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 $65k and $96k per year while salaries for Senior Systems Engineers range from $73k to $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.
NEW AT WPI
WPI now offers 2 MS degree tracks in Systems Engineering, including one focused on leadership. Learn more about these online graduate programs.
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Degrees & Certificates
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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.
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), served as the INCOSE Director of Marketing and Communications from 2017 to 2019. Read about her role with this organization. WPI’s Director for Systems Engineering Programs, Don Gelosh, PhD, currently serves as the INCOSE Services Director, a position that oversees the value streams of Certification, Events, and Professional Development.
Read Our Student Guide
See the Systems Engineering PhD Student Guide to answer your questions about the program.
New Course!
Freshmen and Sophomores!
Looking for an exciting, relevant elective?
ES 150X: Fundamentals of Systems Thinking is available for C -Term!
In this course, students will study all aspects of systems thinking and use these concepts to improve the performance of complex engineering, business, and social systems. Developing systems thinking skills and understanding these cutting edge concepts will provide you a competitive leadership advantage in both your professional and academic careers, especially in your IQPs and MQPs.
Required Background/Pre-requisites: None
Offered: C-Term 2019-2020 (January-February 2020)
Distribution Requirements Fulfillment: This course can be used toward the Humanities and Arts and Liberal Arts and Engineering elective distribution requirements, and towards the Engineering Science and Design distribution requirement in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering.
Instructor: Dr. Jamie P. Monat, Systems Engineering Professor of Practice.
To Register: See your advisor and register online for CRN 21721 under “Engineering Science.”
Questions? E-Mail jmonat@wpi.edu
