Systems Engineering Competencies Essential for Mechanical Engineering Graduates

Abstract

Mechanical engineering has long been a prominent and popular field of study, preparing graduates for a variety of jobs and careers. This discipline is often described as “broad”; however, one topic that is lacking in undergraduate mechanical engineering programs is systems engineering. As mechanical engineering graduates enter an ever-increasing global workforce and environment of large-scale, interoperating systems, the need for systems engineering knowledge is becoming more important. This study explores systems engineering concepts used by graduates of mechanical engineering programs and recommended for inclusion in these programs. An educational, program level rubric describing learning outcomes for systems engineering concepts is provided as well as faculty feedback on systems engineering in mechanical engineering. Finally, an approach to curricular inclusion is offered.