Transcript Ph.D. Programs in Systems Engineering Prepared by James Rodenkirch and Michael Harper

Ph.D. Programs in Systems
Engineering
Prepared by James Rodenkirch and Michael Harper
Introduction
This presentation provides a cornerstone for
a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering at Southern
Methodist University by benchmarking
various top programs in the United States.
The schools selected offer a Ph.D. in SE
with no other programs connected or in
conjunction with the a SE degree.
Schools Researched
Alabama
Auburn
University, AL (BS, MS, PhD, CE)
University of Alabama
Huntsville (B.S, M.S, PhD, CE)
Tuscaloosa (B.S, M.S, CE)
Arizona
University
of Arizona (B.S, M.S, PhD, CT)
California
California
Institute of Technology (CT)
San Jose State University (B.S, M.S)
Naval Postgraduate School (M.S, Short Courses)
University of Northern California (M.S)
University of San Diego (B.S)
University of Southern California (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Schools Researched
Colorado
Colorado
School of Mines, CO (M.S)
National Technological University, CO (M.S, CT)
Colorado State University – Pueblo (M.S)
Connecticut
Eastern
Connecticut State University, CT (B.S, CE)
Rensselaer at Hartford CT (M.S, CT)
University of New Haven, CT (B.S)
District of Colombia
George
Washington University (B.S, M.S, PhD, CT)
Florida
Embry-Riddell Aeronautical
University, FL (B.S)
University of Florida (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Schools Researched
Georgia
Georgia
Institute of Technology (B.S, M.S)
Hawaii
Hawaii
Pacific University (B.S)
Idaho
University
of Idaho (M.S)
Iowa
Iowa
State University (M.S)
Kentucky
University
of Kentucky (M.S)
Schools Researched
Louisiana
Grambling
State University, LA (B.S)
Louisiana State University
 Baton Rouge (B.S, M.S, PhD)
 Shreveport (M.S)
Louisiana Tech University (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Maine
Maine
Maritime Academy (B.S.) (Marine SE)
Maryland
University
of Maryland (M.S)
Massachusetts
Boston
University, MA (PhD)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA (M.S, PhD)
Northeastern University, MA (M.S, PhD)
Schools Researched
Minnesota
University
of St. Thomas, Minnesota (M.S)
Mississippi
Mississippi
State University (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Missouri
Washington
University, Missouri (B.S.)
New Hampshire

University of New Hampshire, NH (PhD)
New Jersey
Berkeley
College, NJ (A.S)
New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ (B.S, M.S, PhD)
New Brunswick University, NJ (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ (M.S, PhD, CT)
Schools Researched
New York
United
States Navel Academy, NY (B.S)
United States Military Academy, NY (B.S)
North Carolina
North
Carolina A&T State University, NC (M.S)
North Carolina State University, NC (M.S)
Western Carolina University, NC (B.S)
Ohio
Air
Force Institute of Technology, OH (M.S, CT)
Case Western, OH (B.S, M.S, PhD – Strong)
Ohio University, Ohio (B.S, M.S)
Wright State University, OH (B.S)
Youngstown State University, OH (B.S)
Schools Researched
Oklahoma
Oklahoma
State University, OK (M.S)
Oregon
Oregon
State University (M.S, PhD)
Portland State University (M.S, Certificate, Workshop, short course,
Continuing Education)
Pennsylvania
Penn
State Great Valley, PA (M.S)
University of Pennsylvania, PA (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Tennessee
Tennessee
State University, TN (M.S, PhD)
University of Memphis, TN (B.S, M.S)
University of Tennessee Knoxville (B.S, M.S, PhD)
Schools Researched
Texas
Texas
Tech University (M.S)
University of Houston
 Main Campus (M.S)
 Clear Lake (M.S)
Southern Methodist University (M.S)
West Virginia
West
Virginia University Institute of Technology ( M.S)
Wisconsin
University
of Wisconsin System Milwaukee campus (M.S, Certificate)
Synopsis of Ph.D. Programs
Schools with Ph.D. in SE:
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Boston University
MIT
Stevens Institute of Technology
University of Virginia
PhD Systems Engineering
University
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Boston College
Boston MA
http://www.bu.edu/systems/phd.html
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
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The Systems Engineering PhD is available to students interested in
focusing their research on interdisciplinary work that transcends a specific
engineering application domain to include areas such as information and
control systems, optimization and mathematical programming, stochastic
dynamic systems, applied probability and discrete event dynamic systems.
