Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
The online Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering program presents a shorter (but no less practical) path than a full master’s course of study to gaining refined skills in systems development and analysis. With a flexible, accelerated curriculum, the program provides a valuable opportunity for you, as a working engineer or software developer, to quickly and conveniently build on your practical experience or pursue a new professional focus – all in a convenient online format.
Providing a host of valuable resources for any engineer responsible for the oversight, creation, or operation of a complicated system, the program can help you enhance your career and build on your practical experience. The program is a perfect fit for systems engineers, but also for those working in design, life-cycle management, and project management.
The curriculum explores a multitude of critical areas, including statistics, linear programming, and other facets of the systems engineering process. Every course is led by an expert faculty member, providing students with direct access to national leaders in research with real-world expertise. As a student, you’ll complete coursework that explores the latest advances in the field and the specialized, fundamental techniques required to bring a higher level of expertise to your work.
As an added benefit, the program offers a list of electives to choose from, helping you build an academic plan that suits your professional aspirations.
Curriculum
The online Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering program is designed to provide an intensive examination of the skills required to lead in this exciting industry in a convenient, flexible virtual format. The program consists of 12 units of required credit, enabling you to finish the program at a faster pace than a full master’s program and earn a valuable professional credential while continuing to work full-time. For engineers looking to develop their skills and enhance their careers, the program can provide the training needed to reach new heights.
To complete the online Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering, the following course of study is required:
Required Courses (9 units – 3 courses):
SIE 554 The Systems Engineering Process
Process and tools for systems engineering of large-scale, complex systems: requirements, performance measures, concept exploration, multi-criteria tradeoff studies, life cycle models, system modeling, etc. Graduate-level requirements include extensive sensitivity analysis of their final projects.
SIE 531 Simulation Modeling and Analysis
Discrete event simulation, model development, statistical design and analysis of simulation experiments, variance reduction, random variate generation, Monte Carlo simulation. Graduate-level requirements include a library research report.
SIE 550 Theory of Linear Systems
An intensive study of continuous and discrete linear systems from the state-space viewpoint, including criteria for observability, controllability, and minimal realizations; and optionally, aspects of optimal control, state feedback, and observer theory.
Elective Courses (3 units; choose 1 course):
SIE 530 Engineering Statistics
Statistical methodology of estimation, testing hypotheses, goodness-of-fit, nonparametric methods and decision theory as it relates to engineering practice. Significant emphasis on the underlying statistical modeling and assumptions. Graduate-level requirements include additionally more difficult homework assignments.
SIE 540 Survey of Optimization Methods
Survey of methods including network flows, integer programming, nonlinear programming, and dynamic programming. Model development and solution algorithms are covered. Graduate-level requirements include additional assigned readings and a project paper.
SIE 564 Cost Estimation
Focuses on principles of cost estimation and measurement systems with specific emphasis on parametric models. Approaches from the fields of hardware, software and systems engineering are applied to a variety of contexts (risk assessment, judgment & decision making, performance measurement, process improvement, adoption of new tools in organizations, etc.). Material is divided into five major sections: cost estimation fundamentals, parametric model development and calibration, advanced engineering economic principles, measurement systems, and policy issues. The graduate-level requirements include a final paper.
SIE 654 Advanced Concepts in Systems Engineering
Modeling and design of complex systems using the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and Wymorian System Theory. Applications come from systems, hardware and algorithm design. Course will emphasize architecture, requirements, testing, risk analysis and use of various systems design tools.
Course substitutions or changes in electives are allowed with the approval of the program advisor.
Read more for Admissions Information.
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