2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

systems engineering major
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
addressing the engineering of large, complex systems and integration of the many subsystems that comprise the larger system.
All of these various components must function together effectively and efficiently to carry out the mission. Systems engineers
are “big picture” engineers who design, integrate, and ensure smooth functioning of complex systems typical in today’s hightech
Air Force. They keep their eye on the design of the overall system ensuring it will meet the needs of all the system’s
stakeholders including operators, maintainers and commanders, and even our ultimate customer -- the American public!
Systems engineers 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 development cycle.
Systems engineers accomplish this difficult job, by having broad interdisciplinary knowledge across many areas of study.
The Academy’s system engineering program emphasizes a systems-of-systems approach integrating a rigorous engineering
curriculum augmented with studies in human systems, operations research analysis, program management, and the core
curriculum. Students learn that this process is an interdisciplinary one which evolves, verifies, and documents an integrated,
life-cycle-balanced set of solutions that satisfy customer needs. Students specialize in one of nine defined option areas such as:
Aeronautical, Communications, Computer, Control, Electronic Design, Human, Information, Mechanical, and Space systems.
Students successfully completing the Systems Engineering major are awarded a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering
degree.
The goal of the Systems Engineering program is to prepare cadets to become leaders of character who:
• Possess breadth of integrated, fundamental knowledge in the basic sciences, engineering, the humanities, and social
sciences; and depth of knowledge in the selected option sequence.
• Can communicate effectively.
• Can work effectively with others.
• Are independent thinkers and learners.
• Can apply their knowledge and skills to solve Air Force engineering problems, both well- and ill-defined.
• Know and practice their ethical and professional responsibilities as embodied in the Air Force Core Values.
Upon completion of the Systems Engineering program each graduate shall demonstrate satisfactory:
• Application of the fundamental concepts of mathematics, science, and engineering to solve systems engineering
problems,
• Ability to design and conduct experiments and tests, as well as to collect, analyze, and interpret data,
• Ability to apply modern systems engineering techniques, skills, and tools to solve systems engineering problems,
• Ability to write and speak effectively,
• Understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities of military officers and systems engineers,
• 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,
• 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,
• Appreciation for and the skills required to engage in independent, life-long learning,
• Ability to function effectively on multi-disciplinary teams as a systems engineer,
• Knowledge of contemporary issues and the role of military officers in our global society, and
• Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental,
military, and societal context.
146 United States Air Force Academy Catalog