Systems Engineering Major

View course descriptions and suggested course sequence.

Systems Engineering, an interdisciplinary major administered by the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and supported by the Departments of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Behavioral Sciences, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Engineering Mechanics with participation by the Department of Management, is a broad discipline that addresses the engineering of large, complex systems and the integration of the many subsystems that comprise the larger system. All of these various components must function together in an effective and efficient manner in order to carry out the mission. The systems engineer designs, integrates and helps to ensure smooth functioning of complex systems typical in today’s high-tech Air Force. The systems engineer is a “big picture” engineer, always keeping an eye on the design of the overall system to ensure that it will meet the needs of all the system’s stakeholders, including operators, maintainers and commanders, and even our ultimate customer – the American public!

The systems engineer must consider elements of system development, verification, manufacturing, deployment, training, operations, support and disposal. The entire life cycle of the system is considered in a holistic fashion early in the system’s development cycle. To accomplish this difficult job, the systems engineer must have broad interdisciplinary knowledge across many areas of study.

USAFA’s systems engineering program emphasizes a systems-of-systems approach that integrates a rigorous engineering curriculum augmented with studies in human systems, operations research analysis, program management and the core curriculum. Cadets will learn that the systems engineering process is an interdisciplinary engineering process that evolves, verifies and documents an integrated, life-cycle-balanced set of system solutions that satisfy customer needs. Cadets specialize in a defined option area such as Aeronautical Systems, Communication Systems, Computer Systems, Control Systems, Electronic Systems Design, Human Systems, Information Systems, Mechanical Systems and Space Systems.

Cadets who successfully complete the Systems Engineering major are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering degree.

Two to three years after graduation, our graduates are expected to be officers who:

1. Possess breadth of integrated, fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences; and depth of knowledge in the selected option sequence.
2. Can communicate effectively.
3. Can work effectively on teams and grow into team leaders.
4. Are independent thinkers and learners.
5. Can apply their knowledge and skills to solve Air Force engineering problems, both well- and ill-defined.
6. Know and practice their ethical and professional responsibilities as embodied in the United States Air Force core values.

Each System Engineering graduate shall demonstrate satisfactory:

1. Application of the fundamental concepts of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve systems engineering problems,
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments and tests, as well as to collect, analyze, and interpret data,
3. An ability to apply modern systems engineering techniques, skills, and tools to solve systems engineering problems,
4. An ability to write and speak effectively,
5. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities of military officers and systems engineers,
6. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability, while balancing cost, schedule, performance, and risk factors,
7. A depth of knowledge and skills in systems engineering and a breadth of knowledge and skills in other disciplines to effectively identify, formulate, and solve complex systems engineering problems encountered in the military,
8. An appreciation for and the skills required to engage in independent, life-long learning
9. An ability to function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams as a systems engineer,
10. A knowledge of contemporary issues and the role of military officers in our global society, and
11. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, military, and societal context.