Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking is related to but not the same as Systems Engineering. It is a perspective, language, and a set of tools used for understanding and influencing systems. Visit our Systems Thinking page for more details.
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Systems Engineering
Welcome to Systems Engineering
Human-designed systems today run the gamut from elemental subsystems, such as simple switching relays, to complex systems of systems like nuclear-powered submarines and space stations. But how can we ensure that systems fulfill their intended purpose, work reliably, and are both safe and economical?
Systems engineering is a holistic approach to the conceptualization, design, construction, and maintenance of successful systems. It is highly procedural, focusing on customer needs and required functionality along with system validation. Systems Engineering topics typically address both engineering and management aspects and include Project Management; Risk Management; Requirements Engineering, System Architecture and Design; Systems Integration, Validation, and Verification; System Optimization; Business Practices; and Systems Thinking.
The demand for Systems Engineers is high. The field is competitive and pays well, with typical Systems Engineer salaries at companies like Lockheed, IBM, and Rockwell between $65 and $96k per year while salaries for Senior Systems Engineers range from $73-$116k per year at companies like General Dynamics, IBM, and Qualcomm.
WPI’s Graduate Programs in Systems Engineering
Through a combination of courses in Engineering, Science, and Management, WPI’s rigorous graduate programs prepare professionals for challenging careers in Systems Engineering. Our approach stresses a hands-on, practical, applied, project-based curriculum taught by instructors who have actually practiced real-world Systems Engineering for decades.
WPI’s Systems Engineering programs are offered 100% online, affording working professionals access to this education wherever they live, and the flexibility to expand their knowledge base and skills while working full-time.
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Why WPI Systems Engineering is right for you
Our Faculty
Our students work closely with WPI’s renowned Systems Engineering faculty: real-world experts who enrich the curriculum with decades of professional experience in all aspects of the field. Many continue to be active members of industry as employees and consultants in a variety of leading companies, including Verizon, MITRE Corporation, and the United States Air Force.
Our success in the Systems Engineering program at WPI can be measured in how well our students learn and how well they contribute to their organization and the community.
Don Gelosh, PhD
Director of Systems Engineering
WPI Corporate & Professional Education
Systems engineering helped me understand how the complexity of a major engineering effort can be controlled and guided so that what the customer wants the customer gets.
Mike Bonin
Senior Engineer
General Dynamics Electric Boat
A systems engineering education at WPI is very clearly differentiated by its faculty diversity which integrates research, theory, experience and practice. This is the foundation of WPI’s educational philosophy and has been since its beginning.
Scott Doremus
Senior Lecturer, WPI
Systems Engineering and Leadership Institute
At WPI, we believe all engineers should have some knowledge of systems engineering and leadership methods to be properly prepared for 21st century realities. The strategic goal of the institute is to advance systems engineering education, research, and leadership through partnerships with professionals from government, industry, and academic communities.
Publications
- Our complimentary web series “Engineering Education: The Systems Approach” takes you through a journey of how systems thinking and systems engineering can be combined to generate innovation—in any industry.
- Learn about "The Emergence of Humanity's Self-Awareness" from Systems Engineering faculty member, Jamie Monat, PhD in his latest whitepaper and video in which he examines the idea of self-awareness—a quality that separates humanity from even the most complex animals. Access the whitepaper and video here.
INCOSE Partnership
WPI's partnership with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) helps our students achieve professional recognition as a systems engineer. INCOSE is a not-for-profit membership organization with chapters supporting and promoting systems engineering worldwide. WPI’s Assistant Vice President of Academic & Corporate Engagement, Rachel (Bowers) LeBlanc ’02, ’08 (MS), ’13 (MBA), also serves as the director of marketing with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Read about her role with this organization.
Learn more about the INCOSE Certification Bootcamp.
Read Our Student Guide
See the Systems Engineering PhD Student Guide to answer your questions about the program.
News
January 23, 2017