Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems. What kind of education do you need to become a systems engineer?
Systems engineering degrees often cover multiple disciplines, including engineering, mathematics, management, and social sciences, providing a diverse knowledge base and giving prospective systems engineering specialists the ability to bridge gaps between different areas of expertise. Let’s dig into details!
Why Do Systems Engineers Need Degrees?
Obtaining a degree in systems engineering can offer a range of benefits, both in terms of career opportunities and personal development. “You'll learn how to integrate various components into complex systems, making you versatile and adaptable in various industries and roles,” explains Trish Orozco, senior unit manager, technology recruiting services at LaSalle Network.
Systems engineers are trained to identify and solve complex problems. Excellent problem-solving is valuable in any profession or industry, as it allows you to overcome challenges effectively.
Ken Sardoni, senior vice president for CompTIA Learning Programs, encourages those interested in systems engineering to look at computer science programs and engineering programs.
“My undergraduate was in computer science, and then I have a master's in computer information systems,” he explains. “But someone can come with a bachelor's degree in software engineering and computer science and do very well, too.”
What are the Top Schools for Systems Engineering?
Orozco and Sardoni point out some top programs for systems engineering degrees include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), specifically MIT's Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, which offers a top program in systems engineering.
- Stanford University's Department of Management Science and Engineering, which offers systems engineering programs with a strong emphasis on innovation.
- The Georgia Institute of Technology's Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering also offers a well-regarded program in systems engineering.
- University of California, Berkeley's Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research offers programs in systems engineering, as does Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Engineering and Public Policy, which offers a systems engineering program with a focus on policy and decision-making aspects.
Sardoni says prospective students should be looking for a comprehensive curriculum covering:
- Programing and data structures
- Algorithms
- Computer architecture
- Testing
- Software testing
- Design databases
- Data science
- Cybersecurity
“I would look at the faculty and see their experience, their academic qualifications, what research they're doing,” he adds. “When I talk to students, I ask them who are the faculty they you want to work with and what is the research they're doing that's engaging to you? Use that to help select the institution.”
From Sardoni's perspective, any good institution should also have ample opportunities for internships and strong relationships with enterprises and organizations outside the school’s system.
“If you have three or four institutions that look really good to you, see about faculty, maybe even visit the campus, talk to the professors and see what research they're doing and what areas they're focusing on to help you hone in to where you want to be,” he says.
Do Systems Engineers Need Certifications?
Orozco recommends pursuing relevant certifications, such as Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). “Certifications can help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field,” she explains.
Sardoni says he would be greatly encouraged if a candidate for a systems engineering role had the following certifications from Microsoft, Google, or Amazon:
- Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Google Professional Cloud Architect Certification
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
"I would look at CompTIA for our security certifications and our operating system and networking certifications because certainly those are big parts as well," he adds. "You've got to be able to understand the technology to be able to architect it in engineering."
Orozco also recommends looking at online sites like Coursera, which offers courses from universities and institutions on systems engineering and related topics. She says courses including "Introduction to Systems Engineering" and "Model-Based Systems Engineering" can be beneficial.
“MIT also offers free online access to course materials from their systems engineering programs,” she says. “This is a great resource for self-learners.”
Orozco notes a career path in systems engineering without a degree is possible, but it may be more challenging and require alternative routes to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. “People can also seek internships or entry-level positions in organizations that work on complex systems, even if they are not specifically systems engineering roles,” she says. “Gaining hands-on experience is crucial.”
From Sardoni's perspective, systems engineers must also understand the various development methodologies. “They need to know Agile, they need to know Scrum, they need to know Waterfall, they need to know how to plan, organize and manage in any of the projects there,” he says. “Not only do you need to be an expert at Agile and Scrum, but Waterfall as well, and to take the right methodology to solve the problem.”
