Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering degree is a multidisciplinary engineering program. Unlike traditional engineering programs, this program takes a holistic approach toward designing and improving complex systems, such as those found within manufacturing, logistics, retail services, and healthcare. The program emphasizes

  • engineering design, 
  • systems integration, 
  • modeling, 
  • problem-solving, 
  • teamwork, and 
  • communication skills 

to optimally prepare students for professions in this field.

You’ll graduate prepared for in-demand careers in a highly compensated discipline.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering program requires a minimum of 122 credit hours. Out of that, 36 credit hours are BG Perspective (BGP), also known as GEC courses. There are 48 credit hours as program core courses. The proposed program also requires a 1 credit hour co-op/internship, 6 credit hours of business and management courses, 41-46 hours of other required courses to satisfy ABET math and science requirements, and 8-10 credit hours of electives. This program culminates in a three-credit-hour senior capstone project.

About the Program

Graduates from the SYE program will qualify to earn the designation of Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure once they pass Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and must have completed eight years of acceptable engineering experience before passing the PE examination and obtaining registration.

The SYE program will prepare its graduates for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.

The Systems Engineering program at BGSU expects the graduates within a few years of graduation to attain the following Program Educational Objectives (PEO).

  • PEO 1: Successfully practice systems engineering in a private or public sectors by solving real-world challenges;
  • PEO 2: Collaborate with others as leaders or members of multi-disciplinary teams to create a culture of engagement, strong ethics, and diversity within the organizations;
  • PEO 3: Pursue life-long learning successive advancement within their industries and/or graduate level education. 

By the time of graduation, the students in the Systems Engineering major at Bowling Green State University will have the following capabilities, also known as Student Outcomes (SO) in accreditation term. After completing a degree in Systems Engineering students will be able to:

  • SO 1: Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
  • SO 2: Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
  • SO 3: Communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  • SO 4: Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
  • SO 5: Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
  • SO 6: Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and
  • SO 7: Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Course Requirements

  • TECH 3890 - Cooperative Education

SYE 1010 - Introduction to Systems Engineering
Systems engineering modeling techniques. Architectures for large-scale systems design including physical, functional, and operational architectures. Requirements engineering, interface and integration issues. Approved for distance education.

SYE 2010 - Engineering Economics
Methods used for determining the comparative financial desirability of engineering alternatives. Emphasizes the systematic evaluation of the costs and benefits associated with proposed engineering projects. Introduction to the concepts of the "time value of money" and other practical issues of investment decision making.

SYE 3010 - Systems Simulation and Modeling
Systems Simulation and Modeling course is focused on the analysis of manufacturing and service operations and systems encountered in industry using computer simulation techniques. Simulation software demonstration of the fundamental concepts, theory, and practice for designing and analyzing various systems. Prerequisite: MATH 2470. Approved for distance education.

SYE 3020 - Workplace Design
Methods improvement using time study, and predetermined motion study. Ergonomic principles of work design and process improvement. Approved for distance education.

SYE 3030 - Production and Material Handling Systems
Principles of production and material handling systems. variability and how to account that in production planning, forecasting techniques, EOQ, EPL, Wagner-Whitin, Base Stock, (Q,r) model, MRP, production scheduling, line balancing, material handling. Prerequisite SYE 2010. Approved for distance education.

SYE 4010 - Facility Design and Plant Layout
The Plant Layout course focuses on industrial facility planning, the concepts and design methodology that are applicable to different types of facilities and service sectors. Prerequisite: SYE 3010.

SYE 4020 - Logistics Transportation Systems
Analysis, design, and implementation of domestic and international transportation systems of people, processes, and technology. Prerequisite: SYE 1010 and MGMT 3000. Approved for distance education.

SYE 4030 - Logistics Distribution Systems
Distribution systems design, warehouse design, process design, and material handling within the extended enterprise. Prerequisite: MGMT 3000. Approved for distance education.

