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2016-2017 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 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 or 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.
The undergraduate program offers students the option of applying to the following accelerated master’s degree programs: Operations Research, Systems Engineering, and Telecommunications.
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Degree Requirements
In addition to the Mason Core requirements, students must meet specific requirements for this degree. In the first two years, students obtain a basic foundation in mathematics, 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 123 credits. All students in the Systems Engineering program must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better: MATH 203 , MATH 214 , CS 211 , PHYS 260 , STAT 344 , and STAT 354 . Students must complete the following:
Mathematics and Statistics Credits: 23
Natural Sciences Credits: 12
The BS in Systems Engineering requires 12 credits of natural science. The courses should be intended for science and engineering students and some include a two course sequence with laboratories. Students must complete 8 credits of physics as follows: Computer Science Credits: 7
Communication and Economics Credits: 6
Systems Engineering Credits: 55
Students must complete each of these courses with a grade of C or better.
Additional Mason Core Credits: 18
Students must complete all Mason Core 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
Synthesis Requirement
Mason’s synthesis requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by successful completion of SYST 495 - Senior Design Project II . Students who do not pass SYST 495 with a C or better must retake both SYST 490 and SYST 495.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Mason’s writing-intensive requirement for systems engineering majors is satisfied by successful completion of SYST 489 - Senior Seminar . Termination from the Major
No math, science, or Volgenau School of Engineering course that is 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. Undeclared students in the Volgenau School who do not successfully complete a course required for a Volgenau School major within three attempts will also be terminated. For more information, see the “Termination from the Major” section under AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Once a student has attempted one of these courses twice unsuccessfully, the third attempt must be no later than the next semester of enrollment, excluding summers. Failure to take the course at that time will result in termination from the major. If the student is unable to take the course when required, the student may request an extension to a future semester; extensions require approval of the student’s advisor, their department, and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs. The deadline for extension requests is the add deadline for the semester in which the course is required.
Students who have been terminated from a Volgenau School of Engineering major may not register for a Volgenau School course without permission of the department offering the course. This applies to all undergraduate courses offered by the Volgenau School except IT 104 and STAT 250.
A student may not declare any major in the Volgenau School of Engineering if the student has previously met the termination criteria for that major at any time, regardless of what the student’s major was at the time the courses were taken.
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 required for the major and have completed MATH 114 with a grade of B or better.
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