Boston University
School and Department
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College of Engineering
Center for Information and Systems Engineering
Faculty
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Full Time: 20
Areas of Student Research
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Discrete Event and Hybrid Systems
Information and Control Systems
Optimization and Mathematical Programming
Service Systems
Stochastic Dynamic Systems
Transportation and Energy Systems
Wireless and Computer Networks
Supply Chain Management and Control
Boston University
Unique Features

Faculty from all College of Engineering departments participate in the PhD
interdepartmental systems engineering committee which administers the
interdepartmental Ph.D. degree program in that field. In addition, the
graduate students with a strong research interest in information, decision,
and control sciences may select to pursue the PhD in systems engineering
degree by gaining admission into an individual College of Engineering
department.
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Information and systems engineering research at Boston University is
strong and accomplished, but it is spread across departments and Colleges
within the University.
Boston University
Admission Requirements
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Normally requires a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or its
equivalent in a closely related field
Concise statement of personal and research goals
Official transcripts of previous study
Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
At least two letters of recommendation
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for
international students whose native language is not English
Students seeking a PhD degree in Systems Engineering must earn admission
to any of the departments in the College of Engineering and satisfy the
requirements set by the student's home department graduate committee in
coordination with the College of Engineering PhD Interdepartmental
Systems Engineering Committee.
Boston University
Degree Requirements
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A minimum of 64 credits applicable to their degree
32 credits must be structured courses
28 credits of which must be at the 500 level or higher
A minimum of 16 credits of research/dissertation is required
There are no structured course requirements for post-master's PhD students,
but such students are required to complete 32 credits applicable to their
degree, all of which must be at the 500 level or higher
A minimum of 8 credits of research/dissertation coursework is required
Coursework used to fulfill the PhD degree requirements may not be used to
fulfill the requirements of any other degree program
Boston University
Degree Requirements (Continue)
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Students must pass two written comprehensive examinations covering basic
knowledge in (a) applied mathematics and (b) one area of specialized study
selected from the following: aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering,
electrical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering,
mechanical engineering, or manufacturing engineering
Both qualifying examinations are limited to two attempts
All PhD students must take the applied mathematics examination the first
time it is offered after matriculation
Students will be given one additional attempt if the first is not successful
All PhD students must complete both qualifying examinations by the end of
their fifth semester
Boston University
SE Courses
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ENG AM 704 Adaptive Control of Dynamical Systems
ENG MN 510 Production System Analysis
ENG MN 725/ENG SC 725 Queuing Systems
ENG SC 740/BE 740 Parameter Estimation and System Identification
ENG SC 754 Dependable Distributed Systems
Note that there were over thirty courses in the college indicating they
were Systems Engineering. Only courses that had the word “systems”
was used as part of the SE Courses.
Boston University
Minor
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Not Required
Dissertation
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Within one year of becoming a candidate, the student is expected to present
an oral dissertation proposal to the prospective dissertation committee and
obtain approval for the written dissertation prospectus
Upon approval of the committee members and the departmental graduate
associate chairman, the student submits the PhD Dissertation Prospectus
Defense Form to the department office
The dissertation committee must consist of College of Engineering (tenured
or tenure-earning) faculty
A "Special Service Appointment" form must be submitted to the Associate
Dean for Research and Graduate Programs for approval of all committee
members from outside the University
Boston University
Delivery Options
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Must satisfy a minimum of two consecutive semesters as a full-time student
PhD Engineering Systems
University
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston, Massachusetts
http://esd.mit.edu/HeadLine/twonewprograms.html
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
(Technology, Management and Policy)
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A pilot program focused for which engineers receive an education in and
conduct integrative original, fundamental, generalizable research on
engineering systems with an emphasis on the societal implications on the
system and of the system.
