The program leading to the BS in Systems and Industrial Engineering prepares students for a professional career in systems engineering. The program reflects the systems engineer's unique perspective, which considers all aspects of a system throughout its lifetime. Mason's systems engineering program is interdisciplinary, drawing from engineering, computer science, operations research, psychology, and economics. The core systems engineering courses tie these diverse threads to provide a global understanding of how individual engineering disciplines fit into the development of complex, large-scale systems. Students gain depth in a technical area by selecting a sequence of technical electives that constitute an emphasis. Students choose their own emphasis with the help of their advisor. A year-long senior design project provides hands-on experience in applying various systems engineering methods and tools. In the first two years, students obtain a basic foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, computing, writing, humanities, arts, and social sciences. The systems engineering program builds on this foundation, teaching theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to apply systems thinking to problems. Teamwork, collaborative learning, analytical skills, practical problem solving, and oral and written communication are strongly stressed.
The mission of the undergraduate program is to equip students with the ability to participate productively in the many professional activities associated with engineering a trustworthy system that satisfies client needs. The term "system" is interpreted broadly to include information, telecommunication, defense, health delivery, transportation, energy or manufacturing systems, as well as corporate processes.
The program educational objectives of the Systems and Industrial Engineering program are what we expect our students to attain within three to five years of graduation. Graduates earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Systems and Industrial Engineering at George Mason University will:
- Use critical thinking, quantitative methods, and systems thinking to contribute to solutions for global societal challenges.
- Apply systems engineering methods, processes, models and tools to the engineering of complex systems.
- Advance the objectives of their organizations, profession, and society in a rapidly changing world.
The bachelor's program in Systems and Industrial Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The requirements for the degree may be satisfied through part-time enrollment.

