Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bachelor of Science in Syetems Engineering

Master of Science in Syetems Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering:

What is Systems Engineering?

Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary and structured approach to designing and deploying successful systems. The Systems Engineering degree blends engineering, systems thinking, and management topics. Systems Engineering addresses the business and technical needs of all stakeholders throughout the entire design process, from concept to production to operation to disposal.  In this major, engineering techniques and a systems approach are combined to produce graduates who are highly valued for their problem solving and managerial skills. 

What can I do with this degree when I graduate?

Graduates of this program will understand the multidisciplinary fundamentals of engineering and possess strong team skills to solve complex problems that cross disciplinary boundaries. They will understand current technology, but also be creative thinkers and have the flexibility to change with technology. They will be able to create sustainable systems, to adapt to the new global context and be empowered for lifelong learning.
Graduates can look forward to employment in the defense, space, transportation, energy and telecommunications industries, as well as many other fields that look for the knowledge and skills necessary to engineer large and complex systems.

I’ve never heard of Systems Engineering. Is it a recognized field?

Yes. Most Systems Engineering programs in the United States are at the graduate level.  Undergraduate university programs in Systems Engineering are much rarer, but growing.  The Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the accreditation agency for engineering programs in the United States, now is considering developing specific criteria for Systems Engineering.

When does it start?

Freshman will be accepted for Fall of 2007 and freshman-level courses will be offered that semester.

Is it hard?

Graduates in the area of Systems Engineering will be required to master technical elements and to demonstrate particular competence in the areas of probability, statistics, modeling, computer programming, and system design. The broad-based background is tailored to develop professionals who will be able to move between the technical and managerial aspects of engineering and to serve in key leadership positions.

What is the curriculum like?

Approximately the first two years of study are common with other fields of engineering and include several semesters of Calculus, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, and core Engineering coursework.   In the last two years, the focus shifts to more Systems Engineering specific courses.

Graduates of the program will master both the theory and practice of the following technical areas:

1. Requirements Analysis and Management – Methods to develop, deploy and manage systems; including developing the mission, identifying the system and subsystem level requirements, and verifying the requirements are met.
2. Decision Analysis – Know how to use simulation, optimization and decision-making techniques to evaluate and select alternative system architectures.
3. Life Cycle Engineering – Understand and apply the basic phases of system development and how those phases interface with the project management process and the system life-cycle.
4. Risk Management – Identify, assess, manage and mitigate system and process risks.
5. Modeling – Support the development of the functional, operational, physical, and interface architectures of systems with modeling tools and methods.
6. Human Factors – Develop user-centered designs that integrate the requirements for humans in systems and interfaces.
7. Engineering Project Planning and Management – Manage the technical, administrative, budget and scheduling aspects of a project in conjunction with the human aspect of system development.
8. Discipline Oriented Skills – Develop domain specific skill related to technical and managerial disciplines.

The complete list of courses will soon be available in the online catalog at www.spsu.edu

Is this an engineering degree or an engineering technology degree?

It is an engineering degree designed according to the accreditation requirements of the EAC of ABET.

Is this degree accredited now?

Not yet, because ABET doesn't accredit a program until it has graduates. Application will be made for accreditation of the Systems Engineering degree by ABET as early as possible. SPSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and all degrees must adhere to their accreditation requirements.

How does that affect Professional Licensing in Georgia?

Georgia like other states requires applicants to graduate from an ABET accredited program or equivalent. Until ABET accreditation is received, this program should be viewed as the equivalent.

So, does that mean that when I graduate from the Systems Engineering program I should only have to wait 4 years to take the PE exam?

Assuming your experience satisfies the licensing board and you've met all other licensing criteria in place at the time you apply, then yes.

I'm already enrolled as a student at SPSU. How do I change majors?

When the program officially begins, in Fall of 2007, to change your major you may go to the SPSU Internet site and follow the instructions or you can stop by Building K2 and pick up a change of major form in the office. Fill it out and leave it for us to process.  Freshmen will be accepted into the program during the 2007-2008 academic year, freshmen and sophomores in 2008-2009, and so forth.

What if I have more questions; who do I contact?

Contact Dr. Scherrer in the IET Department by e-mail: cscherre@spsu.edu or phone: 678-915-5413.

Master of Science Engineering:

Is SPSU an accredited university?
Yes. We are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

How long has SPSU been offering a Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree?
Since 2003.

What is the cost of one course?
For a single three credit hour semester course, a Georgia resident would pay $790 and an Out-of-State student would pay $1831. A $221 Student Fee is included in the above fees for students who take their courses here at our college campus.

However, if you take all your courses over the Internet during a semester, as of Fall 2005, the cost for a 3- hour graduate course taken over the Internet is $723. The cost for courses taken over the internet is the same for Georgia residents and out-of-state students.

Do internet students take the same courses as on-campus students?
Yes. Although the format of the courses is different, the same information is covered whether you attend classes on-campus or take the courses over the internet.

Who teaches the internet courses?
The same professors who teach our on-campus courses also teach the internet courses. Click on the Meet the Faculty link for a brief background summary on each professor.

How many different courses do I have to take to get the MS Systems Engineering degree?
At the current time, a student will need to complete twelve courses to earn a Master of Science in Systems Engineering Degree.

How do I pay for the courses?
You may pay by credit card (Master Card, Visa, or American Express), personal check, company check, money order, or cashier's check.

Will my company reimburse me as I complete each course?
Many companies do have a tuition reimbursement program for graduate degree courses that compliment the skills you need in your current position. You should contact your company's Personnel Department to find out more information in this area. If your company requires you to complete each class before they will reimburse you, then you will need to pay for each class at the beginning of each semester (and then be reimbursed by your company at the end of the semester). If your company will pay for your classes when you register at the beginning of each semester, then your company simply needs to send us a letter on their company letterhead confirming this policy, and we will send future bills to your company instead of to you.

How long does it take to complete all the courses and get the MS Systems Engineering degree?
A student taking a full course load of three courses per semester could complete the degree requirements in two years.

How do I buy my books and other course materials?
You may purchase your textbooks from our campus bookstore, or you may buy the recommended textbook from a bookstore near you or from an Internet Bookstore.

Can I get transfer credit for Master's level courses I took at another institution?
First, you will need to send a copy of your transcript to our Admissions office. After we have had a chance to review your transcript, we will be able to answer your questions about transfer credit on a course-by-course basis.

How do I get accepted into the program?
You can apply online. Print out all the application forms on your printer. Complete the forms, sign in all the appropriate places, and return the forms by mail to the address on the form. Have two copies of your college transcripts sent to the Admissions Office.

Approximately five days after we have all of the required information, a decision will be made concerning your eligibility for the program and you will be notified either by E-Mail or regular mail.

If I have additional questions, how can I contact you?
You may contact us using e-mail at mssye@spsu.edu

You may call us at (678) 915-7243.

You may Fax us at (678) 915-4991.

Or you can write to us at the following address:

Systems Engineering Program Administrator
Southern Polytechnic State University
1100 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30060-2896