About this program
Systems Engineering (PhD)
The Systems Engineering program at the University of South Alabama offers students specialization in an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to engineering design of complex systems. The International Council on Systems Engineering defines systems engineering as “…a transdisciplinary and integrative approach to enable the successful realization, use, and retirement of engineered systems, using systems principles and concepts, and scientific, technological, and management methods.”
Primary objective of the Systems program include 1) to provide a unique interdisciplinary program that meets the needs of industry and the community in the area of systems engineering, 2) to prepare graduates for leadership positions in applied research that require the use of systems engineering tools to solve complex engineering problems, and 3) to capitalize on the opportunities that result from the interactions of a research university with industry.
The PhD program is designed primarily for students who wish to pursue research-based careers in industry and government. Coursework across several systems-related disciplines is coupled with research on a topic pertaining to systems engineering. Doctoral topics might include improvement of Systems Engineering, application of systems engineering to new engineering disciplines, and topics within systems engineering - improving system reliability, application of patterns to systems, etc.
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Admission requirements
Requirements For Admission: (With Master's Degree)
In addition to meeting Graduate School requirements, the requirements for admission to the Ph.D. Program are as follows:
- A written statement of the applicant's professional goals and commitment to completing the degree requirements (Statement of Purpose).
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic and technical abilities.
- An M.S. degree in a discipline related to engineering (e.g. civil, computer, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical).
- A grade point average of 3.0 or greater (on a scale of 4.0) on all graduate coursework.
- A minimum score of 151 in the Verbal portion and a minimum score of 151 in the Quantitative portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If the applicant has a current P.E. license, or has an M.S. degree in a discipline related to engineering (e.g. civil, computer, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical), may request the GRE requirement be waived.
- For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of band 6.5 on the IELTS are required.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Requirements For Regular Admission (With Bachelor’s Degree)
Those students who have not obtained a Master’s degree may also apply to the Ph.D. program.
In addition to meeting Graduate School requirements, the requirements for acceptance without a Master’s degree are as follows:
- A B.S. degree in a discipline related to engineering (e.g. civil, computer, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, etc.). [The D.Sc. admission committee reserves the right to review the coursework at the B.S. level before making an admission decision, particularly if the degree is from a non-US university or a university with non-accredited programs]
- A grade point average of 3.0 or greater (on a scale of 4.0) on all undergraduate coursework. If the student has performed graduate level work, this will be considered separately, and will not be used to recalculate the required 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
- A grade of B or higher for all graduate courses to be considered as transfer credits from previous institutions attended. Only graduate credits that have not been applied to another degree can be considered for transfer.
- Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- A minimum score of 151 in the Verbal portion and a minimum score of 151 in the Quantitative portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
- For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of band 6.5 on the IELTS is required.
The University of South Alabama Bulletin is the official record of admissions requirements, and therefore should be consulted for final determination of admissions requirements for the year in which you plan to apply.
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Learn moreProgram content
Once accepted into the program, the student is required to successfully complete the core systems engineering courses which are intended to help you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for systems engineering. During this course of study, you are considered a doctoral student.
- Fundamentals of SE
- Systems Architecture
- Integration, V&V
- Risk & Failure Analysis
- Research Methods
SE Elective
- Engineering Operation Analysis
- Software System Engineering
- Project Engineering
- System Simulation
- Reliability Engineering
- System Thinking
- Socio Technical Systems
- Production Systems
- Decision Analysis
- Lifecycle Cost Analysis
- System Prototyping
- Human System Engineering
- Cyberphysical Systems
- Requirements Engineering
- Space System Engineering
Dissertation
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Tuition
- In-State: 480.00 per credit hour
- Out-of-State: 960.00 per credit hour
Career paths
There has been an ongoing study, funded by the US Government, to identify what makes a good systems engineer. In their interim report, they identified the following 7 attributes of systems engineers
- Self-awareness
- Ambition and Internal motivation
- Inquisitiveness
- Lifelong Learning
- Confidence, Persistence, and Focus
- Professionalism and Respect
- Creativity
That study also identifies the following roles played by systems engineers.
- Requirements Owner
- System Designer
- System Analyst
- V&V Engineer
- Logistics/Operations Engineer
- Glue
- Customer Interface
- Technical Manager
- Information Manager
- Process Engineer
- Coordinator
- “Classified Ad”
- Detailed Designer
- Organizational/Functional Manager
- Instructor/Teacher
- Program/Project Manager
Videos
About this institute
University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama is a comprehensive, global research and teaching university that provides our students with an exceptional education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care. Located in Mobile, Alabama on the...
Why study at University of South Alabama
State-of-the-art labs and classrooms, small class sizes, international accreditation, scholarships, proximity to the beach, affordability
