Systems and Control Engineering, BSE

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE)
Major: Systems and Control Engineering

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Systems and Control Engineering provides our students with the basic concepts, analytical tools, and engineering methods which are needed in analyzing and designing complex technological and non-technological systems. Problems relating to modeling, simulation, decision-making, control, and optimization are studied. Some examples of systems problems which are studied include: modeling and analysis of complex biological systems, computer control of industrial plants, developing world models for studying environmental policies, and optimal planning and management in large-scale systems. In each case, the relationship and interaction among the various components of a given system must be modeled. This information is used to determine the best way of coordinating and regulating these individual contributions to achieve the overall goal of the system.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Systems and Control Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering also offers a double major in Systems and Control Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Mission

The mission of the Systems and Control Engineering program is to provide internationally recognized excellence for graduate and undergraduate education and research in systems analysis, design, and control. These theoretical and applied areas require cross-disciplinary tools and methods for their solution.

Program Educational Objectives

  1. Graduates apply systems methodology to multi-disciplinary industrial-based projects that include technical, social, environmental, and/or economic factors.
  2. Graduates use systems understanding, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze and design systems or processes that respond to technical and societal needs.
  3. Graduates use teamwork, leadership, communication, and management skills to facilitate multidisciplinary projects that bring together practitioners of various engineering fields in an effective, professional, and ethical manner.

Learning Outcomes

As preparation for achieving the above educational objectives, the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Systems and Control Engineering is designed so that students attain:

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Opportunities are available for students to alternate studies with work in industry or government as a co-op student, which involves paid full-time employment over seven months (one semester and one summer). Students may work in one or two co-ops, beginning in the third year of study. Co-ops provide students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their field by completing a significant engineering project while receiving professional mentoring. During a co-op placement, students do not pay tuition but maintain their full-time student status while earning a salary. Alternatively or additionally, students may obtain employment as summer interns.

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

BS/MS Program in Systems and Control Engineering

The department encourages highly motivated and qualified students to apply for admission to the BS/MS Program in the junior year. This integrated program permits up to 9 credit hours of graduate level coursework to be counted towards both BS and MS degree requirements (including an option to substitute 3 credit hours of MS thesis work for ECSE 399). It also offers the opportunity to complete both the Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Master of Science degrees within five years.