Note: Engineering Systems and not Systems Engineering; based on
review, it passes for a Ph.D. in SE.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
School and Department
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School of Engineering
Engineering Systems Division
Faculty
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Full Time: 30
Areas of Student Research
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Technology and Policy, Transportation, System Design and Management, and
Logistics. Groups include the Lean Aerospace Initiative (LEI), Fast and
Flexible Manufacturing, and the Internet and Telecom Convergence groups.
Unique Features
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Strong partnerships with industry (Compaq, Motorola, Eastman Kodak) as
part of a research effort for the “Leaders for Manufacturing Program” at the
school.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Admission Requirements
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Outstanding academic performance in undergraduate degree programs
Strong Technical Background
3.0 GPA for undergraduate engineering degree, 3.2 for others
Three letters of recommendation, including one from an ESD faculty
member
GRE Test (600 in quantitative & analytical aptitude each and 500+ in verbal
skills)
Degree Requirements
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Complete an approved plan of study
66 units core; 48 units in a technical elective; and 3 classes in a minor
Doctoral exam (two parts) after completing one year of course work
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Degree Requirements (Continued)
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Qualifying Exam
Doctoral committee formation
At least 3 classes in a Minor
Thesis proposal
Complete a defense of the dissertation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
SE Courses
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Systems Theory
Design and Architectures
Socio-technical
Enterprise Systems
Research Methods
Remaining four classes are agreed to by the student’s doctoral committee.
Minor
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At least 3 classes in a Minor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dissertation
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Twenty four hours in approved program/field of study. Each candidate is
advised by a four member supervisor committee. The committee consists of
at least three members of the school’s ISE department and one from outside
the department (e.g., recognized leader in industry or academia outside the
ISE department).
Delivery Options
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On campus
PhD Systems Engineering
University
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Stevens Institute of Technology
New Jersey
http://www.soe.stevens-tech.edu/seem/Grad/
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree
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The School of Engineering in the Systems Engineering and Engineering
Management department offer a Doctor of Philosophy in Systems
Engineering. The degree is designed to develop the capability of one to
perform research or high-level design in systems engineering or
engineering management.
Stevens Institute of Technology
School and Department
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School of Engineering
Systems Engineering and Engineering Management Department
Faculty
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Full Time: 12
Areas of Student Research
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e-Systems Engineering Initiative
Agile Systems Engineering
Value Chain Enterprise Systems
Network Centric Systems
Stevens Institute of Technology
Unique Features
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Offers a unique forum for developing, discussing and exchanging ideas in
technology. Known as Technology Ventures Incubator or TVI. It is a place
where faculty, students and colleagues in industry jointly nurture the process
of conception, design and marketplace realization of new technologies. It
supports Technogenesis® by nurturing new technologies from innovation to
implementation. Its purpose is to:
To assist in accelerating the commercial application of high value technology
emanating from within and outside Stevens
To increase the number and quality of linkages between technological
entrepreneurs and the Stevens community
To promote the development of intellectual property between Stevens and
technological entrepreneurs
To stimulate the creation of new, higher-value jobs and contribute to
economic development in New Jersey
Stevens Institute of Technology
Admission Requirements
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Admission to the doctoral program is made through the departmental
graduate admissions committee, based on review of your scholastic record.
An undergraduate degree in engineering or related disciplines with a "B"
average or better from an accredited college or university is generally
required for graduate study in one of the departments programs.
A master's degree is generally required before a student is admitted to the
doctoral program.
It is required that any applicants requesting research assistantship
appointments and applicants to the Ph.D. program provide evidence of the
ability to carry out independent work.
GRE scores are not required but may be submitted in support of the
application.
Your master's level academic performance must reflect your capability to
pursue advanced studies and perform independent research.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Degree Requirements
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Ninety credits of graduate work in an approved program of study beyond
the bachelor's degree are required for completion of the doctoral program.
Up to 30 credits obtained in a master's program can be included in this
program. Of the remaining 60 credits, 15 to 30 credit hours of course work
as well as 30 to 45 credit hours of dissertation work are required.
Within two years from time of admission, you must take a written
qualifying examination that is intended to test your comprehension of
undergraduate and master's level engineering fundamentals and
mathematics.
