Degrees

• SYEG 500  Systems Engineering  (3 semester hours)  
  Fundamentals of modern Systems Engineering (SE) throughout the program lifecycle; focus on mission success, system, and system-of-systems; broad integrative adoptable and flexible thinking; initiation of a SE activity, feasibility studies, mission engineering, pre-proposal and proposal activities; risk in performance, cost, schedule and deployment aspects of a project; requirement definition and development, system design, interface and configuration control, and verification/validation; introduction to critical aspects of the DoD, NASA, and INCOSE guides on SE; class projects in Integrated Product Development Teams. All students have an option to receive 20% of the grade for taking the INCOSE Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP) Certification Examination.
• SYEG 540  Systems Thinking: Major Tech Changes/Impacts  (3 semester hours)  
  Systems Thinking is a course in which both students and faculty of two LMU Colleges work together: Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts (Seniors and Honors) and Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering (the Systems Engineering graduate program). We look at complex systems that combine both technological and societal aspects of our civilization, seeking to understand how things influence one another within a large context, and how we can influence them for common good. The concepts of common good and public interest are discussed and serve as the ethical baseline for the discourse on the big questions of our time, such as: healthcare, energy and transportation, public health, K-12 education, end-of-life health management, defense and homeland security, and others. Systems engineering and liberal arts students will complement each other's thinking. Non-HSE students only.
• SYEG 600  Advanced Systems Engineering and Program Management  (3 semester hours)  
  This course will cover the skills required for systems engineers to move into program management, and for program managers to become successful leaders. The course will examine key system engineering processes and their utility for programmatic decision-making (Risk & Opportunity management, Technical Performance Measures, schedule execution metrics, etc.). We will study transition into program management, with a focus on requisite soft skills (e.g., leadership types, team development and motivation, communication) and hard skills (e.g., decision making, risk management, issue management). We will study the customer's view and influence on programmatic decisions and execution. Later lectures will consider program leadership and execution within the context of the broader corporate enterprise and address concepts such as corporate strategy, branding, and product development. Prerequisite: SYEG 500.
• SYEG 640  Model Based Systems Engineering  (3 semester hours)  
  This course is a follow on course to Systems Architecture that incorporates the use of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with an additional focus on the Object Management Group's standard system modeling language (SysML). Topics include the history of and influences on MBSE; the role of Ontologies and Meta Models in MBSE; model usage for requirements analysis, specialty engineering, systems architecting, functional analysis, trade space analysis, performance analysis and costing; MBSE in the context of Model Based Engineering (MBE) across disciplines (Systems, Software, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.); and examples of MBSE including System of Systems, Mission Analysis, Operational/Business analysis, and platform-specific system trades space analysis. The SysML focus area will concentrate on development of SysML and physics-based model examples using modeling tool suites to facilitate understanding of the four pillars of SysML: Structure, Behavior, Requirements, and Parametrics, and translate those models into practical solutions. Students will learn to plan the use of MBSE processes and methods in the Systems Engineering lifecycle; leverage the systems architecture context for systems models and specify the boundary conditions for subsequent analytic and simulation studies; select the appropriate level of granularity for modeling various systems engineering trades; use standards-based tools to create, update, and deploy system models; and conduct engineering trade study analyses based on system Quality Attributes. Prerequisite: SYEG 500.
• SYEG 650  Systems Architecture  (3 semester hours)  
  This course will enable students to create, develop, and integrate complex system architectures. Specific goals include 1) improve the student's understanding of the role of system architects and their relationship to systems engineering and integration, 2) applying the system architecture concepts to define an enterprise baseline, 3) creating an architectural blueprint for transforming the enterprise, 4) identifying capability gaps as well as redundancies, and 5) facilitating effective systems integration. Course objectives will be met through lectures, discussions, readings, in-class team exercises, and applied case studies. Prerequisite: SYEG 500 or concurrent enrollment.
• SYEG 668  Systems Engineering Modeling and Analysis  (3 semester hours)  
  This course emphasizes the development of analytic modeling skills and the effective applications of operations research methods in policy, management, and planning settings. A set of widely used models including linear programming, decision analysis, queuing, and forecasting is introduced. We explore how to effectively use these models, as well as their strengths and limitations in different problem and organizational contexts. The goal of this course is to teach systems engineers, policy makers, and managers to gain analytical skills and apply them to complex problems. To this end, students will learn: 1) to structure problems so they can be effectively addressed, 2) to formulate models that are useful in different decision situations, 3) to use spreadsheet software to solve these models, and 4) to effectively present quantitative analysis to clients. Undergraduate-level statistics is recommended.

