Is a Systems Engineering Degree Right for Me?

System engineers optimize the processes of engineering departments to maximize efficiency. This degree program can prepare graduates to work in multiple industries.

The world is made of complex systems, ranging from business to nature. Systems engineering is the process that brings order to these systems, particularly business processes. Using systems thinking, these engineers look at the big picture and try to identify how to increase efficacy.

If you like identifying room for improvement in systems while engaging in real-time problem-solving, then a systems engineering degree might be right for you. Keep reading to look over factors that can help you decide whether a systems engineering major matches your goals.

What Is a Systems Engineering Degree?

A systems engineering degree prepares graduates with the technical skills needed to review and optimize the processes of various industries. Most systems engineering degrees are undergraduate degree programs, but there are also graduate options available.

The most common bachelor's degree program for aspiring systems engineers is a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering, although some students pursue other engineering degrees if they're going to work as a systems engineer in specific engineering disciplines.

What To Expect From a Systems Engineering Degree

Systems engineering degrees are most commonly bachelor's degrees designed to be completed in 4 years by full-time students. The coursework for these degrees balances technical engineering and analytical skills, allowing graduates to understand the full scope of the processes they're analyzing.

Some of the common courses and skills covered in a bachelor's degree for systems engineering students are:

system design and modeling
computer science
software and computer systems
systems architecture
project management
information systems management
fundamentals of systems engineering programs
systems engineering methodology
engineering management

Common Systems Engineering Degree Programs

Although there are many engineering degree programs offered nationally, not all schools offer systems engineering courses. Some adjacent degrees can open doors into the systems engineering field, but most employers prefer a degree with a systems engineering specialization.

Some popular school choices for systems engineering degrees include:

University of Virginia
University of Florida
University of Illinois
University of Wisconsin
University of Arizona

Popular Career Paths For Systems Engineers

The systems engineering process can be applied to multiple types of engineering, such as software engineering. Many students choose a specialization in school to align with one of the engineering concentrations.

Some of the common specializations that systems engineer jobs focus on include:

What Do Systems Engineers Do?

There are many responsibilities for systems engineers, with some variance depending on specialty; however, there are many common tasks that you can expect in your daily work. Some of these include:

software and hardware installation
implementing cybersecurity measures
designing new tools and coordinating their implementations
troubleshooting processes
maintaining quality through an entire project lifecycle

Skills Required of Systems Engineers

To succeed in systems engineering, there is a certain skill set that is required. This includes a combination of hard technical skills that relate to engineering and soft skills to help with collaboration and communication.

Some of the best skills for systems engineers are:

engineering knowledge (especially related to their concentration)
project management and organization
attention to detail
verbal and written communication skills
understanding cybersecurity measures
problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Although additional skills will be required to be an effective systems engineer, these are some of the most universal skills that can be applied in the role.

How To Decide if a Systems Engineering Degree Is Right for You

Deciding on whether a degree program is right for you can be a complicated process. There are several steps you can take to determine if a degree in systems engineering aligns with your education and career goals.

Determine Your Career and Life Goals

Before picking any college degree, you need to stop and think about your ultimate career and life goals. A systems engineer's job is highly analytical and involves critical thinking and constant improvement. If you want a job that is centered around designing processes for engineers and other stakeholders in an organization, systems engineering could be right for you.

Beyond designing the systems, systems engineers are responsible for explaining these systems to the engineers who will be implementing them and the stakeholders who need to approve systemic changes in a company. Even though the role works closely with engineering departments, this is less of a hands-on engineering role. If you'd rather work directly as an engineer, this might not be the best degree for you.

Consider Your Financial Situation

Tuition is one of the biggest factors that can affect college decisions. Students need to evaluate their financial situations and figure out which college and degree options are best for them. Start by filling out your Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to figure out your eligibility for various scholarships and grants that can help you pay for your tuition.

Another way to reduce your costs is to enroll in online degree programs. These degrees often have more affordable tuition rates than their on-campus alternatives.

Speak With a Systems Engineer

Nobody has a better perspective of what it takes to be a systems engineer than those currently working the job. With sites like LinkedIn, you can reach out to systems engineers and get insight directly from professionals in the field. Speaking with people who have work experience is one of the best ways to learn about how the work is done and whether it's a degree that you think will be worth it.

FAQs About Systems Engineering Degrees

Deciding on a degree program can raise several questions in prospective students. Answering these questions can provide clarity to help you determine if a systems engineering degree is right for you.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Systems Engineering Degree?

The amount of time required to earn a systems engineering degree will vary based on two key factors: what degree level you're pursuing and whether you will be attending school full-time or not. For a full-time bachelor's degree, you can expect to complete your degree program in roughly four years. A systems engineering master's degree program will take an additional one to two years, depending on the program.

Post-graduation certification programs are also available, allowing systems engineers to stay up to date on evolving topics in the industry.

What Are the Career Prospects Like for Systems Engineers?

The demand for systems engineers is projected to increase as businesses continue to emphasize revising processes to improve efficiency. The overall rate will differ based on individual specializations, but there is a positive outlook for most systems engineer jobs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects growth for most engineering positions which means there will likely be continued growth for systems engineers.

Is a Systems Engineering Degree Worth It?

A systems engineer degree can be worth it to people who want to improve efficiency for their employers. The degree can also lead to high-paying opportunities in a growing industry, making the degree worth it for many students.

Would a Master's Degree Advance my Systems Engineering Career?

Although most systems engineer jobs only require a bachelor's degree, higher positions, such as management roles, often prefer graduate degrees. These degree programs are more detailed and include additional courses that can give systems engineers broader skillsets.