Total: 15 credits


Seventh Semester


Total: 15 credits


Eighth Semester


Total: 15 credits


Change of Major


Students who want to change their major to systems engineering must have a GPA of at least 2.75 in all math, physics, engineering, and computer science courses taken to fulfill requirements for the systems engineering degree and should have completed MATH 114 with a grade of B or better.

Interdisciplinary Minor Programs


By taking appropriate sequences of technical electives and, in some cases, a few courses in addition to the 120 credits required for graduation, students in the systems engineering program can obtain a minor in an interdisciplinary program. Available minors include data analysis and computer science. Students should see their advisor and the departments offering the minors for specific requirements.