Upon satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination, and
completion of the required course work, you must take an oral preliminary
examination.
Stevens Institute of Technology
SE Courses
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SYS 595 Design of Experiments and Optimization
SYS 640 System Supportability and Logistics
SYS 645 Design for Reliability, Maintainability, and Supportability
SYS 605 Systems Integration
SYS 611 Modeling and Simulation
SYS 650 System Architecture and Design
SYS 612 Project Management of Complex Systems
SYS 655 Robust Engineering Design
SYS 620 Simulation-Based Costing and Acquisition
SYS 660 Decision and Risk Analysis
SYS 625 Systems Operational Effectiveness and Life-Cycle Analysis
SYS 635 System Maintainability and Maintenance
SYS 800, SYS 801, SYS 900 and SYS 960
Stevens Institute of Technology
Minor
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None
Dissertation
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Upon satisfactory completion of the preliminary examination and all course
work, you will become a doctoral candidate and start your dissertation
research.
Doctoral research work must be based on an original investigation and the
results must make a significant, state-of-the-art contribution to the field, and
must be worthy of publication in current professional literature.
At the completion of the research, you must defend your thesis in a public
presentation.
Doctoral candidates are encouraged to hold a private defense with his or her
committee several weeks prior to the public defense.
At that time, the committee should raise issues with the candidate prior to the
public defense.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Delivery Options
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Via web for certificate in SE
PhD Systems Engineering
University
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
http://www.sys.virginia.edu/grad/phd.asp
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree

A research degree providing the student with advanced and individual
research in the area of Systems and Information Engineering. The program
includes four components: course work, research, seminar, and
involvement in the intellectual life of the university.
University of Virginia
School and Department
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School of Engineering and Applied Science
Department of Systems and Information Engineering
Faculty
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Full Time: 18
Areas of Student Research
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Modeling and Simulation of Systems
Management of Engineering
Construction of Decision Aids for Specific Decision Makers
Environmental and Ethical Aspects of Systems Design
University of Virginia
Unique Features
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Start career close to senior management and with immediate exposure to
critical strategic issues
Frequent client interaction and on-site exposure to the systems under
Diverse areas of concentration with research focused professors
Commonwealth Graduate Engineering
Distance Learning Program for Masters Degree’s
Admission Requirements
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One year of undergraduate calculus including differential equations
Working knowledge of at least one high level programming language
Two undergraduate courses in calculus based probability and statistics
Mathematical programming or linear algebra
Letters of recommendation
Average GRE Score (1300)
University of Virginia
Admission Requirements (Continued)
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Admissions essay
Completed coursework with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better
Completion of the GRE
Passed the qualifying examination
Received approval for the dissertation proposal
Presented at least one seminar
Degree Requirements
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Complete of an approved plan of study
Pass a qualifying exam
26 hours of coursework beyond the masters degree, including 6 hours of
graduate mathematics
Oral and written comprehensive exam
24 credit hours of research
University of Virginia
Degree Requirements (Continued)
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Present a dissertation proposal
Present at least one seminar
Publish at least one conference proceedings paper
Admission to candidacy for the degree
Pass a final exam of the dissertation
Graduate System Engineering Courses
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Introduction to Systems Engineering
Systems Management and Integration
Knowledge Based Systems
Risk Analysis
Environmental Systems Analysis
Total Quality Engineering
University of Virginia
Graduate System Engineering Courses (Continued)
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Case Studies in Systems Engineering
Research methods in Systems Engineering
Advanced System Simulation
Response Surface Methods for Product and Process Design
Sequencing and Scheduling
Minor
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None
University of Virginia
Dissertation
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The student requests appointment of the dissertation examining committee
using Form G105. The student's recommendations concerning membership
of the examining committee should be based on knowledge of the
nominated faculty members' academic and professional backgrounds,
research interests, and availability's, supplemented by discussions with the
nominees, and by discussions with the student's faculty advisor.
The examining committee should be composed of at least 5 faculty
members.
At least 3 members of the examining committee must be from the
Department of Systems and Information Engineering (not including jointly
appointed faculty).
At least one committee member must be from outside the SIE department.
Delivery Options
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On campus