Systems Engineering

Guidelines for Students

The motivation for requiring systems engineering (SYSE) masters students to compile a portfolio is based on several factors:

1. they have diverse backgrounds in education and work, which this program respects, but we want to integrate this diversity into a holistic educational experience for individual SYSE students and their peers;

2. some students have already taken elective classes, which need to be justified as an appropriate component of the students\' educational system;

3. they will be involved in a wide range of projects, and we\'d like to know about context and be introduced into that domain;

4. the study plan, although dynamic, needs to be well thought out and include rationale for any changes;

5. the e-portfolio documents the incorporation of newly-learned systems engineering concepts in their specialty areas and projects;

6. as a member of this learning community, students are asked to assist future students by discussing their learning objectives, assessing the program\'s contributions, and demonstrating systems thinking;

7. students are encouraged to explore side-topics, not covered in scheduled classes and the masters project, which can be summarized in the e-portfolio.

Desired background:

exposure to engineering mathematics including calculus & statistics;

at least 3 years experience working in a technical environment;

exposure to multidisciplinary activities (science+engineering+business);

already have exposure to systems engineering concepts;

vision as to why you want to earn a masters degree in systems engineering;

a Bachelor\'s degree from an accredited institution, not necessarily in engineering;

ability to work at a graduate level: a) vague problem statements requiring further definition; b) multiple approaches to solving a problem; c) open ended solutions;

willingness to learn material both independently and in collaboration with fellow students and the instructor;

self-motivated to study -- such is the nature of on-line learning.

Application for Systems Engineering Admission

The application process involves sending an information package to both the SYSE program and to the PSU Admission office. DO NOT SEND ANYTHING TO PSU ADMISSIONS WITHOUT FIRST CONTACTING THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING THREE SETS OF INFORMATION:

Copy of resume.

Personal statement as to your interest in Systems Engineering and reasons for seeking a masters degree.

Copy of all transcripts sent directly to Systems Engineering program.

The Director will perform a preliminary review of your background and will contact you. If it appears there is not a good match, the Director will suggest alternative programs. If there is a good match, he will give you the go-ahead to finish the application process. The program needs two more sets of information:

Departmental Application Information -- you may have already included this information above, but if not: address, phone, list of all colleges attended and all degrees, desired term of admission (you must be taking a PSU course during that term).

Three recommendations, either as a form (blank form available here) or as an email which contains some or all the items found on the form.

Send to the program director, Herman Migliore.