How to Get a Master's Degree in Systems Engineering
The engineering industry is extremely specialized. What happens when several of these specialties have to come together in project design and in its operation? Systems engineers step in.
If you're a big-picture thinker interested in applying science and technology to the practical environment, you may be well suited for a career in systems technology. But, to secure a high level career in systems engineering, you'll likely need a master's degree. This guide can help you consider your options when earning a master's in systems engineering.
A master's in systems engineering may be called a Master's of Science (MS) in Systems Engineering, a Master's of Engineering (ME) in Systems Engineering, or another similar name. For the purpose of simplicity, this guide will refer to these degrees as either a Master's of Systems Engineering or an MS in Systems Engineering.
If you're considering an MS in Systems Engineering, this guide will provide information on the following topics:
- Reasons for Earning a Master's in Systems Engineering: You may already have a career and a bachelor's degree in engineering. So, why take the time to earn a master's? This guide will explain why systems engineering is a field in which an advanced degree could be beneficial.
- Researching Graduate Schools in Systems Engineering: With traditional on-campus programs and new innovations in online master's degree programs, you have plenty of access to a graduate degree. This guide will help you learn about all your options.
- Choosing a Graduate Systems Engineering Program: Once you identify a few programs which offer a master's in systems engineering, how do you decide which one to pursue? This guide will provide you with a list of relevant selection criteria.
- Applying to a Master's in Systems Engineering Program: Once you narrow your list of potential programs, you can start the application process. This guide will tell you what to expect when applying to programs.
- Building a Career with an MS in Systems Engineering: Earning your MS in Systems Engineering may be a big step forward for you, but building a career involves more than just earning a degree. This guide will conclude with advice on how to improve your career prospects.
The following are some of the benefits of earning a master's in systems engineering.
Reasons for Earning a Master's of Systems Engineering Degree
Master's programs can give students an edge in a variety of professions, but they are especially important in the field of systems engineering. Here are three reasons why:
1. The body of knowledge in engineering is extensive. The engineering industry consists of several major areas and sub-specialties within those areas. As a systems engineer, you don't need to be an expert in all these areas, but you must understand the roles and characteristics of each one. From an educational standpoint, that's a great deal of ground to cover much of which is beyond the scope of most four-year college degree programs.
2. The various fields of engineering are continually evolving. It's hard enough to gain an understanding of different areas of engineering if the body of knowledge were static, but, of course, technological fields change rapidly. Earning an MS in Systems Engineering can be a good way to keep your engineering knowledge is up-to-date--especially if it's been a few years since you earned your degree. In fact, even if you've already started your engineering career, you can earn a master's degree online while you continue to gain practical experience.
3. Coordinating teams of engineers requires a high level of credibility. Because systems engineers are responsible for bringing together a number of different areas of engineering, they often work with groups of other engineers, each of whom may represent a different specialty. So, having an advanced degree can help you quickly establish credibility.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering, in general, is a lucrative profession. When you consider the nature of systems engineering, career prospects seem especially promising. Systems engineers design, execute, and implement large, complex projects. Traditionally, fields such as aerospace, automobiles, and telecommunication have required systems engineers, but, as more and more operational systems become complex and multi-disciplinary, industries from energy to health care need need systems engineers, too.
Briefly, the following are some characteristics that might make systems engineering a good fit for you:
- Your interest in engineering extends beyond any one specialty
- You're interested in purpose-driven projects--systems designed to meet a practical need
- You combine engineering skills with organizational and interpersonal abilities
- You see yourself as a problem-solver motivated by finding ways to improve the way things are done
If these characteristics describe you, and you're ready to pursue an MS in Systems Engineering, it's time to research graduate schools in systems engineering.
Researching Graduate Schools in Systems Engineering
Keep in mind, you can earn a master's degree online, which means access to education is wider and more varied than ever before. Whether you choose a campus program or an online master's degree, use the following resources to identify and research master's degrees in systems engineering:
- Online college guides: Sites like WorldWideLearn.com can point you towards a number of on campus and online master's degree programs. Its educational resources page can help you research topics like financial aid or how to prepare for standardized tests.
