STEPS TO BECOMING A SYSTEMS ENGINEER

  Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering (4 years)

Anyone considering a career in systems engineering (SE) should begin with an accredited bachelor’s degree in systems, industrial, or another engineering discipline (followed by SE-focused graduate study). The predominant entity which approves engineering programs is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Though the nature of systems engineering often calls for a master’s education, a bachelor’s degree is usually enough to get graduates in the door. Some schools offer five-year combined BS/MS programs. One can choose from on-site and online degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Systems Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

The competitiveness of systems engineering programs varies from one college to the next, as do admissions requirements. The following are examples of common undergraduate SE admissions criteria drawn from real colleges. Note that online systems engineering programs may have additional requirements.

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.5 (varies)
• A minimum SAT score of 1250 or ACT score of 28
• An admissions essay, which usually addresses one’s education and career goals

Systems Engineering Course Examples

Systems engineering curricula depends on how general or specialized a program is, and even then they vary. The following examples demonstrate the types of courses systems engineering students often take.

• Calculus
• Linear algebra
• Physics
• Fundamentals of engineering
• Statics and mechanics
• Project management
• Engineering economics
• Engineering quality and reliability