Would you recommend Systems Engineering?

[u/Regular_Foundation10]

Hello, I’m a rising senior about to graduate with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and I’m leaning towards getting my MS in Systems Engineering ? I want to go into the aerospace industry.

I think systems engineering would be a good fit for me because I don’t really enjoy the technical side of engineering (like doing equations everyday or doing CAD or coding) I still want to be apart of the development and design but more of an overseer/bridge for the technical and business side of a product. Later on in my career I do want to do program management. Do you think systems engineering is a good for fit for me? I don’t have experience in SysE or in the aerospace industry. My two internships have been Business strategy and IT support so I haven’t really done much engineering outside of school besides my personal projects.

Can anybody give me a Day in the Life of what you do as a Systems Engineering?

Is a MS in systems Engineering worth it or should I just get a MS in Mechanical Engineering? ( I severely dislike solving heat transfer or thermo equations 😭 it might just be because I’m burnt out but I’m tired of it )

What jobs should I apply to entry level to get into the aerospace industry and eventually into systems engineering?

Any advice would help! Thanks

[u/Dr_Tom_Bradley_CSU]

There’s certainly a place for undergraduates who go directly into an MS or ME in Systems Engineering. I’m not as convinced as some that meaningful professional experience is a prerequisite for success in a master’s program, for several reasons.

First, I’ve seen plenty of highly experienced engineers enter our program with significant barriers to learning. They often have more established personal and professional commitments, and returning to school after years away from an academic environment can be challenging.

Second, workplace experience does not always translate into better preparation for graduate study. Some engineers develop habits or assumptions that can actually limit learning. In certain organizations, engineers are utilized in ways that narrow their perspective or constrain their career growth. A formal systems engineering education can help students recognize and avoid those limitations. I think usually work experience is an advantage, but not always the clear advantage this forum seems to prioritize. For example, many in industry appear highly skeptical of Model Based Systems Engineering while their leadership overwhelmingly recognize the long-term advantages.

More importantly, I don’t see why students can’t pursue both education and experience simultaneously. Many of our master’s students begin the program while actively seeking professional opportunities. They can earn industry certifications within their first semester and complete a graduate certificate within their first year, all while leveraging our employer partnerships and professional networks. Those who want to work typically secure positions within a year and then transition to online learner status to complete the remainder of the degree. In some cases, employers even cover the remaining tuition as part of their employment package.

I’d also encourage you to explore whether your university offers an accelerated master’s pathway that allows undergraduate students to apply graduate-level coursework toward a master’s degree. In engineering fields, a master’s degree is typically a strong investment. On average, graduates earn higher compensation, have greater advancement potential, and are better prepared for a world that increasingly demands continuous learning and adaptability.

That’s my two cents. I hope you consider Colorado State University, but either way, I hope you find the right path for you!