- Special education issues of national publications: Kiplinger's and US News & World Report are examples of publications which regularly publish extensive education issues. These issues review college programs across the country.
- The US Department of Education: The Department of Education's website can be helpful regarding a variety of topics related to earning your master's degree, including accreditation and federal financial aid.
- Individual college web sites: Visit the websites and departmental pages of the schools you have in mind. You can find specific information on cost, coursework, resources, and admissions standards. The websites might also help you get a feel for the programs you are considering.
Of course, researching programs is just the beginning. The real work starts when you use your information to make a well-reasoned choice.
Choosing a Graduate Systems Engineering Program
Some criteria may be more important to you than others, but here is a list of things you should consider when evaluating graduate systems engineering programs:
- Accreditation status: Accreditation reflects how others regard your degree in the job market. Accreditation also reflects how other schools will consider your credentials if you decide to continue your education even further. You'll find different accreditation agencies for different subjects areas of the country, but the Department of Education website offers you an authoritative source for information on accreditation.
- Admissions standards: Understanding a school's admissions standards will help you assess your chances of being accepted. It's fine to aim a little high and apply to a particularly challenging or prestigious program, as long as you have a back-up plan and apply to less demanding schools.
- Cost: Cost may be a significant influence when you choose a graduate school. Factor in any financial aid possibilities, and, remember, you can always earn a master's degree online while continuing to work if finances are tight.
- Faculty quality: Degrees earned, schools attended, professional experience, and publishing histories are all factors when you research a program's faculty. Check the student/teacher ratio to find out what kind relationship you'll likely have with individual faculty members.
- Access to resources: Access to sophisticated computer resources or research facilities can be an important part of your education.
- Reputation: A degree from a prestigious engineering program can add luster to your resume. When in doubt, check out the program's graduate placement statistics to find out how its alumni are received in the job market.
- Location: Finding a program close to home may be important when researching potential programs. However, consider earning an online master's degree as a means of overcoming location issues.
- Scheduling convenience: If you have work or family obligations, consider programs which offer night or weekend courses, or other forms of scheduling flexibility. Choosing to earn a master's degree online can make scheduling more convenient.
- Type of campus: You may have ideas about what type of campus you'd like to attend. On the other hand, choosing an online master's degree program can neutralize that kind of environmental consideration.
The information you gather can help you narrow your choices to make the application process more manageable.
Applying to a Master's in Systems Engineering Program
Once you make your short list, research application requirements for each school and schedule your time accordingly. Here are some of the things you'll probably need:
- Application forms
- Financial aid forms
- Standardized test scores
- Transcripts from previous schools
- Letters of recommendation
Keep in mind, some or all of these items might take a considerable amount of time to obtain or complete, and fulfilling some of these requirements may be beyond your control. Therefore, plan as much lead time as possible for each requirement.
Building a Career with an MS in Systems Engineering
Earning an MS in Systems Engineering can expand your knowledge and establish credibility in the profession. Along with earning your degree, you can find alternate ways to stay current in the field. Here are some examples:
- Become a regular reader of engineering journals: Staying current on what's happening in the profession should become a life-long habit. Doing so will not only help keep your technical knowledge up-to-date, but can also make you aware of industry trends that will impact job opportunities.
- Write or assist with articles for engineering journals: If you can get your name on an article for publication in a respected journal, it can be a distinguishing credential that helps you establish a good reputation.
- Gain practical experience: Get involved in big projects that comprise multiple engineering disciplines. Even if you begin as just a role-player, participation in a multi-disciplinary project will give you some exposure to situations involving systems engineering.
- Join a systems engineering society: An organization such as the International Council on Systems Engineering can be a good source of information on technical developments, industry trends, and career advice.
Building a career is a function of education, experience, and contacts. It's also a lot of hard work. But, earning your MS in systems engineering can lead to an in-demand, exciting, and profitable career.
Sources
- Diversity/Careers in Engineering & Information Technology
- International Council on Systems Engineering
- Old Dominion University
- Portland State University
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US Department of Education
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