Systems Engineering, Architecture-Based Systems Integration (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 12 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: College of Engineering and Computing
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
This program prepares systems engineers for new industry regulations relating to the acquisition of systems, with a focus on an architecture-based approach for integrating proposed systems with other existing or planned systems. Students learn about formulation of the system integration problem, definition of architecture frameworks, use of structured analysis and object-oriented methodologies for the design of architectures, modeling and simulation for evaluation of architectures, and approaches to integration. Both defense and industrial applications are considered.
Careers
Many of the leading information and technology based companies, as well as defense contractors, engineering consulting firms, aerospace developers, informatics and communication companies, and software developers need systems engineers (SEs). Some specific companies include:
- The Aerospace Corporation
- BAE Systems
- Boeing
- CACI
- General Dynamics
- Lockheed Martin
- MITRE Corporation
- Noblis
- Northrop Grumman
- Perspecta
- Raytheon
- SRA International
As a Mason student, you may contact Mason Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Sufficient courses are offered to complete the entire certificate program online. The courses are delivered asynchronously or synchronously but the offerings and their distance delivery mode may vary by semester.
Details
Who should apply?
Systems engineers who desire to be prepared for the new industry regulations related to the acquisition of systems should consider this program. Whereas other engineering disciplines concentrate on the details of individual aspects of a system (electronics, mechanics, ergonomics, aerodynamics, software, etc.), systems engineering involves the integration of all of these aspects into a coherent and effective system.
Students may pursue the certificate as a part of the fully online MS in Systems Engineering degree program or as a stand-alone graduate certificate.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Why choose George Mason?
- Mason is located in the heart of the DC area, the region with the highest concentration of systems engineering professions in the US. Thus, faculty and students bring a wealth of practical experience that enhances the educational experience and helps all students prepare for a successful career.
- Students in this program benefit from a matured corporate partnership program, developed by the Volgenau School of Engineering.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks Mason’s School of Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR) in the top graduate programs nationally.
- This program can be completed on a part-time basis to fit your schedule.
- You can complete all of your classes online, from wherever you need to be.
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review Office of Graduate Admissions steps for How to Apply. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Prerequisites
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, physical sciencces, economics or a related field from a US institution that is accredited by one of the organizations found here
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in an undergraduate program and an acceptable GPA in any graduate courses
- Complete coursework in calculus I, II, and III, matrix or linear algebra, elementary differential equations, and calculus-based probability
Application Materials*
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Professional and educational goals statement
- One letter of recommendation
- Resume
*Students already enrolled in a master’s program at Mason only need to submit a Graduate Secondary Certificate Program Application.
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the SEOR Department at [email protected] or 703-993-1670.
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Contact
Program Contact
Systems Engineering and Operations Research (SEOR)
Volgenau School of Engineering (VSE)
Phone: (703) 993-1670
Fax: (703) 993-1521
Email: [email protected]
School Contact
Schar School Graduate Admissions(VSE)
Phone: (703) 993-8099
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Systems Engineering, Architecture-Based Systems Integration (Graduate Certificate)
School Website:
Coillege of Engineering and Computing
