Gain mastery over the systems engineering methods you need for creating complex, technology-driven products. The focus of this certificate program is on fundamental applications of proven methods that will help you take your customer’s requirements and operational needs and turn them into effective solutions that meet goals for cost, schedule, and performance. You will learn to:
- Qualify for INCOSE ASEP/CSEP certification through Academic Equivalency (no additional knowledge exam required)
- Conduct mission analysis and articulate a Concept of Operations
- Assess requirements through Context Diagrams, Functional Block Diagrams, and Design Structure Matrices (DSM)
- Architect systems, sub-systems, interfaces and interactions, hierarchies and hand-offs
- Evolve innovative design approaches for performance, trade-offs, and managing change
- Engineer for specialized outcomes, Design for Manufacturing, Design-to-Cost, Maintainability
- Define cost-effective verification and validation plans
- Effectively manage cost, schedule, risk, and accountability in engineering tasks and digital methods
- Plan, assess, and control traditional and Agile-driven technical programs spanning hardware and software
- Examine Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and approaches that use SysML or SysMLv2
- Analyze customer needs and develop clearly-stated requirements
- Apply systems thinking to optimize product design and development
- Develop innovative approaches for systems design and integration
- Produce robust designs of complex products
The curriculum covers the breadth and depth of systems engineering practices recognized by INCOSE, including lifecycle processes, technical management, and systems thinking. These topic areas align with the competencies evaluated for ASEP/CSEP certification, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive learning experience.
- Introduction to Systems Engineering
- Defining System Requirements
- Functional Analysis
- System Specifications
- System Architecture
- Decision Analysis
- Design and Integration
- Verification and Validation
- Engineering Specialties
- System Engineering Management
- Technical Reviews and Audits
- Risk Management
- Quality Management
- Creating a High-Performance Team
- Minimizing and Resolving Team Conflicts
Component/subsystems engineers, software/hardware engineers, systems engineers, project managers, business analysts, and technical support personnel who want a comprehensive understanding of the breadth of systems engineering activities and their interconnections across the lifecycle.
This course is ideal for professionals seeking INCOSE ASEP or CSEP certification to support career advancement. Learn more about INCOSE SEP certifications here: https://www.incose.org/certification
Will I earn a Caltech Systems Engineering Certificate?
Yes. When you successfully complete the course, you earn the Caltech Systems Engineering Fundamentals Certificate.
How is the Caltech Systems Engineering Fundamentals course delivered?
This course is delivered on-demand and self-paced. Most participants complete it within six weeks. It includes pre-recorded lessons, applied exercises, and access to supplemental learning resources.
Are there prerequisites for the Systems Engineering Fundamentals course?
No. Engineering, project, or system development experience is helpful but not required.
Is this course required before taking a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) course?
No. However, this course builds the foundational knowledge that helps participants succeed in MBSE programs, which add hands-on digital engineering, SysML modeling, and model-centric analysis.
How much time should I plan outside of class?
Most participants spend 1–2 hours per week completing assignments or exam activities.
Is the course suitable for corporate or team enrollment?
Yes. Many organizations enroll teams to build shared systems engineering capabilities. We can also provide customized options for organizations.
What is INCOSE Academic Equivalency (AE)?
AE is an INCOSE recognition that allows Caltech Systems Engineering Certificate students to earn ASEP or CSEP certification without having to take the INCOSE knowledge exam.
Is this course the same as INCOSE exam preparation?
No. This is a comprehensive systems engineering course. AE confirms that Caltech’s curriculum meets the knowledge requirements, removing the need for a separate exam.
How do I qualify for INCOSE ASEP or CSEP through AE?
You must complete all course requirements and assessments. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance during the program to support your certification application.
Do I still have to take the INCOSE SEP knowledge exam?
No. If you successfully complete this course and the built-in INCOSE SEP knowledge exam assignment, you do not need to take a separate INCOSE exam. The course includes an open-book version of the INCOSE SEP knowledge exam, which you can complete as an optional graded assignment. If you score 80% or higher, your results are reported directly to INCOSE, qualifying you to apply for ASEP or CSEP certification through the Academic Equivalency pathway, without sitting for an additional exam.