• SYEG 510  Project Management  (3 semester hours)  

  This course will integrate project management theory with practical approaches to establish a fundamental knowledge base for use in today's contemporary dynamic business environment. Project management will be explored from planning and selection through all aspects of the project life cycle. Practical techniques will be developed to organize and control non-routine activities in order to properly manage schedule, quality, budget, and performance objectives. The course will concentrate on project management areas identified as core knowledge areas by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The areas include the management of: Project Integration, Scope containment, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Procurement, and Risk.
• SYEG 520  Engineering Leadership and Integrity  (3 semester hours)  
  The Engineering Ethics and Communications course covers the study of the moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and the organizations involved in engineering, and the study of related questions about moral conduct, character, ideals, and the relationships of people and organizations involved in technological development. The aim of the course is to learn and apply integrity-based decision making skills to work related situations, in order to make decisions based on principles and values rather than motivated by profit, greed, convenience, laziness or time pressures. This course is an application of ethical theory to moral problems confronted by engineers, scientists, and managers, e.g., conscience and free expression within corporations, professional obligations to the public, the role of values in decisions regarding safety, codes of ethics, whistle-blowing, etc. This course includes a Communications element where students learn and demonstrate some of the basics of professional report writing and public speaking, including: analyzing the ethical environment in which students work, identify the student's company's ideology and ethical outlook; examine the practical ethical problems in the student's organization and professional position; develop awareness of the ethical impact of decision making; discern the personal self-discipline of an ethical engineer and engineering manager; demonstrate a graduate level of proficiency in writing and public speaking through written assignments and formal class PowerPoint presentations.
• SYEG 530  Lean Engineering and Management  (3 semester hours)  
  This course covers the basics of Lean Engineering and manufacturing, including the history of Lean, Lean fundamentals: principles, value and waste. Lean Manufacturing with detailed coverage of JIT/LEAN Tools; Kaizen, Gemba, Hoshin Kanry. Lean engineering is applied in a variety of domains: Office, Supply Chain, Accounting, Labor relations. The NUMMI Case Study will be analyzed showing the value of applying lean principles; Time permitting the Theory of Constraints and Critical Chain will be reviewed. A key element of the course is a class project that implements the elements of the course.
• SYEG 557  Agile Development and Project Management  (3 semester hours)  
  Agile software development is a set of principles for software development in which requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross-functional teams. The course addresses agile methodologies and their impact on software engineering from a project manager perspective. A variety of agile methods will be reviewed as well as the pros and cons. Issues associated with planning and controlling agile projects, along with the challenges associated with adopting agile methods are discussed. Note: Some previous coding experience is highly desirable. The team nature of the project means that extensive programming experience is not required.
• SYEG 560  Introduction to Cybersecurity  (3 semester hours)  
  Systems engineering approach to cybersecurity in modern, highly networked organizations in either the private or public sector. NIST's formal framework of terms, concepts, and methods to understand the area of cybersecurity. Studies of realistic threat models and vulnerability assessments. Comprehensive coverage of technical foundations for extant technologies and tools available at different levels (host-based or network-based) to provide cybersecurity—anti-virus software, malware detection, intrusion detection/prevention, firewalls, denial of service attack mitigation, encryption, network monitoring, automatic audit tools, to name just a few. Complications in cybersecurity introduced by emerging trends such as mobile devices and cloud computing. As advocated by most security professionals, this course views the problem of devising cybersecurity solutions as a specific kind of risk management problem. Students are taught how to devise the optimal combination of management procedures and controls along with key technologies to address the relevant sets of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities for the organization. We will also cover related organizational concerns such as creating a disaster recovery and business continuity plan that can be used to minimize the impact of potential disruptions, including those related to security. The role of cybersecurity as part of the larger domain of Information Assurance and regulatory compliance issues for different types of organizations. "Best practices" frameworks for security such as OWASP Top 10 and Security Technical Implementation GuideS (STIGS) and resources available from institutions such as CERT, NIST, and SANS. Case studies. From the real world to ground the concepts taught in real-world situations. Undergraduate degree in Computer Science required.
