The West Point Department of Systems Engineering educates, develops, and inspires leaders of character who identify, formulate, and solve complex, engineering, and socio-technical problems for the Army and nation. The department uses an interdisciplinary, integrative approach, that applies systems thinking, engineering design, data analysis, mathematical modeling, simulation, decision science, and project management.
Through the department's courses, cadets develop an understanding of how to apply engineering concepts and principles to engineering-related projects, management issues, and technology-laden organizations. The Systems Engineering department's programs offer a framework to develop skills at the undergraduate level.
DSE offers several majors for cadets interested in systems engineering and analysis. Majors determine course requirements and academic timelines as well as the type of career or branch that a cadet may choose to pursue after USMA graduation.
Minors offered by DSE allow cadets to explore other areas of interest while still pursuing their academic major. These options allow cadets to choose a minor that either complements their major or adds another potential career path after graduation.
DSE cadets, faculty and staff participate in the pursuit of knowledge through USMA’s variety of outstanding research-oriented centers, institutes and programs. Cadets may take part in capstone projects, offering hands-on experience in designing solutions for real-world challenges. Some choose to present their research findings at the Military Operations Research Symposium.
DSE provides cadets with opportunities to participate in activities that will expand their intellectual interests within their field. These events often showcase how our cadets and faculty are constantly working to solve problems for USMA, the Army, and the Nation.
Check out the annual General Keith Memorial Capstone Conference hosted by the department.
Opportunities for professional and personal growth extend past the classroom. Eligible cadets may choose to join international or national honor societies, profession-oriented organizations or activities that appeal to personal interests.
COL Julia Oh Coxen is a senior-rated jumpmaster who commanded three times at the company level and also commanded a battalion in the U.S. Special Operations Command. She earned her Ph.D. in operations research (OR) from the University of Michigan.
COL Coxen was among the top 50 finalists out of 18,000+ applicants for the NASA astronaut selection in 2017.
UPS/ FEDEX Mailing address:
United States Military Academy
Official Mail and Distribution Center
ATTN: MADN-SE
646 Swift Road
West Point, NY 10996-1905
Administrative Officer
Department of Systems Engineering
Phone: (845) 938-2701
Want to learn more about becoming an academic instructor in the Department of Systems Engineering?
Explore the Systems Design and Analysis Center
Explore the Operations Research Center