WSU Systems Hub

By Connor Overcast, Masters SE student 2025

Imagine if we built billion-dollar defense systems using a patchwork of handwritten notes and static PDFs. It sounds absurd, but for years, that’s exactly how things were done. Today, however, the Department of Defense is leading a shift from document-based systems engineering to model-based digital engineering (MBSE). It’s a transformation that promises not only efficiency but also readiness, reliability, and cost savings.

This shift isn’t just tech jargon, or jumping on the “agile” bandwagon, although some may see it as such. It has real implications for national defense, and for students like me who are seeing the value already in the field. Through my coursework at Weber State University, I got a firsthand look at the challenges and opportunities of this transformation, and the lessons extend far beyond the classroom that I was able to apply to my daily job.

At the heart of systems engineering is something called Product Configuration Information (PCI). Think of PCI as the blueprint, the design narrative, the debugging tool, and the communication thread that keeps complex systems on track. Without validated architecture descriptions, performance requirements, interface specifications, and operations manuals, no system (whether it’s a fighter jet, a radar station, or a supply chain) can move forward.

In the past, PCI lived in static documents, often created in proprietary formats by contractors and government bodies. But in today’s world, where political, economic, technological, environmental, and legal pressures are growing, it’s simply not enough. Modern model-based artifacts, probide the opportunity to offer a level of traceability, version control, simulation and optimization and integration that static artifacts can’t match. They make sure that every decision is backed by data that is verifiable, validatable, and continuously traceable. In an era where the cost of failure can run into billions, that kind of assurance is essential.

In my class, we tackled the complexity of this shift by modeling a Major Department of Defense acquisition process through various acquisition phases, mapping processes and artifacts, and translating them into SysML, a modeling language used in MBSE. It was a real-world exercise that revealed both the potential and the pitfalls of digital engineering. While we learned the importance of clear scoping, process ownership, and traceable standards, we also saw how easy it is to fall into familiar traps: undefined stakeholder needs, fragmented modeling efforts, and poor integration of supporting systems.

One lesson stood out: the system is more than the product itself. Every complex system depends on a web of enabling systems, including training facilities, logistics, and integration labs, that must be operational when the main system is deployed. If these aren’t ready, the entire system risks failure. This insight reshaped my view of systems engineering from a siloed process into a holistic, lifecycle-critical discipline.

For students, educators, and industry professionals, the takeaway is clear. We need to embrace model-based approaches now. Not just because they are efficient, but because they are necessary. PCI isn’t just paperwork, it’s the connective tissue that ensures systems work when they are needed most. Institutions like WSU can play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of engineers and decision-makers to navigate this evolving landscape. Let’s push for education that bridges theory and practice, and for engineering that’s as resilient as the systems it’s meant to build.

College Graduates Can No Longer Rely on Their Degree to Accurately Signal their Qualification for a Job

By N. Falkenberg

This short read will discuss why a Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Weber State is worth the investment, that there are many educational opportunities beyond a master’s degree, and why college graduates can no longer rely on their degree to accurately signal their qualification for a job.

A survey from the Wall Street Journal in March of this year found that 56% of Americans say earning a four-year degree isn't worth the cost. Doubt is tied to student debt, the idea that tangible job skills aren't always gained during their time in college and that colleges are stuck in the past and not meeting the needs of today’s students. That doubt is compounded with a master’s degree.

Master’s degrees cost anywhere from $20k to $100k, the WSU MSSE currently costs under $25k. A master’s degree allows you to further your academic studies started in your undergraduate program and electives allow for specialization. Master’s degrees also expand personal development and professional connections and improve skills such as critical thinking, analytic abilities, time management, presentation skills, and thoughtful, professional communication strategies. Weber’s faculty brings years of industry experience to the academic setting, allowing students to meet like-minded individuals, focused on becoming industry specialists.

In the WSU MSSE, you will learn industry-relevant skills, today, that you can apply tomorrow. In addition to being industry relevant, you will expand your professional connections, have a leg-up in salary negotiations, better career opportunities, and more likely be recession-proof. You can do all this while working – Weber recognizes that today’s students are navigating work, family, and friends. That’s why the WSU MSSE is 100% HyFlex. HyFlex allows an individual student to choose how to attend class on any given day – online synchronously or online asynchronously. Weber is continuously upgrading and fine-tuning technology being used in the classroom to ensure opportunities for success, today and tomorrow.

A WSU MSSE degree builds the foundation for professional certifications that take your skills next level. Professional certifications elevate your resume, earning potential, and demonstrate you are a lifelong learner, and invest in your education and yourself. The MSSE is created such that the content for these certifications is built into the course. You will spend 16 weeks learning and studying the bodies of knowledge with faculty members. Quizzes and exams are delivered in similar testing environments and semester projects reflect applications of this knowledge, thus preparing you to register for the exam and pass.

The four that are in high demand and that employers expect are the INCOSE SEP, PMI PMP, OMG SysML, and IREB Requirements. There are also others, such as PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer through the Python Institute, MATLAB Certifications through MathWorks, and R Certification thru the R Project for Statistical Computing.

The INCOSE SEP formally recognizes your progress through your career as you develop and apply systems engineering knowledge and practices. INCOSE offers three levels of certification ASEP, CSEP, and ESEP.

