College Counseling: Great Schools for Systems Engineering Undergraduate Programs

Saturday, April 04, 2015

Emily Standish, GoLocalPDX College Admissions Coach

Some kids are just so good at organizing projects, leading teams of classmates or friends to fundraise, lead a cause, or collaborate to make something happen. Many kids are urged by their parents to study engineering in college; I often hear from students that they want to work with people, not data. Systems Engineers are those who are trained in a broad foundation of engineering disciplines and work to analyze and design complex systems of human and technological components. In complicated devices such as automobile anti-lock braking systems, aircraft flight controllers, robotic manufacturing assembly lines, rate-adaptive pacemakers, computer communication systems, oil refineries … the skills and talents of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, chemical engineers, metallurgists, and computer engineers are often required. But it is the systems and control engineers who study the integration and coordination of all of the component subsystems. Systems Engineers are sought after for their problem solving skills with an interdisciplinary focus. There are just a few undergraduate programs in Systems Engineering. Here are five of them:

Auburn University, Auburn, AL

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering requires a rigorous four-year sequence of pre-engineering, math, chemistry, management, and a history or literature sequence.
Within the major, students may minor in Automotive Engineering and Manufacturing, Business-Engineering-Technology, or Nuclear Power Generation Systems
By the numbers: 83% overall acceptance rate. SAT Mid-ranges: CR 520-620, M 540-650; ACT Mid-range 24-30.

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

The Bachelor of Science in Systems and Control Engineering was the first program of its kind to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
There are five elective sequences within the Systems and Control Engineering major: Dynamic Systems and Control, Complex Systems Analysis, Signal Processing and Communication, Manufacturing, Industrial Automation and Operations, and Information Systems.
By the numbers: 42% overall acceptance rate. SAT Mid-ranges: CR 600-720, M 670-760; ACT Mid-range: 29-33.

Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls and Wilsonville, OR

The Embedded Systems Engineering Technology degree prepares students with methods and techniques specific to the creation of an embedded system that integrates both software and hardware to fulfill a set of requirements.
The Cooperative Field Experience includes work experience during the junior and senior years with an employer in the area of the student's major field with normal salary and academic credit.
By the numbers: 93% overall acceptance rate. SAT Mid-ranges: CR 440-560, M 470-590; ACT Mid-range 21-27.

University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ

The Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering curriculum provides students with design viewpoints and methodologies that emphasize system integration, and with subject matter and tools for analysis especially appropriate for large complex systems.
Internships for Systems Engineering majors can be acquired at locations across the US at companies such as Boeing, BMW, General Motors, Intel, and Walt Disney.
By the numbers: 78% overall acceptance rate. SAT Mid-ranges: CR 480-600, M 490-620; ACT Mid-range: 21-27.

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Cadets in the Systems Engineering major gain experience in their specialty by teaming up with other students for their Capstone Design project in fields of Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, and Operations Research.
A four-year sequence is designed to provide a rigorous engineering curriculum augmented with studies in human systems, operations research analysis, program management, and the USAFA core curriculum.
By the numbers: 12% acceptance rate. SAT Mid-ranges: CR 590-690, M 620-710; ACT Mid-range: 29-32.

Other colleges and universities with accredited Systems Engineering degrees for undergraduates are George Mason University (VA) George Washington University (DC), Rutgers University (NJ), Southern Polytechnic State University (GA), Texas A&M University, United States Military Academy (NY), University of Alabama at Huntsville, University of Arkansas, University of San Diego. A complete list of Systems Engineering programs at all academic levels can be found on the website of the International Council on Systems Engineering.

Emily Standish is a partner in Portland, Oregon-based College Admission Coach LLC which helps students identify and gain admission to right-fit schools where they will thrive academically and personally. Contact me at [email protected].