Frequently Asked Questions
Systems Engineering Master’s Program
- What is Systems Thinking and what is Systems Engineering?
INCOSE’s defines Systems Engineering as:
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.NASA defines Systems Engineering as:
A methodical, multi-disciplinary approach for the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system. A “system” is the combination of elements that function together to produce the capability required to meet a need. - How does Weber’s Master’s in Systems Engineering apply systems engineering and systems thinking?
Weber’s view of Systems Engineering is in the global context, recognizing the systems viewpoint and landscape, while incorporating INCOSE standards and industry best practices. The program uses an integrative approach that utilizes industry standards, online andragogy, dynamic learning environments, and industry faculty to prepare students to:
Maintain the highest levels of integrity and keeping up with knowledge of their disciplines Strive to increase the expertise and reputation of the engineering professionSystems are continually evolving and exhibit emergent behavior. Examples of systems include:
A lean manufacturing cell – Infrastructure, machine tools, automation robots, human interactions, material flow, and work-in-process A hospital – Infrastructure, diagnostic and treatment equipment, electronic health records software, mediation dispensing software, doctors, nurses, and medical billing agents Municipal water supply – Infrastructure for storage, treatment, and distribution of water for homes, industry, irrigation, and firefighting needs, EPA requirements, and sustainability management Anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system – Hardware / software to detect and monitor possible threats, satellite sensors, ground and sea-based tracking radar, the ICBM, and underground missile silo, and all staff associated with the System of Systems (SoS) Automated prescription filling devices – Hardware / software to identify, count/measure, fill, and label bottle, ability to handle tablets and capsules of all shapes and sizes, ability to fill with no cross contamination, safety measures, provide a proper environment for storage and handling of medicines, and tracking of controlled substances- Support the educational institutions, the professional societies and technical societies of their disciplines
- Guard the public interest and protect the environment, safety and welfare of those affected by engineering activities
- Accept responsibility for your actions and engineering results, including being open to ethical scrutiny and assessment
- Proactively mitigate unsafe practice
- How long does it typically take students to complete this master's degree in Systems Engineering?
The average completion time is 2 years (4 semesters). Students are expected to complete all work within five years from the date of first enrollment in the master’s program. The WSU 100% online master's degree in Systems Engineering is pleased to offer courses year-round – Fall, Spring, & Summer
- What networking opportunities does this master's degree in Systems Engineering provide?
The program regularly hosts the INCOSE Wasatch Chapter meetings.
For more information visit: Welcome to the INCOSE Wasatch Chapter.
Students can meet with the systems community to enjoy presentations, conferences, training, scholarships, and networking. The Wasatch chapter supports Hill Air Force Base, the second largest U.S. Air Force Base in the country.
The MSSE program also utilizes faculty from other engineering departments, industry adjuncts, and industry guest lecturers. This allows students to learn the content while engaging with a wide range of faculty to learn applications today, that you can apply tomorrow.
- Are there opportunities to improve communication and interview skills in this master's degree in Systems Engineering?
Effective technical communication and interview skills are some of the most important skills that an engineer can develop and hone during their career. Your concepts and solutions - no matter how great they may be – will not have an impact if you cannot communicate effectively and professionally. That is why the WSU MSSE works with the Weber Writing Center to prepare graduates to craft their story and make their critical thinking visible.
- Why pursue a Master’s in Systems Engineering at Weber State University?
The Master’s in Systems Engineering program is an industry-based program that will engineer better solutions for a better world. In this context, the program’s mission is to:
Provide students with a high-quality education, virtual/online class options, and the opportunity to succeed at school while working. Educate and mentor students to promote systems thinking and prosperity while protecting the planet. Create systems that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental quality. Incorporate industry needs and global megatrends of digital transformation, sustainability, and complexity growth. Incorporate technology trends such as advances in materials and manufacturing, advanced modeling and simulation, the data sciences, and digital transformation. Reflect the trends that shape stakeholder values, such as simple, timely, safe, secure, and stable systems.Team Collaborations
Collaboration amongst students and faculty provide a high impact learning experience to explore and analyze challenges and solutions. These high impact learning experiences prepare the graduates for gainful employment as a systems engineer. Weber State University’s curriculum and experienced faculty gives each student an opportunity to collaboratively and cooperatively learn.