The PMP through the Project Management Institute is designed by project managers for project managers. PMP certification is a globally recognized project management certification. It proves you can lead projects for any organization and in any industry.

OMG-Certified SysML Professional (OCSMP) exams objectively validate a candidate's knowledge and skills in SysML as applied to model-based systems engineering (MBSE). The examinations were designed by SysML & MBSE experts including many of whom co-authored the SysML specification.

The Requirements Certification through the International Requirements Engineering Board has lifelong validity and stands for outstanding professionalism in Requirements Engineering. It is a certificate aimed at individuals working in Requirements Engineering, Business Analysis, and Testing.

Many employers pay for the professional exam and annual fees, often give bonuses for successful completion, and view the certification as a fast track for promotions and management positions. These professional certifications allow you to become a leader and educator in the workplace; you will be the go-to person for proficiency in your field and show your credibility as well.

Should you get certified?

• Will it help boost your knowledge, career, and promotion path? YES
• Does it help you develop and showcase industry skills? YES
• Does it allow you to become a leader and educator in the systems community? YES
• Are other professionals in your industry getting it? YES

In a world of online degrees and AI chatbots, professional certificates have become even more important to signal professional credibility. The WSU MSSE is worth the investment, prepares you for professional certifications, and is built around student accessibility, opportunity, and success.

Tips for applying to the Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE)

By Rainie Ingram

Understanding the expectations of applying to the MSSE program leads to a strong application. The following tips will help you determine if the MSSE program is a good fit for you and will guide you in strengthening your candidacy.

Tip 1 – First do Your Homework

Our MSSE Homepage provides information to help you determine if the program is a good fit for your career goals. You will learn about our industry-based program’s mission, what you will learn in the program, about systems thinking, systems engineering in the global context, and related professional certificates.

You will also find the application deadlines and a link to our MSSE Catalog Page where you will find course, program, and application requirements. Next, view our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) webpage. Looking over the catalog MSSE page and the FAQ page will answer many questions you may have and make time spent reaching out with further questions most productive.

Tip 2 – Make a Checklist of Deadlines and Admissions Requirements

Application deadlines can be found for the fall and spring semesters on the MSSE Homepage. You will find preferred qualifications for admissions on the MSSE Catalog Page. Also listed here are program requirements and application requirements. Please note that International students have additional requirements.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to check the application portal’s application status board to see if all documents and referrals have been submitted. The status board becomes available after the applicant has submitted their application (not while working on the application). The status board is the first thing you will see when logging back in.

The status board is an important tool for you to check the status of receipt of official transcripts and letters of recommendation. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the MSSE Admissions Department has all required documents and recommendations. The platform does not communicate any sort of admissions decision; those will be communicated directly by the department a few weeks following the application deadline.

Tip 3 – Ensure You Submit Strong Essays

Applicants must submit two essays that address the following:

Essay 1: Systems Engineering & Systems Thinking

• What is systems engineering? How is it similar and different from systems thinking?
• Describe a time when you used theories and advanced concepts to design and develop systems.
• Describe a time when you applied, analyzed, implemented, and improved existing systems.
• One to two pages in a standard font and size is typical.
• Include your full name at the top of each page.
• Please export and upload as a PDF.

Before writing Essay 1: Systems Engineering & Systems Thinking, read the INCOSE Systems Engineering Vision 2035 and the INCOSE Code of Ethics. 

Essay 2: Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP)

Each applicant must submit an academic statement of purpose (ASOP). The ASOP is an opportunity to help the admissions committee understand your academic objectives and determine if you are a good match for the systems program. The goal of the ASOP is to explain to the admissions committee that you have a solid background and experience in your discipline and that you have the potential to be successful in the systems program.

• Address any blemishes, gaps, or weaknesses in your academic record.
• One to two pages in a standard font and size is typical.
• Include your full name at the top of each page.
• Please export and upload as a PDF.

Tip 4 – Consider the Investment of Time and Money

Applicants who have not graduated from an ABET-accredited program or have not completed college calculus I, II, and a probability and statistics college course must demonstrate the ability to pass the following leveling courses: MATH 1210 Calc I, MATH 1220 Calc II, and MATH 3410 - Probability and Statistics

Any non-engineering candidate accepted into the program may be subject to additional leveling coursework as prescribed by the department. This includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, and any other engineering coursework deemed critical to the SE credential. (Non-engineering candidates such as graduates of business, supply chain, health administration, medicine, or the liberal arts.)

This means an accepted applicant may be required to take leveling credit hours in addition to the 31 hours required to complete the program. Tuition costs vary depending on the number of credit hours you take and may increase slightly on an annual basis. Currently, the program or University does not provide MSSE scholarships.

Tip 5 – Make a Positive Impression

How your experience fits into our preferred qualifications will help you know what to emphasize in your application and required resume. Applicants for admission into the MSSE program should possess a B.Sc. in engineering (EAC), engineering technology (ETAC), or computing (CAC) from an ABET-accredited program with Calculus I and II and upper-division Statistics as a minimum. B.Sc. in any other related subject is on a case-by-case basis only.

Preference given to graduates of hard sciences (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) and related industry or military experience is also considered and evaluated toward potential acceptance into the program.