• SYEG 576  Business Law for Engineers  (3 semester hours)  
  This course introduces engineers to the basic legal principles they will encounter throughout their careers. Course discussions cover contracts (formation, performance, breach, and termination), corporations and partnerships, insurance, product liability, professional liability, intellectual property (patents, trademarks, and copyrights), risk management, environmental law, torts, and evidence and dispute resolution. The course emphasizes those principles necessary to provide engineers with the ability to recognize issues that are likely to arise in the engineering profession and introduces them to the complexities and vagaries of the legal profession.
• SYEG 577  Engineering Economics and Finance  (3 semester hours)  
  The course will cover the financial and economic analysis essential for engineering business. Topics include: time value of money relationships, nominal and effective interest rates, present worth method, annual worth method, rate of return and incremental analysis, depreciation and income taxes, replacement analysis and benefit/cost analysis, cost estimating, and consideration of taxes and inflation. The basics of financial analysis and financial statements will be reviewed. Case studies will be used to apply the engineering economics principles.
• SYEG 600  Advanced Systems Engineering and Program Management  (3 semester hours)  
  This course will cover the skills required for systems engineers to move into program management, and for program managers to become successful leaders. The course will examine key system engineering processes and their utility for programmatic decision-making (Risk & Opportunity management, Technical Performance Measures, schedule execution metrics, etc.). We will study transition into program management, with a focus on requisite soft skills (e.g., leadership types, team development and motivation, communication) and hard skills (e.g., decision making, risk management, issue management). We will study the customer's view and influence on programmatic decisions and execution. Later lectures will consider program leadership and execution within the context of the broader corporate enterprise and address concepts such as corporate strategy, branding, and product development. Prerequisite: SYEG 500.
• SYEG 620  Manufacturing Processes and Quality Systems  (3 semester hours)  
  This course teaches the essential components that effective corporations use to achieve implement robust manufacturing process, and rigorous quality systems to ensure maximum customer satisfaction at the lowest overall cost, by delivering quality products and services. Manufacturing Processes and Quality Systems are taught through a series of lectures and hands-on simulations in the lab/design center and projects that demonstrate the critical elements of both Manufacturing Processes and Quality Systems. The essential elements of developing designs for manufacturability, quality control processes and supplier quality within an organization will be reviewed. This course will promote mastery of the basic concepts and practices of manufacturing processes and quality system management through a review of basic manufacturing and quality concepts such as Product and Process Design, Product and Process Control, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control and Design of Experiment. This course is applicable to a wide range of businesses and organizations including manufacturing, service, government, education, and healthcare.
• SYEG 673  New Product Design and Development  (3 semester hours)  
  This course will provide students with an overall understanding of the concepts of entrepreneurship, designing a new product, and developing both a business plan and a prototype for that product to bring it to market. It combines MBA and engineering graduate students into trams that will decide upon a new product idea to pursue and then embark on bringing that idea to fruition. While the course is heavily experiential. it will also provide solid models of how to manage this type of function in business or technical settings. This class is not only about learning the process, but also about risk and failure; growing from those experiences and learning how to forge those experiences into workable plans and products.
• SYEG 679  Startup Entrepreneurship and Managing Engineering Innovation  (3 semester hours)  
  In a world that is driven by technological change, systems engineers are in a perfect position to understand the diverse technologies that are emerging, find innovative applications, and lead this technological revolution. This course will enable students to acquire the entrepreneurial skills necessary to develop innovative technical products/services and be able to capitalize on it. Specific topics will include 1) role of the system engineer entrepreneur, 2) finding and evaluating technological concepts, 3) building your startup team, 4) financing the startup, 5) protecting your idea, 6) negotiating effective partnerships, 7) getting it built, 8) product distribution into the marketplace, 9) growing the business, 10) planning product evolution. Course objectives will be met through lectures, discussions, readings, in-class team exercises, and applied case studies. At the conclusion of this course, students will make a presentation to venture capitalists and compete for startup funding as well as continuing support (technical, business, legal, marketing, etc.) to enable them to be successful.