With professional certifications:
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) , Professional Engineer (PE) Project Management Institute (PMI) , Project Management Professional (PMP) INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP)Experienced Faculty
Weber’s faculty bring years of industry experience to the academic setting, providing students with a real-world understanding of Systems Engineering, processes, and management of operations. Faculty experience includes:
Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Mechanical Business Intelligence and the Data Sciences Biomedical Chemical Advanced Design- Physics-based, optimization, and operational simulations
- Integration of internal and external stakeholders
The Master’s of Systems Engineering program is 100% Online
Students can choose how to attend class on any given day – synchronous or asynchronous. This allows students — including those that travel for work, who are sick, have busy work schedules, or have growing families — to choose their learning modality. Students can meet at set times to receive instruction via web conferencing or watch the recorded online instruction at a later time, and may submit assignments via the online course webpage.Industry Relevant
Other Systems Engineering programs focus on engineering disciplines such as design, industrial, manufacturing, software, or management. Weber’s view of Systems Engineering is in the global context, recognizing the systems viewpoint and landscape, while incorporating INCOSE standards and teachings. Systems Engineering is shaped by the global environment, human and societal needs, policy and business challenges, and evolving technologies – which give rise to complex engineering challenges. These complex challenges impose new demands on the types of systems needed and are unsolvable by any one area of engineering.For example, how does the increasing stress on the sustainability of natural resources impose new demands on the types of systems needed? A Systems Engineering solution may bring together manufacturing, financial, and materials science engineering along with operations management and economics.
At Weber, the required coursework includes the materials and knowledge necessary to prepare students for the Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) exam offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).
Industry relevance translates to additional career advancement opportunities.
WSU focuses on the life cycle management through the application of digital engineering. Topics include:
Management of complex multi-disciplinary projects- Requirements, product lifecycle, process, task, and web document management
- What will I learn?
The program teaches technical and management processes applied to design, implementation, and retirement of systems. These processes involve modeling and analyzing systems using:
Digital Engineering Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE)Curriculum will prepare students to take professional certifications such as:
INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional Certification OMG Certifications OMG SysML Certification Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering Project Management Professional- Systems optimization and simulation
- Eliciting, developing, and managing requirements
- Risk management and mitigation techniques
- Verification/validation/evaluation approaches
- Design sustainment and multigenerational technology
Prospective Students
The program is competitive admission, therefore it has a limited number of spaces. The program reviews the student portfolio, including bachelor’s program, calculus and statistics grades, rigor of courses taken (upper division), work experience, professional certifications, and participation in the systems community. After the review, applicants may require leveling courses such as chemistry, physics, upper division math and statistics, or strengthening their portfolio by becoming involved in the systems community. This holistic view allows the program to meet students where they are at in their systems career.
- Leveling Courses
MATH 3410 - Probability and Statistics I MATH 1210 - Calculus I MATH 1220-Calculus ll
Preference is given to students that have completed Calculus III or equivalent (such as multivariable calculus), a professional and technical writing course, and/or a B.Sc. in engineering or computing from an ABET accredited program.
Note: Math courses have pre-reqs and often those pre-reqs have requirements of a certain grade and an expiration date. For example, a minimum grade of a C and will expire as a prerequisite 24 months after completion.
- Work Experience
If you have less than 5 years of STEM work experience, consider applying to the systems certificate and strengthening your portfolio by becoming involved in the systems community and continuing your STEM foundations. You may strengthen your portfolio by:
- Taking Calculus III or MATH 3410 (or equivalent).
- While not required in all applications, consider taking the GRE and focus on the Quantitative Reasoning portion.
- Becoming an INCOSE member and attending chapter meetings.
- Talking with your supervisor at work to participate and engage in systems engineering projects for additional work experience. This can be included in your Academic Statement of Purpose.
- Leveraging Coursera or Udemy to gain additional systems knowledge. Most courses include a downloadable certificate upon completion. This certificate can be included in your systems portfolio.
