FAQs

What is Systems Engineering?

We have adopted the International Council of Systems Engineering’s (INCOSE) paradigm, philosophy and definition of Systems Engineering: http://www.incose.org/about-systems-engineering/system-and-se-definition/systems-engineering-definition.

Systems Engineering is a transdisciplinary and integrative approach to enable the successful realization, use, and retirement of engineered systems, using systems principles and concepts, and scientific, technological, and management methods.

Systems Engineering considers both the business and the technical needs of customers with the goal of providing a quality solution that meets the needs of users and other stakeholders, is fit for the intended purpose in real-world operation, and avoids or minimizes adverse unintended consequences.

Systems engineering processes aim to manage risk, including the risk of not delivering what the customer wants and needs, the risk of late delivery, the risk of excess cost, and the risk of negative unintended consequences. One measure of utility of Systems Engineering activities is the degree to which such risk is reduced. Conversely, a measure of acceptability of absence of a System Engineering activity is the level of excess risk incurred as a result.

Systems engineers consider both the problem and solution domains, taking into account enabling systems and services, identifying the role that the parts and the relationships between the parts play with respect to the overall behavior and performance of the system, and determining how to balance all of these factors to achieve a satisfactory outcome. They also focus on:

  • Establishing, balancing and integrating stakeholders’ goals, purpose and success criteria, and defining actual or anticipated customer needs, operational concept and required functionality, starting early in the development cycle
  • Establishing an appropriate lifecycle model, process approach and governance structures, considering the levels of complexity, uncertainty, change, and variety
  • Generating and evaluating alternative solution concepts and architectures
  • baselining and modelling requirements and selected solution architecture for each phase of the endeavor
  • Performing design synthesis and system verification and validation

 

How much does the program cost?

The program currently costs $527 per unit. The 34-unit Master’s program costs $17,391.

Textbooks

We estimate that textbooks will cost approximately $200 per course.

Other Fees

Admissions Application Fee: $70

Graduation Fee: $85

Total: Approximately $20,000

 

Do I have the right background to be successful in the MSSE program?

The CSUDH Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree program has been designed to meet the needs of new graduates, early career professionals as well as to seasoned practitioners from diverse STEM disciplines and engineering specialties. Systems engineering draws upon the knowledge, skills and abilities of professionals with undergraduate training in a variety of fields including: all engineering disciplines, business, biology, chemistry, computer science, computer technology, earth science, environmental studies, geography, information technology, logistics, mathematics and physics.

Systems Engineering principles, processes, methodologies and tools have been implemented in nearly every field, including:

  • Automotive Design and Manufacturing
  • Biotechnology
  • Counter-Terrorism
  • Critical Infrastructure
  • Defense
  • Environmental/Green Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Homeland Security
  • Manufacturing
  • Next Generation Farming
  • Oil & Gas
  • Power & Energy Systems
  • Safety/Security Engineering
  • Social Network Systems Architecture
  • Space Systems
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation

 

What are the MSSE admission requirements?

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a fully accredited institution.
  • Have completed coursework in computer programming, calculus, probability & statistics as well as a capstone experience related to engineering design fundamentals.
  • In good standing at the last institution attended.
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 on the last degree completed or at least 5 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) units attempted.

Admission Status

Depending on the type of undergraduate degree held, the applicant may be admitted with either a classified or conditional admission status:

  • Classified Admission:
    To be admitted with a classified status, the applicant must meet all program admission requirements.
  • Conditional Admission:
    Applicants who have not completed coursework in computer programming, calculus, probability & statistics, as well as a capstone experience related to engineering design fundamentals, may be considered for conditional admission. Those applicants may have to fulfill additional requirements before they attain a classified status. These additional requirements will be determined by evaluating the applicant’s transcripts and work-related experience. The student must also earn a minimum grade of B or better during the first year, (3 terms) of attendance. Individual study plans are developed for students who qualify for conditionally classified admission.

 

How long will it take to complete the MSSE program?

The program is a 24-month accelerated program completed in 6 consecutive semesters: fall-spring-summer-fall-spring-summer. It is cohort-based so you will progress through the curriculum with the same set of peers. This allows you to establish study groups, project-teams and domain-centric learning communities. Students must take courses according to this schedule. It cannot be altered.

Lectures are recorded so that students can review them at a time that is convenient for them. Each week, students contribute to the course discussion board. 

Review the Degree Study Plan ►

 

How much interaction will I have with instructors/classmates in an online program?

The program design requires more interaction than many traditional face-to-face programs. Students are required to interact with classmates and the instructor at least twice each week via Discussion Questions (DQs). DQs provide a forum for students to share perspectives relative to their professional domain or academic discipline. Students are required to contribute to at least 2 online discussions each week; each posting must consist of at least a five-sentence paragraph. Postings will be graded and factored into the semester grade.

 

I have to travel frequently/on short notice. Am I a good candidate for this program?

Our philosophy was to develop a practitioner’s degree program that mirrors the conditions in today’s innovation environment. The design of engineered systems is often supported by geographically-dispersed stakeholders from diverse engineering disciplines, employed by different organizations, who may use different terminology and systems of measurement. The online, asynchronous modality selected for this curriculum mirrors these interactions and prepares students for more effective collaborations in the workplace.

Lectures will be recorded, thus allowing students the flexibility of tailoring their learning environment/schedule to their personal and professional needs. In most courses, Engineering Design Challenges (EDC) will be administered in lieu of conventional exams because they allow the student the opportunity to respond to realistic technical, operational and financial challenges under conditions that are similar to those in a professional environment.

 

What happens if I need to take time off from the program?

You should schedule an appointment with the Program Coordinator who will help you to develop a plan for resuming your studies.

 

Is the CSUDH MSSE program accredited?

There are two types of accreditation: regional (WSCUS), and discipline-specific (ABET).

Most employers do not recognize undergraduate degrees that have not undergone regional accreditation, and prefer those from ABET-accredited programs. While ABET accreditation is essential for undergraduate STEM degrees, it is not required, expected or even typical for graduate programs. 

According to the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), there are only 49 ABET-accredited graduate programs in the world - in any STEM discipline. Although there are over 100 graduate programs in Industrial/Systems Engineering in the United States, only 3 are ABET-accredited (http://amspub.abet.org/aps).

Our program has undergone special accreditation review by WSCUS, which provides regional accreditation. Our program welcomed its first cohort in Fall 2020, and is being considered for ABET review.

 

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