Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Systems and Industrial Engineering, BS

Bachelor of Science
George 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
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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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.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and George Mason University within your first year via College Connect
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
  • The capstone design courses provide students an industry-like experience that includes technical, business, and professional skill development. The 2-semester team project is sponsored by a company, agency, research group, or non-profit organization.
  • Our systems engineering faculty members are leaders in the areas of architecture-based systems integration, C4I and cyber (command, control, communications, computing, intelligence, and cyber), engineering resilient enterprise systems, communication and networking, financial systems, computational modeling, military operations research, air transportation systems, energy, and predictive data analytics. Our faculty members, have in-depth knowledge and practical experience in systems engineering and operations research, and help graduates excel in their careers by mentoring students on their senior capstone projects, implementing the latest techniques and technologies in the classroom, and working on interdisciplinary research projects of consequence.
  • Students have the opportunity to work on engineering problems with broad societal impact, such as healthcare, climate change, energy, sustainability, and the environment.
  • Students participate in national senior design competitions at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and the Andrew Sage Memorial Design Competition, hosted by the department.
  • Awards and cash prizes have been won each year by students at these and other competitions.
  • Sponsors often make job offers to students during the course of their capstone senior design work.
  • 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 Intensive Systems. All specializations and the corresponding plan of study must be approved by the student’s advisor. Some courses in the above specializations have additional pre-requisites. Refer to the catalog for the list of courses: https://catalog.gmu.edu/
  • A year-long senior design project provides hands-on experience in applying 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. Our nationally recognized program in systems engineering at George Mason University prepares students for immediate employment and provides a foundation for a lifetime of learning.
  • Qualified undergraduate students may apply for a five-year accelerated BS/MS program leading to a Bachelor of Science in an engineering discipline and a Master’s of Science in an area such as Systems Engineering, Operations Research, or Data Analytics Engineering. The accelerated BS/MS program can be completed in a minimum of 141 credit hours with certain concentrations in the graduate program.
Program Credit Requirements
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Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this 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.

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.
If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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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.

Institution Name Type Title
Richard Bland College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Central Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Danville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Germanna Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Brightpoint Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
New River Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Rappahannock Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Tidewater Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Virginia Western Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement
Wytheville Community College GAA Guaranteed Admission Agreement

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?
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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...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: George Mason University
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? George Mason University welcomes 4,500 new transfers each year.
  • Our students enroll from all over the Commonwealth, all 50 states, and more than 130 countries.
  • Transfer students are encouraged, but not required to join our residential campus community of 6,300 students.
  • Mason transfers thrive in any number of the 470+ academic, cultural, or social student organizations.
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
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Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9041.00Architectural and Engineering ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.Management Occupations
11-9041.01Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development ManagersDefine, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.Management Occupations
15-1243.01Data Warehousing SpecialistsDesign, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1243.00Database ArchitectsDesign 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
17-2199.03Energy Engineers, Except Wind and SolarDesign, 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
25-1032.00Engineering Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach 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
17-2199.00Engineers, All OtherAll engineers not listed separately.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2112.01Human Factors Engineers and ErgonomistsDesign 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
17-2112.00Industrial EngineersDesign, 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
17-2112.03Manufacturing EngineersDesign, 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
17-2199.05Mechatronics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.06Microsystems EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.09Nanosystems EngineersDesign, 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
17-2199.07Photonics EngineersDesign technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.08Robotics EngineersResearch, design, develop, or test robotic applications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.11Solar Energy Systems EngineersPerform 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
17-2112.02Validation EngineersDesign or plan protocols for equipment or processes to produce products meeting internal and external purity, safety, and quality requirements.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-2199.10Wind Energy EngineersDesign underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 123 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at George Mason University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $5,196 Per Semester $41,568 $0 $41,568 Flat rate semester tuition for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, tuition is $433.00 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit tuition.
Fees
Mandatory Student Fee $1,914 Per Semester $15,312 0 $15,312 Flat rate semester mandatory student fee for full time status of 12 - 15 credit hours. For less than 12 credit hours, mandatory student fee is $159.50 per credit hour. Credit hours over 15 are also charged the same per-credit fee.
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Additional Fees
    • New student fee is $275 for transfer students or $350 for freshman.
      Additional course fees vary. For more information about course and program fees, visit: https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees.
      Housing, dining, and parking fees may also apply. For more detailed cost information, visit:

      George Mason Cost of Attendance

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.