- Impact of a Non-ABET Accredited Bachelor’s Degree
If you do not have an ABET EAC accredited engineering bachelor's degree, a combination of education and experience may be considered:
Professional registration or licensure (such as Professional Engineering PE, Fundamentals of Engineering FE, INCOSE SEP) Engineering foundation courses taken in an academic setting for a letter grade. Such as Calculus 1, 2, 3, calculus based statistics, chemistry, or physics College level teaching Industry work experience Current US Government classification waiver
- Systems Engineering Professional Certificates
Professional certifications, such as the INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional Certification and the Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering by IREB, can allow a student to obtain advanced standing and skip introductory courses, allowing them to start taking advanced courses sooner. This is reviewed on a case by case basis and awarded at academic departmental discretion. Examples include:
Please email msse@weber.edu for further information.
- Transcripts
Official transcripts of your academic record from all previous colleges or universities attended should be submitted. For the fastest and most efficient transcript ordering experience, please order your official transcripts online through the National Student Clearinghouse.
All electronic transcripts should be sent from the clearinghouse or directly from the institution to msse@weber.edu.
All transcripts sent via mail must be UNOPENED in their original sealed envelope. Request official transcripts be sent directly to the following address:
MSSE Admission Committee
Weber State University
1465 Edvalson St Dept 1801
Ogden UT 84408-1801 - Palace Acquire Program (PAQ)
First, congrats on your accomplishment. Next steps include:
Setup a transcript review. Since you are on an accelerated schedule, set up a grad map review. If your PAQ agreement is 3 semesters, it is highly encouraged to start summer semester. This will ensure a meaningful senior capstone project to build your resume and leverage networking opportunities.
- Non-Resident Tuition Waivers
Non-Resident Tuition Waivers are available to non-resident students who have an overall GPA of 3.25 upon entry into the program. Eligible students will receive a tuition waiver for the non-resident portion of their tuition. Non-resident and international students must maintain a 3.25 GPA to continue to receive the waiver and must notify msse@weber.edu each semester to request the waiver be applied to their tuition. Terms may change due to funding availability.
Tuition waivers do not include the cost of the graduate differential or student fees.
- GRE Scores
GRE test scores are required if all previous degrees were conferred by an institution outside of the U.S. and will be used to make admission decisions, though no specific minimum score is required. For information about taking the GRE, go to https://www.ets.org/gre.
Individuals who have already completed a graduate-level program and are well into established careers in a related field may be admitted without the GRE requirement based on admission committee approval.
Preference is given to graduates of universities that are members of:
The German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) The High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres, France) The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA, UK)Request official GRE scores be sent directly to the following address:
MSSE Admission Committee
Weber State University
1465 Edvalson St Dept 1801
Ogden UT 84408-1801- The Polish Accreditation Committee (Polska Komisja Akredytacyjna PKA)
- The Hungarian Accreditation Committee (Magyar Felsőoktatási Akkreditációs Bizottság MAB)
- European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)
- International Applicants
If you are an international applicant, you need to complete additional paperwork in order to comply with university and U.S. immigration regulations. If you have questions about the Weber State University admissions process for international applicants, you may contact Admissions at 801-626-6005 or admissions@weber.edu or visit the Weber State University International Student and Scholar Center.
Requirements
Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International Language Testing System (IELTS) within the last two years. Applicants are required to have an internet-based TOEFL score of 79-80 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0. Official score reports must be sent from testing authority to Weber State University. WSU’s institutional code is 4941-4211. Visit the TOEFL website for more information. Have your foreign credentials evaluated. You must also have your foreign credentials evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation company. Visit our International Student & Scholar Center website for a list of approved companies. An overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required from the undergraduate program in which the bachelor’s degree is earned.Request official TOEFL scores and evaluated transcripts be sent directly to the following address:
MSSE Admission Committee
Weber State University
1465 Edvalson St Dept 1801
Ogden UT 84408-1801- Take the GRE. GRE scores will be used to make admission decisions but no specific minimum score is required. For information about taking the GRE, go to https://www.ets.org/gre.
- Graduate Honors
Upon earning departmental honors students will be recognized with the following:
Your transcript and degree diploma will be printed with the distinction, "Departmental Honors in Master of Science in Systems Engineering." You will receive an invitation to all Honors Program social and educational events. You will receive an invitation to the Honors Nye Banquet when you graduate.
Current Students
- Where can I find comprehensive support services?
Student Access & Success has a number of support centers that promote student learning, well-being, and success through comprehensive services and programs provided in a welcoming environment.
When and how can I register for, drop, or withdraw from classes?
