Systems Engineers oversee all aspects of a system or a project in different kinds of fields, such as manufacturing, product development, transportation, and software development. Their job duties include monitoring, studying, and assessing existing systems to ensure structural integrity, researching available equipment, hardware, and software necessary to optimize output, and installing new equipment or operating systems.
If you are interested in joining this profession, then go through this article to learn about different Systems Engineering Degrees being offered in the U.S.
What Is Systems Engineering?
Systems engineering is an integrative and transdisciplinary approach to enable the successful retirement, use, and realization of engineered systems, using system concepts, principles, and management, technological, and scientific methods. Individuals working in this field must have good mediation and communication skills and must be able to think holistically.
What Can You Do with a Systems Engineering Degree?
Systems engineering graduates can pursue careers as Application Engineers, Design Engineers, Process Engineers, Systems Engineers, Staff Engineers, and Engineering Product Planners. These professionals can also work in Research & Development and Technical Sales.
This section will share the employment data for some of the popular positions in this field. These statistics have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer Hardware Engineers
These engineers test, develop, design, and research computer systems and components. They mostly work in research labs and test and build different kinds of computer models. Computer Hardware Engineers mostly work in manufacturing and computer systems design services.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $117,220 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $123,030 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 19,940 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Washington | $159,130 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists
These professionals design and invent new approaches to computing technology. They also help engineers and scientists solve challenging computing problems.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $122,840 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 16% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $127,460 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 7,370 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Virginia | $143,390 |
Sales Engineers
Individuals who have completed a Systems Engineering degree can also pursue a career in technical sales. Sales Engineers are responsible for selling complex technological and scientific services or products to businesses.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $103,900 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 6% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $112,780 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 11,440 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Maryland | $145,150 |
What to Expect from a Systems Engineering Degree?
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Systems Engineering is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the analysis, modeling, and design of technological systems. The curriculum of this program incorporates a range of topics such as Decision Analysis, Modeling and Analysis, System Integration, Probability and Statistics, Elementary Differential Equations, Applied Systems Engineering, Discrete Systems Modeling and Simulation, Human Factors Engineering, and System Theory.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Systems Engineering offers an ideal mix of theory and experience-based approach. As part of the program, students get to study a range of topics such as Software Systems Engineering, Systems Thinking, Project Engineering, and System Lifecycle.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering program prepares students for leadership roles that require applied research. This degree is ideal for individuals who aim to pursue research-based positions in academia, government, or industry. To graduate from the program, students have to complete the necessary coursework and have to publicly defend a doctoral thesis.
How to Choose a Systems Engineering Degree?
Before deciding which Systems Engineering degree you want to pursue, you should consider many factors, such as the cost of the program, university ranking, accreditation status of the program/school, industry linkages, reputation of the teaching faculty, and specialization options.
Systems Engineering Degree Admission Requirements
Individuals who want to enroll in a Systems Engineering degree have to submit a number of documents to the admissions office. They have to submit their CGPA and transcripts, GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, along with an admissions application. Please keep in mind that every program has its CGPA and GRE score requirements. International students are also required to submit their TOEFL and IELTS scores.
*Please note that the admission requirements are not standard and vary between schools. Thus, it is advised that you conduct comprehensive research and check the admissions requirements before applying to the Systems Engineering program.