What Systems Engineers Do and How to Become One
Every organization has a variety of systems that need to work well together. Systems engineers understand the big picture of how these systems integrate, and they are responsible for identifying inefficiencies, recommending improvements, and resolving issues.
Because systems engineers are responsible for helping different parts of the organization integrate efficiently, a large part of their job involves effective management and leadership skills. A Master of Science in Systems Engineering builds on their foundation of technical expertise, providing specialized knowledge in best practices and the core competencies and leadership qualities required for advancement.
What is Systems Engineering?
Systems engineering is a multidisciplinary approach to solving problems that views organizations holistically, rather than as a set of independent parts. Systems engineers see the interconnections between departments and find ways to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and drive productivity.
What Do Systems Engineers Do?
Put simply, systems engineers analyze organizational systems to find more efficient ways of doing things. Typical activities include:
- Analyzing system challenges and identify the best solution to meet project needs
- Taking a project from conception to completion
- Managing teams across disciplines
- Optimizing systems while maintaining quality
How Do You Become a Systems Engineer?
Systems engineers need to understand how different systems work together, but they also need the leadership skills to manage teams across disciplines.
A Master of Science in Systems Engineering provides the unique education and insight into the standards and best practices required to solve business challenges by managing people, systems, and technology effectively.
UTEP’s online Master of Science in Systems Engineering teaches core competencies in demand by industry partners and leadership qualities valued by all employers. Our curriculum incorporates International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) standards with hands-on learning through a practicum completed prior to graduation for real-life experience. Develop leadership skills, learn how to utilize the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) best practices for developing products and services, and gain the essential knowledge for INCOSE certification.
UTEP’s online MS in Systems Engineering features the same academic rigor of on-campus offerings because it is taught by the same faculty. And by learning online, you can advance your education and credentials from anywhere without leaving your current position.
Are There Special Exams or Certifications?
Certification by the demonstrates your knowledge, education, and proficiency in the systems engineering profession. Employers are increasingly including certification as a requirement in their job postings.
UTEP’s online Master of Science in Systems Engineering curriculum includes the concepts from the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook of helping students be better prepared to pass the exam for ASEP/CSEP certification.
ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional) certification is for those with the requisite education who don’t yet have demonstrated systems engineering experience. If you have been practicing with more than five years of experience as a systems engineering professional, you can pursue CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) certification.
What is the Career Outlook?
The demand for systems engineers is steadily increasing. Graduates of UTEP’s online Master of Science in Systems Engineering typically hold a variety of positions that may include:
- Chief systems engineer
- Mission systems engineer
- New mission developer
- Product architect
- Project manager or director
- Technical director
What is the Salary Range?
Systems engineers are sometimes referred to as industrial engineers. The reports a median annual salary of $85,880 for industrial engineers, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $130,930. According to , systems engineers who specialize in computers have a median salary above $113,000 and significantly more for those with advanced experience.
What’s Next
A Master of Science in Systems Engineering prepares you for advancement and leadership positions. We invite you to explore our online program and see what it will take to make that next step into your profession.
If you are interested in learning more about our team and UTEP Connect’s 100%-online master’s and graduate certificate programs, reach out. An enrollment counselor will contact you directly.