See the Academic Calendar for important dates, including when registration opens, dates to withdraw, declare credit/no credit, or audit block and semester courses.
You can register for classes either through the Register for Classes app or the Registration Schedule Builder app in the eWeber portal.
- When are the tuition and fee payment deadlines?
Students must have the following established by the Friday before their classes begin:
Balance paid in full out-of-pocket or Be enrolled in a monthly payment plan-
Contact the Office of the Bursar with additional questions.
If financial aid/scholarships will not cover the balance due, then the remaining portion must be paid out of pocket by payment deadline. If you register AFTER the first day of class, tuition and fee payment must be made immediately. All unpaid tuition and fees will be subject to late/collection fees, interest, and a hold preventing further registration adjustments or the printing of transcripts.
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- Where do I find the tuition/fees refund dates?
Students are responsible for dropping courses they do not plan to attend and tuition and fees will not be waived for nonattendance. Once registered, each student is obligated to pay for their courses unless the student has dropped courses or the student completes a total withdrawal from school during the 100% refund period. If a student drops or completely withdraws from school after the 100% refund period, the student is obligated to pay tuition and fees according to the current semester refund schedule. Additionally, a student must pay for a dropped course by the payment deadline to avoid late fees and interest.
See refund dates HERE. Note that Weber State University does NOT drop courses for nonpayment or nonattendance.
- What are my financial support options?
The process for applying for financial aid is the same for graduate students as for undergraduate students. Student aid can be a combination of loans, grants or scholarships.
Scholarships
Scholarship Universe
Scholarship Universe houses numerous scholarship options you can apply for. You can find both WSU and national scholarships. Make sure to apply for the correct year. Some scholarships require additional steps.The Wonders of Weber
The Wonders of Weber Graduate Studies Scholarship is open to students enrolled in graduate programs and may be used for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Single parents, first-generation, students with financial needs, and community service participants may be given preference.Western Regional Graduate Program
Additionally, Weber State University participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), administered by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. Through WRGP, Weber State offers a resident tuition rate to qualified nonresident students from other WICHE member states for all of our graduate programs. Individual programs will have more information available about this scholarship opportunity.
No separate application is required. However, you will need to declare your residency to one of the WICHE states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam), Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Visit the WSU Financial Aid website for more information.
- What is the difference between the coursework, thesis, or project tracks?
Depending on your graduate program, you may have the option between a coursework, thesis, or project track. Consider the information below when choosing your track:
Thesis Track is for students who are interested in being introduced to research and development and are considering the possibility of pursuing their doctorate (Ph.D.). Project Track is for students with an industry-minded perspective and requires a formal design project report. It is designed to prepare graduates for employment requiring advanced design in industry. Coursework Track is for students seeking to increase their technical depth in the industry.
- What resources are available for students working on a project or thesis?
Subject-specific Research Assistance
Contact Diana Meiser, the Engineering, Applied Sciences, and Technology Librarian at dmeiser@weber.edu or 801-626-7495.Graduate Writing Peer Support
Graduate students seeking to work with graduate peers at the Writing Center can drop in in-person or online, or they can make appointments by going through the Starfish app, emailing write@weber.edu, or calling 801-626-6463. - Are travel grants offered?
Grants are available for up to $500 to graduate students for travel-related expenses, such as hotel, registration fees and transportation.
For mileage reimbursement, the cost of driving must be equal to or less than the cost of flying. Only one student per project may be funded. Exceptions can be made for projects requiring more than one student (i.e., musical accompanist). No rental car requests allowed.-
There is no deadline for this grant. However, students need to submit travel grants at least eight weeks PRIOR to the registration deadline and/or travel reservations.
Submit your completed Research Travel Grant Application.
- No per diem requests allowed.
- No fuel expenses allowed.
- All WSU travel must be purchased on a WSU purchasing Card (p-card).
- Retroactive expenses and faculty mentor expenses will NOT be funded.
- Students who have graduated have a six-month window to travel to present research.
- Only one travel grant can be awarded per student per project.
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- Where can I present my research?
The Research & Engagement Symposium is Weber State University’s celebration of student research, creative work and engaged learning that occurs through High Impact Educational Experiences. Students from every discipline share posters, performances, oral presentations, exhibits and more to the broader campus community and public.