The Systems and Control Engineering Masters at Case Western Reserve

Systems Engineering is a broad topic. In the search of solutions to integrated systems, Systems Engineering can span industries from science, medicine, business, law, social behaviour, and even the arts. However, developing the skill to think on a systems level will ensure projects are fully optimized.

The Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Engineering is offering a new online Masters in Systems & Control Engineering. The program is designed to enhance the knowledge, careers and leadership skills of working professionals.

Sree Sreenath, Program Director at Case School of Engineering.

The Systems & Control Engineering Master’s program is designed to give students the holistic system-level thinking, expertise, and tenacity they need to solve high-level problems affecting society. For instance, students will learn about robotics, multi-input/multi-output linear and nonlinear control, signal processing, industrial automation, optimization, energy, global modeling and systems biology.

“The Master of Science in Systems & Control Engineering program provides internationally recognized coursework and research in systems analysis, design, and control. These areas require cross-disciplinary tools and methods for their solution. Students of the program will gain advanced understanding of  linear and nonlinear control, optimization, signal processing, industrial automation, robotics, energy, global modeling, and systems biology,” said Sree Sreenath, Program Director at Case School of Engineering.

“At CWRU,” he added, “we strive for distinction through excellence, productivity, and innovation. We emphasize a student-centric, experiential learning environment that prepares capable professionals, effective teammates and life-long learners.”

History of Systems Engineering at Case School of Engineering

Though the move online is recent, the Case School of Engineering has been operational for over 125 years. Over this time, they have collected a respectable list of notable graduates and faculty members. One engineer directly tied to the Department of Systems Engineering was Don Eckman.

Back in 1953 Eckman pioneered the school’s interdisciplinary research program in process automation. The research project is known for its demonstration of real-time computer control of a chemical process which was able to take a mathematical model of the reaction and optimize its economic performance.

This project would one day grow into the Systems & Control Engineering program. Thanks to various industry sponsors, the scope of research, faculty and student body have all grown. This has made the research well known within the Systems Engineering industry. Now this program has expanded to the Web-based graduate program.

However, as the online version of the program is in its very infancy, there may be some kinks the school may need to work out. Although, if this history does prove one thing, it is that CWRU is up to the challenge.

“Our program is new and we are working very hard to deliver a quality program that prepares the graduate with the same excellence as our onsite program,” said Sreenath. “The student will benefit from the expertise of our faculty who are known for their commitment to excellence in both research and education.”

Who Should Consider a Master’s from Case School of Engineering?

The online program is designed to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals. However, students should be setting aside 12-15 hours a week for each course they take. This level of school work can be challenging, especially for those that are managing their careers and family.

Therefore, “we strongly recommend that our students learn key time management strategies,” suggested Sreenath. “You should work hard to not fall behind. Keep track of your project deadlines at work, home and school, so that you can inform the professor of your obligations in advance. Communication is key to developing alternative ways to fulfill the course requirements.”

“We pride ourselves in being student-friendly,” he added. “The student in exchange has to commit to learn in this new online environment that requires discipline to manage work, family and studies.

Systems Engineering Curriculum at Case School of Engineering

What started the move of the program online was a realization that not all the students that wished to attend the school are able to make it into Cleveland. This could become a significant change to career and family life. However, “now, with the degree 100% online, students can keep their lives on track wherever they are and learn crucial skills that can significantly advance their careers,” said Sreenath.

Though the majority of the program is available asynchronously, the faculty will be available for one-to-one interactions. Students might appreciate this level of human interaction brought into the online education process.

As for the quality of the online program, it is designed to match the content the students would learn if they were on-campus. In fact, the same faculty will teach the courses and the same degree will be earned upon graduation. Additionally, the online versions of the courses are available to on-campus students.

Unfortunately, as the program is new it isn’t surprising to see that the course list is rather limited with respect to electives. Perhaps as the course list will grow as the online version of the program experiences a growth in its student body. None the less, “the calibre of the online courses is the same high quality as our on-site courses,” said Sreenath. “We would not compromise on this.”

Each course runs for 14 weeks and is available through a Web-based learning management system. Students will be tested both online and offline through homework assignments. As for those worried about missing a last minute deadline due to technical difficulties, the program offers support 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Case School of Engineering has sponsored promotion of their Master of Systems & Control Engineering on ENGINEERING.com. They have no editorial input to this post - all opinions are mine.  Shawn Wasserman