Systems Engineering deals with the design and operation of large-scale complex systems. Within the Civil Engineering context, it usually deals with environmental systems, water resources systems, transportation systems, construction and urban planning. It uses methodologies derived from engineering design and from the mathematics of operations research, stochastic processes, and automatic control. It embodies heavy emphasis on the environmental, social, and economic aspects of large-scale engineering development. The basic building blocks of systems engineering are therefore highly interdisciplinary.

Degrees Offered

The program offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degrees in Civil Engineering, for students with both engineering and non-engineering undergraduate backgrounds.

Program Course Listing

At the Catholic University of America, the graduate program in systems engineering is offered through the Department of Civil Engineering but incorporates course offerings and research areas from several other departments. The following is a list of courses from which selections may be made to build a coherent program in systems engineering at either the master's or doctoral levels. (Bold type indicates required core courses).