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2012-2013 University Catalog
Systems Engineering, BS
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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, energy and manufacturing systems, as well as 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:
- Apply critical thinking, quantitative methods, systems thinking, and principles of engineering to the engineering of contemporary and future systems.
- Apply systems engineering methods, processes, models and tools to the engineering of contemporary and future systems.
- Work successfully, professionally, and ethically as members and leaders of multi-disciplinary teams
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The requirements for the degree may be satisfied through part-time enrollment. |
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: Mathematics and Statistics Credits: 23
Natural Sciences Credits: 12
Computer Science Credits: 7
Communication and Economics Credits: 6
Systems Engineering Credits: 52
Students must complete each of these courses with a grade of C or better. Additional University General Education Credits: 18
Students must complete all University General Education requirements not fulfilled by major requirements.
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 plan of study must be signed by the student’s advisor and the Department Chair. The plan of study must be updated and signed by the advisor at least once a year.
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. Software-Intensive Systems
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason’s writing-intensive requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by successful completion of SYST 489 - Senior Seminar . Sample Schedule
The following sample schedule details 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. First Semester Credits: 15
Second Semester Credits: 15
Third Semester Credits: 16
Fourth Semester Credits: 14
Fifth Semester Credits: 15
Sixth Semester Credits: 15
Seventh Semester Credits: 15
Eighth Semester Credits: 15
Termination from the Major
No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course, required for the major, may be attempted more than three times. Those students who do not successfully complete such a course within three attempts will be terminated from the major. For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under Academic Standing. 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. Minors of particular interest to systems engineering students include data analysis, mathematics, computer science, and business. Students should see their advisor and the departments offering the minors for specific requirements. |
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