Certificate Programs FAQs
1. What is the name of this certificate?
Systems Engineering Certificate – Controlled Systems
Systems Engineering Certificate – Embedded Systems
Systems Engineering Certificate – System Design
2. How many courses/credits are in each certificate program?
There are 3 courses, plus a capstone project in each track for a total of 12 credits per track.
3. Can the 12 credits obtained from this program be applied towards a graduate degree?
Yes, the 12 graduate credits obtained from completing the certificate program can be applied towards an MENG, or a Ph.D degree program.
4. What is the schedule of the course offerings?
The Controlled Systems track will start in the fall semester with the first course, SE5101, followed by SE5202 in spring, SE5203 in the subsequent fall and the capstone in spring.
The Embedded Systems track will start in the fall semester with the first course, SE5301, followed by SE5302 in spring, SE5303 in the subsequent fall and the capstone in spring.
The System Design track will start in the fall semester with the first course, SE5101 followed by SE5102 in spring, SE5103 in the subsequent fall and the capstone in spring.
5. How many courses would be offered a semester?
One course from each track will be offered in every semester, fall and spring once the certificate program track starts.
6. When is a certificate program track completed and certificates awarded?
It takes four semesters to complete each track.
7. Are course assessments offered in a distance participatory state as well?
Yes, all assessments are done at the participants’ locations. Students will not be required to travel to the UConn Storrs campus or other UConn campuses to take exams.
8. Will this certificate be focused on Systems Engineering and applied to cyber-physical systems as an example/exercise?
The certificate programs are designed for Analytical Systems Engineering fundamentals with a focus on cyber-physical systems.
9. What is the weekly commitment for each course?
There are 3 hours of lectures each week. In addition, students are expected to spend about 6 to 10 hours a week (depending on their background and experience) on readings, homework, and other assignments.
10. When are the class meeting times?
The classes will be conducted over 14 sessions and meet one night a week for 3 hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (or 6 to 9 pm).
11. Can I get credit for having done similar course from other universities?
Not at this time.
12. Do these courses count towards INCOSE certification requirements?
Not at this time.
13. Do I need to take GRE?
No.
14. Do I need sponsorship from my employer?
Yes.
15. What is the admission criterion?
BS with GPA of 3.0+ and employer sponsorship.
16. Who selects the capstone project?
The students along with their supervisors will select capstone projects with guidance from UConn professors.
17. Is the course material provided?
Yes.
18. Is group work expected?
Yes.
19. What is the cost of each track?
Each track consists of 4 courses and courses are offered in 4 consecutive semesters. The current cost of each course is $2,694. In addition, students pay the University semester fees of about $220 per semester. Student/employer pays for one course at a time.
20. Is there a lab component for the classes?
No.
21. Is this course offered at the Storrs campus or other UConn campuses?
Not at this time. The first offerings of the courses and certificates are for UTC employees only and offered at UTC locations.
22. Are text books required?
Some courses may require text books.
23. Can students just take classes and not complete the certificate requirements?
Not at this time. The certificates are designed to meet the specific UTC requirements. Students starting a certificate track are expected to complete the track as a cohort.
24. How are these courses different from other graduate courses at UConn?
All of the courses and the capstone meet the graduate school requirements of the graduate courses. They all have homework, projects, quizzes, and midterm/final exams.
25. For Embedded Systems Track, what level of technical background is required?
Basic programming knowledge/experience and an awareness of the embedded systems/microcontroller platter platforms would be sufficient.
26. When would the recorded lectures be available for viewing?
Recorded lectures are available about half hour after the session is complete. Students joining the session late can view live sessions from that point on and then review the missing portion half hour after the conclusion of the session.
27. Given the time difference in Asia, Europe, and other locations, how would the students be able to communicate with the professors?
Professors/students can use WebEx (or other audio/video conferencing software) for face-to-face interactions and can hold “online” office hours. Email and other methods can be used for other types of communication. Most of our professors do check emails and respond on weekends and evenings as well.
28. Given the time difference in Asia, Europe, and other locations, is there a mandatory attendance to some live sessions?
No.
29. Are there any travel requirements to attend classes?
No.