Program Details
Systems and Industrial Engineering, BS
Bachelor of ScienceGeorge Mason University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The program leading to the BS in Systems and Industrial Engineering prepares students for a professional career in systems engineering. The program reflects the systems engineer's unique perspective, which considers all aspects of a system throughout its lifetime. Mason's systems engineering program is interdisciplinary, drawing from engineering, computer science, operations research, psychology, and economics. The core systems engineering courses tie these diverse threads to provide a global understanding of how individual engineering disciplines fit into the development of complex, large-scale systems. Students gain depth in a technical area by selecting a sequence of technical electives that constitute an emphasis. Students choose their own emphasis with the help of their advisor. A year-long senior design project provides hands-on experience in applying various systems engineering methods and tools. In the first two years, students obtain a basic foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, computing, writing, humanities, arts, and social sciences. The systems engineering program builds on this foundation, teaching theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to apply systems thinking to problems. Teamwork, collaborative learning, analytical skills, practical problem solving, and oral and written communication are strongly stressed.
Outcomes
The program educational objectives of the Systems and Industrial Engineering program are what we expect our students to attain within three to five years of graduation. Graduates earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering at George Mason University will: 1. Use critical thinking, quantitative methods, and systems thinking to contribute to solutions for global societal challenges. 2. Apply systems engineering methods, processes, models and tools to the engineering of complex systems. 3. Advance the objectives of their organizations, profession, and society in a rapidly changing world.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | The engineering problems of the future are systems problems. As the systems around us grow more complex, the need grows for engineers who understand not just the pieces, but how they interact. Systems engineers determine the most effective ways to use all of a system’s components: people, machines, materials, information, and energy. Systems engineers plan, design, implement, and manage integrated systems, working to ensure performance, safety, reliability, and maintainability. They also work to ensure that systems are delivered on time at a reasonable cost and satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders who may have competing objectives. Examples of systems include the national air transportation system, computer networks, autonomous vehicles, intelligent robots, the electric power grid, healthcare systems, sustainable infrastructure systems, and financial trading systems. Systems engineering, perhaps more than any other engineering discipline, is involved with the human and organizational aspects of developing the desired system. Systems engineering is the people-oriented engineering profession. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes https://catalog.gmu.edu/colleges-schools/engineering-computing/engineering/systems-operations-research/systems-industrial-engineering-bs/#requirementstext |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Completing all MTH, all PHY and EGR 125 is critical to continuing Systems Engineering courses immediately upon transferring to Mason.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | The program leading to the BS in Systems Engineering prepares students for a professional career in systems engineering. The program reflects the systems engineer's unique perspective, which considers all aspects of a system throughout its lifetime. Mason's systems engineering program is interdisciplinary, drawing from engineering, computer science, operations research, psychology, and economics. The core systems engineering courses tie these diverse threads to provide a global understanding of how individual engineering disciplines fit into the development of complex, large-scale systems. Students gain depth in a technical area by selecting a sequence of technical electives that constitute an emphasis. Students choose their own emphasis with the help of their advisor. The Systems Engineering program requires nine credit hours of technical electives. Students must select one of eleven specialization areas: Aviation Systems, Bioengineering, Computer Network Systems, Cyber Security Engineering, Data Analytics, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Financial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research or Software |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
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Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between George Mason University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Transfer associate degree completion is recommended. RBC and VCCS students completing A.A., A.A.& S., A.F.A, or A.S. degrees receive a lower-level Mason Core waiver. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who earn an associate degree through high school dual enrollment should still apply as freshmen and are not eligible for GAA. College coursework will be evaluated for transferable course credit. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | https://www2.gmu.edu/admissions-aid/apply-now/how-apply/transfer/transfer-credit-policy |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
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| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Determined by first semester of enrollment |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://go.gmu.edu/GAA |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9041.00 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9041.01 | Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential. | Management Occupations |
| 15-1243.01 | Data Warehousing Specialists | Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 15-1243.00 | Database Architects | Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality. | Computer and Mathematical Occupations |
| 17-2199.03 | Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 25-1032.00 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 17-2199.00 | Engineers, All Other | All engineers not listed separately. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2112.01 | Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology. Investigate and analyze characteristics of human behavior and performance as it relates to the use of technology. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2112.00 | Industrial Engineers | Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2112.03 | Manufacturing Engineers | Design, integrate, or improve manufacturing systems or related processes. May work with commercial or industrial designers to refine product designs to increase producibility and decrease costs. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.05 | Mechatronics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.06 | Microsystems Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.09 | Nanosystems Engineers | Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.07 | Photonics Engineers | Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.08 | Robotics Engineers | Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.11 | Solar Energy Systems Engineers | Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2112.02 | Validation Engineers | Design or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-2199.10 | Wind Energy Engineers | Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete

