Toward a unified systems engineering education

Systems engineering education is analyzed. The root of systems engineering is system theory, and both are given a brief overview. The methodology of systems engineering is used to design an educational concept. Four alternative approaches, and their merits are tested and evaluated against the requirements defined for education. The conclusion, for the benefit both of engineering education in general and systems engineering in particular, is an integration of systems engineering principles into the education of all branches of engineering, rooted as they are in system theory and design practice already. This approach means a rationalization of the present engineering education, and meets the requirements from industry to a wider spread use of systems engineering principles and practices.