SYE 4990 - Senior Capstone Project
A project-based capstone study of systems engineering designed to integrate knowledge and skills gained in the program. Both in individual projects and a group project focus on demonstrating the ability to construct a complex system design and develop a plan for a system's development and support as a culminating experience. Prerequisites: Senior status and all 3000-level SYE courses. This course also requires instructor's permission. Approved for distance education.

ECET 2400 - Electric Circuits 
Electron theory; DC and AC units and theory; circuit components; circuit analysis techniques; RLC circuits; power concepts; use of test instruments. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. Prerequisite: MATH 1280 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Extra fee.

ENGT 1100 - Computer Aided Design
Introduction to CAD-based application. Construction of two-dimensional engineering drawings using a CAD system, with an emphasis upon geometric construction, orthographic projection, dimensioning, basic pictorials, and presentation. One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

ENGT 2100 - Solid Modeling
Intermediate CAD course focusing on 3-D solid modeling and the conversion of these models into engineering detail drawings and assemblies. One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

ENGT 2400 - Statics
Fundamentals of statics including vectors, centroids, free body diagrams and structural systems.

ENGT 2480 - Dynamics
The relation between forces acting on particles, systems or particles and rigid bodies, and the changes in motion produced. Review of kinematics and vector analysis, Newton's Laws, energy methods, methods of momentum, and vibrations.

QS 3550 - Foundations of Lean (courses offered online only)
Foundations of quality improvement systems applied for variation and waste reduction and productivity enhancement for lean six sigma manufacturing and non-manufacturing environments. Team-based project configuring e-portfolio in ISO infrastructure.

QS 4600 - Quality Management Systems Planning (courses offered online only)
The course presents the minimum elements that are essential for any effective Quality Management System (QMS) in manufacturing or service operations. Industry and International standards are examined as the basis for establishing the QMS. Prerequisite: QS 3800 or QS 3850 or permission of instructor. Approved for distance education.

  • MGMT 3000 - Integrated Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • MGMT 3050 - Principles of Organization and Management
  • CS 2010 - Programming Fundamentals
  • MATH 2470 - Fundamentals of Statistics
  • MATH 3430 - Computing with Data
  • MATH 1310 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry* OR MATH 1340 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry IA* and MATH 1350 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry IB*
  • MATH 2320 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II OR MATH 2910 - Applied Engineering Mathematics with Applications
  • PHYS 2010 - College Physics I* OR PHYS 2110 - University Physics I*
  • PHYS 2020 - College Physics II* OR PHYS 2120 - University Physics II*
  • TECH 3020 - Technology Systems in Societies*
  • ENG 3880 - Introductory Technical Writing
  • CHEM 1230 - General Chemistry I* and CHEM 1240 - General Chemistry I Laboratory* OR BIOL 2040 - Concepts in Biology I*
  • CHEM 1270 - General Chemistry II and CHEM 1280 - General Chemistry II Laboratory OR BIOL 2050 - Concepts in Biology II*

*These courses may be used to meet BG Perspective requirements, but hours are counted only once.

At least one course in each of the following:

  • English Composition and Oral Communication
  • Quantitative Literacy

At least two courses in each domain:

  • Humanities and the Arts
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Natural Sciences

Each student enrolled in a baccalaureate program must satisfactorily complete GSW 1120 (Research and Composition II), one course approved for Cultural Diversity in the United States, and one course approved for International Perspectives.

Additional courses from any of the five categories listed above to reach a minimum of 36 credit hours.

Student Outcomes

By the time of graduation, the students in the Systems Engineering major at Bowling Green State University will have the following capabilities, also known as Student Outcomes (SO) in accreditation term. After completing a degree in Systems Engineering students will be able to:

  • SO 1: Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
  • SO 2: Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
  • SO 3: Communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  • SO 4: Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
  • SO 5: Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
  • SO 6: Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions; and
  • SO 7: Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in January 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Systems Engineering program does not lead to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Systems Engineering program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

Updated: 08/15/2023 07:22PM