• Systems Engineering (online courses): SYEG 500 and 600 level courses (9 semester hours) 

• Electrical Engineering (in-person courses): Two EECE 5000 or 6000 level courses and EECE 6901 Graduate Capstone Project I and EECE 6902 Graduate Capstone Project II (12 semester hours)  

• Mechanical Engineering (in-person courses): MECH 500 or 600 level courses (9 semester hours) 

• Civil Engineering (in-person courses): CIVL 500 and 600 level courses (9 semester hours) 

• Cybersecurity (online courses): Three courses from the following (9 semester hours) 

• • SYEG 560 Introduction to Cybersecurity  3 semester hours

  • SYEG 563 Cyberdefense 3 semester hours

  • SYEG 662 Secure Software Development  3 semester hours

• Computer Science (in-person courses): Three courses from the following (9 semester hours) 

• • SYEG 554 Engineering for Autonomy  3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 557 Agile Development and Project Management   3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 651 Software Architecture  3 semester hours

• Aeronautics and Space Systems (online courses): Three courses from the following (9 semester hours) 

• • SYEG 570 Spacecraft Design  3 semester hours 

• • SYEG 572 Spacecraft Communications and Radar 3 semester hours

  • SYEG 584 Occupy Mars; Explorations in Space Travel and Colonization  3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 586 Launch Vehicle Technology and Design Evolution 3 semester hours

  • SYEG 587 SYEG 587 Resilient Space Systems Design 

  • MECH 544 Propulsion  3 semester hours

• Engineering Management (online courses): Three courses from the following (9 semester hours) 

• • SYEG 520 Engineering Leadership and Integrity  3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 530 Lean Engineering and Management  3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 577 Engineering Economics and Finance 3 semester hours

  • SYEG 620 Manufacturing Processes and Quality Systems  3 semester hours 

  • SYEG 679 Startup Entrepreneurship and Managing Engineering Innovation  3 semester hours

• • In-person courses from the Business Analytics or MBA programs with the designation BSAN, MBAA, MBAD, MBAE, MBAF, MBAG, MBAH, MBAP with concurrence from the program director of the Business Analytics and/or MBA programs, and if prerequisites are satisfied.

• SYEG 695  Preparation for Capstone Project  (0 semester hours)  
  This course is typically taken prior to the SYEG 696 Integrative Project/Thesis. The student develops a project plan, gains advisor approval, and presents the plan to a panel.
• SYEG 696  Graduate Capstone Project  (3 semester hours)  
  Capstone course in which each student working individually applies and demonstrates the mastery of the systems engineering process to a complex technical and/or social endeavor. This course should be taken in the last semester of the study program.

• Note: SYEG 695 and SYEG 696 are not required if completing the technical emphasis in Electrical Engineering 

• Note: Electives are scheduled only if a sufficient number of students sign up. With the approval of the Director, the above curriculum can be adjusted to meet the student’s individual educational needs. Taking three technical electives allows the student to graduate with an M.S. in Systems Engineering with a technical focus in that area. The student must apply for the M.S. in Systems Engineering with their desired technical focus area when they apply to the M.S. in Systems Engineering program, or apply for a program transfer after they have started the program.  

• Note: The Graduate Capstone Project is typically the last course taken in the program. It is designed to demonstrate the student’s knowledge of all the systems engineering and systems management principles and lean engineering addressed in the prerequisite courses. The course is typically completed in one semester. SYEG 695 should be taken the semester prior to taking SYEG 696. It is unlikely that the project can be completed in one or two summer sessions due to the shortened schedule. 

Master’s Thesis Option 

Preparation of a Master’s Thesis is optional and can fulfill up to a maximum of 6 semester hours of elective course requirements. The student electing the thesis option must obtain a thesis advisor before Departmental consent will be considered, and the thesis must conform to the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering requirements. The thesis and associated work is intended to advance the state of knowledge in the thesis subject not “rehash” previous work by others or a serve as a “literature search.” The thesis ideally will form the basis for a paper or article, produced by a student, which would be submitted and hopefully published in a peer-reviewed journal or presented at a professional organization’s conference. A thesis is completed after being successfully defended to the thesis committee. With direction from the Graduate Director, a thesis committee will be formed. The thesis committee consists of the student’s thesis advisor, a full-time faculty member from the student’s department, and a third member from other than the student’s department.