GW prepares students for Certified Systems Engineering Professional exam

Corporate Education Systems Engineering Program Expands Nationwide

The George Washington University (GW) Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering has been offering students degrees since 1954; however, not every applicant is close enough to Washington, D.C., to take the program on campus. Fortunately, for more than a decade, students looking to complete a Master of Science in Systems Engineering [M.S.(SE)] from GW have been able to complete the program online.

The degree started as on-site education for employees of such companies as Lockheed Martin Corporation and Science Applications International Corporation. As time passed, some employees of those companies interested in the program were posted too far away to participate. As a result, the curriculum shifted to a distance learning platform (VTC) in 2000 to accommodate those employees. In 2009 the curriculum was offered online for company-sponsored groups, and in 2014 it was opened online nationwide. Given the program’s professional roots, students should expect a tried and tested curriculum and platform.

“With extensive experience offering our master’s programs by distance learning and online, we have been able to learn and adjust over time as needed,” noted Shahram Sarkani, Director of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Online Programs. “Notably, the curriculum for the program is developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science faculty based on feedback from the engineering community and students.”

Systems Engineering Curriculum Focuses on CSEP

One advantage of taking the M.S.(SE) program at GW is that the content focuses on preparing students to take the Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) exam run by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). No doubt this emphasis on CSEP certification comes from the program’s corporate training roots.

In addition to CSEP, the M.S.(SE) program at GW focuses on various systems engineering concepts including:

• Accounting/finance
• Architecture/modeling
• Axiomatic design
• Project management
• Risk management
• Systems analysis

The course list is set and the program doesn’t offer elective or customization options except in selection of the topic for the mandatory capstone project. If the course list doesn’t meet your needs, then GW may not be the best fit for you. Nevertheless, the defined curriculum delivers an up-to-date, innovative concentration on systems engineering content. “The focus of our online Master of Science in Systems Engineering is on educating students about the quantitative aspects of leading-edge technical environments,” said Sarkani.

Students taking the GW M.S.(SE) program online will be taught the same content, by the same faculty, as in the on-campus program. Exams, projects, papers, and homework assignments are established by the same faculty members.

Students will be able to access the course material, submit assignments, contact instructors, and participate in discussion boards using the Blackboard online learning platform.

“The benefit of pursuing the program online rather than on campus is convenience. Working professionals have the opportunity to earn their master’s degree from a top-tier university while continuing to work, no matter where they are in the world,” said Sarkani.

The GW M.S.(SE) program offers live virtual class meetings on a weekly basis. These classes are recorded and can be watched asynchronously. However, students are required to attend two of the classes live.

Diverse Student Body Adds Character to Systems Engineering Classes

The M.S.(SE) student body spans a wide age range, from 25 to 50, and career levels extend from junior engineer to business manager.

“While many comparable programs require students to have several years of experience in the field, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering, our program is open to applicants seeking to transition into the field or to work in a business role,” explained Sarkani. “We think this adds depth and character to our student body and provides additional perspectives in the classroom that one might not find in another institution.”

Though the minimum requirements ask for students to have achieved a 3.0 GPA average or better (in the last 60 hours of the bachelor’s degree), the school will also take an applicant’s personal achievements into consideration.

“GW considers a candidate’s entire background and all submitted materials when reaching an admission decision,” said Sarkani. “Applicants who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible for admission. Their records will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”

Students are advised to take only one course per session to limit the time dedicated to their studies, and thus the effect of the time commitment on their work and personal lives. Even so, Sarkani points out, “Students must be self-disciplined and self-motivated, have good time-management skills, and be comfortable studying independently to succeed in the program. They should understand that although the online format allows for great flexibility, it does not mean the courses will be easy.”

Limiting students to one course at a time can also help the transition back into education for those who may have been out of school for a while. This schedule contrasts with many other programs, which tend to recommend that students take one course for the first semester and then ramp up to two courses within the first year. “Students returning to school after many years can rest assured that they will be well taken care of at GW,” said Sarkani. “And for students who may not be familiar with taking courses online, we offer an optional practice session with the online tools each semester.”

He added, “Online students also have access to a wealth of resources at GW, including the Center for Career Services, the Division of Information Technology, and the libraries.” There will be no shortage of support for students working toward a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from George Washington University.

The George Washington University has sponsored promotion of their Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering on ENGINEERING.com. All opinions are mine. —Shawn Wasserman

Core Courses

• EMSE 6001 The Management of Technical Organizations (3 credits)
• EMSE 6020 Decision Making with Uncertainty (3 credits)
• EMSE 6099 Problems in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering [Capstone] (3 credits)
• EMSE 6410 Survey of Finance and Engineering Economics (3 credits)
• EMSE 6505 Knowledge Management I (3 credits)
• EMSE 6580 Information and Software Engineering
• EMSE 6801 Systems Engineering I (3 credits)
• EMSE 6820 Program and Project Management (3 credits)

Systems Engineering Focus Courses

• EMSE 6805 Systems Engineering II (3 credits)
• EMSE 6810 Systems Analysis and Management (3 credits)
• EMSE 6815 Requirements Engineering (3 credits)
• EMSE 6840 Applied Enterprise Systems Engineering (3 credits)