Master of Science in Systems Engineering Analysis /
Master of Science in Systems Engineering (308 curriculum)

The 308 interdisciplinary curriculum provides a foundation in systems thinking, technology, and operations analysis for warfighters. Graduates will be able to understand how to develop and fight new systems of combat systems, and have a more thorough understanding of current combat systems. Students normally complete group projects in lieu of theses. These “capstone” projects are chosen to allow students to gain a thorough understanding of a critical warfare area and to provide the Navy and other services insights about future systems options to meet emerging needs. The curriculum is designed as a highly integrated graduate education. Lectures, team projects, and individual research are provided, as well as seminars from visiting experts.

This curriculum primarily serves the U.S. Navy Unrestricted Line Officers (URLs). Upon successful completion of all required coursework, students earn a non-ABET accredited Master of Science in Engineering Systems Analysis (MSSEA) degree. Depending on a Bachelor’s Level degree, some students may qualify for an MSSE degree accredited by the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC). This may involve additional coursework.

Admission Requirements

Entry Dates:  September and March
Length of Study:  Eight quarters
Program Officer: CDR Vet Davis
Academic Associate: Dr. Katy Giles

MSSEA/MSSE Degree Requirements: 

• Completion of an approved curriculum that includes:
  • A minimum of 36 quarter hours of 3000 and 4000 level courses, 16 of which must be at the 4000 level.
  • Completion of Systems Engineering and Analysis course sequence.
  • Completion of the Joint Professional Military Education (JMPE) courses (required for all U.S. Navy officers enrolled in the 308 curriculum).
• Completion of a 12-quarter credit hour capstone project course sequence and capstone project report or thesis course sequence and a theses (for those students qualified for and interested in pursuing the MSSE degree, by exception).

Educational Skill and P-code Requirements

Students sponsored by the Naval Sea Systems Command must also meet additional Educational Skill Requirements (ESRs) essential for the primary duties to be awarded of an approved SEA subspecialty code 6500P. To be able to meet these additional ESRs, U.S. Navy students enrolled into the 308 curriculum take additional courses.
The specific ESRs are:

1. Basics: Introduction to mathematics, physics, and computer skills needed to understand the technical aspects of combat, information, and decision systems.
2. Systems Engineering: Understand the systems engineering process and how to perform systems engineering studies.
3. Operations Analysis: Learn how to apply advanced management and operations research ideas to defense problems.
4. Sensor and Weapon Systems: Gain a solid understanding of the scientific, mathematical and engineering principles behind existing and future military systems.
5. Information Systems Technology: Develop knowledge of information systems technology.
6. Independent Study: Each student must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent and team-oriented research and analysis on problems that link technical solutions to tactical problems, and to present the results in writing and oral briefings.
7. Department of Defense Resource Allocation: Develop a working knowledge of resource allocation within the Department of Defense including the PPBE, JCIDS, and Acquisition processes.

Student Outcomes

In order to achieve the program educational objectives, graduates must complete at least one year of study, or at least 45 quarter credit hours, beyond a baccalaureate level program, achieve a mastery of systems engineering, and complete a capstone project report or a thesis, where each student attains outcomes demonstrating competency in:

1. Advanced mathematics, including probability and statistics, and computing fundamentals, with practical applications thereof.
2. Engineering topics necessary to define, synthesize, analyze, design, and evaluate complex systems containing hardware and software, and human elements (where appropriate), in a holistic manner across the lifecycle.
3. Systems design and analysis topics, such as decision analysis, risk analysis (cost, schedule and performance), trade-off analysis, optimization, modeling-based engineering, simulation, sensitivity analysis techniques, or requirements engineering.
4. Communication: Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

In addition to attaining these student outcomes, students qualified for MSSE degree will have had post-secondary educational and/or professional experiences that supports that attainment of student outcomes as defined in the ABET EAC general criteria for baccalaureate programs, Criterion 3; and includes at least one year of math and basic science, at least one-and-a-half years of engineering topics, and a major design experience that meets the requirements in the general criteria for baccalaureate programs, Criterion 5. Students that have attained an ABET EAC accredited undergraduate degree meet these post-secondary requirements.

Curriculum Sponsors

Deputy Chief, Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (OPNAVN9)