Space Systems Engineering Curriculum Overview
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in space systems engineering at Stevens, delivered by the primary authors in the field of space systems today, provides experienced professionals with the edge needed to excel in this increasingly complex and competitive industry. The degree allows professionals working in government and industry to combine a robust technical education in space systems design and development, as well as key space system engineering processes and tools, with a holistic understanding of systems engineering principles.
Stevens is a recognized provider of space systems engineering education to NASA employees and space industry professionals worldwide, taught in partnership with Teaching Science and Technology, Inc. (TSTI).
Requirements Structure
The program consists of ten (10) courses (30 credits): six (6) required core courses, three (3) electives and a project or thesis (three to six credits). Three of these six required core courses are selected from one of four systems engineering concentration areas. All elective courses must be approved by an advisor. Students are also encouraged to select electives that lead to graduating with one of the many graduate certificates offered by the School of Systems and Enterprises.
Students without professional experience beyond the bachelor’s degree taking a master’s in systems engineering in a non-software systems concentration must take SYS 581 Introduction to Systems Engineering, preferably in the later stages of the senior design project. SYS 581 should be taken before the concept, architecture & design, implementation and sustainment area courses, if possible. Students without professional experience taking a concentration in software systems must take SSW 540 Fundamentals of Software Engineering. In addition, they must have competency in software programming. All exceptions require approval of the advisor and systems engineering program director.
Core Requirements (18 credits)
AREA | CORE REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis (one of the following): | SYS 611 Systems Modeling & Simulation -or- SYS 660 Decision and Risk Analysis |
Management | EM 612 Project Management of Complex Systems |
Concept (one of the following): | SYS 625 Fundamentals of Systems Engineering -or- SYS 671 Conception of CPS: Deciding What to Build and Why |
Architecture & Design (one of the following): | SYS 632 Designing Space Missions and Systems -or- SYS 635 Human Spaceflight |
Implementation (one of the following): | SYS 633 Mission and System Design, Verification and Validation -or- SYS 605 Systems Integration |
Sustainment | SYS 637 Cost-Effective Space Mission Operations |
Electives
Three (3) advisor-approved electives (9 credits) can be chosen from SSE academic course offerings in (SYS) systems engineering, (SSW) software engineering, (EM) engineering management, (ES) socio-technical systems, (SES) systems engineering security or advisor approved courses. SYS 611, SYS 660 and SYS645, if not already taken, are strongly recommended as electives.
Project or Thesis
At least three (3) credits and up to six (6) credits, must be applied towards a project (SYS 800 Special Problems in Systems Engineering), or a thesis (SYS 900 Thesis in Systems Engineering). If a thesis is chosen instead of a project, the completion of six (6) credits of SYS 900 is required, replacing SYS 800 and one elective course. The project or thesis should be in the concentration area.