A comparison of systems engineering programs in the United States

Given the length of time systems engineering has been taught in the US, it is now appropriate to examine the types of programs being offered and to compare and contrast these programs. The paper provides this comparison with a view toward the future of systems engineering education in the US. In particular, we first examine the US undergraduate and graduate programs in systems engineering in order to understand what is taught and how it is taught. Using cluster analysis, we identify four distinct types of systems engineering undergraduate programs, and an informal analysis examines the directions in the systems engineering graduate programs. Next we look at issues in systems engineering education, which have shaped the development of the curricula over the last thirty years. These include the definition of systems engineering, associated professional societies, similar degree types, the role of an undergraduate systems engineering degree, and the role of information technology in systems engineering. We conclude with opportunities for systems engineering education within the US with regard to curricula directions and job opportunities.