New PhD Program in Systems Engineering at UL Lafayette

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The College of Engineering at the 小蝌蚪APP will begin offering a new doctoral program next Spring, pending approval of SACS Commission on Colleges. The university received approval for a Ph.D. in systems engineering from the state Board of Regents this fall.

小蝌蚪APP淚t小蝌蚪APP檚 the first Ph.D. in systems engineering in the state,小蝌蚪APP said Dr. Mark Zappi, dean of Engineering.

Systems engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering field that incorporates technology development, design and project management skills. Graduates are trained to find solutions to large, complex engineering systems such as coastal ecosystems, water treatment facilities, computer networks, aircraft and fiber optic networks.

All five engineering departments at UL Lafayette 小蝌蚪APP chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical and petroleum 小蝌蚪APP will participate in this degree offering, said Zappi.

小蝌蚪APP淭he curriculum will involve two components: a systems engineering core and an engineering concentration core. This will allow students to maintain their discipline specialty by selecting a technical concentration while gaining expertise in systems engineering,小蝌蚪APP he said.

Unique aspects of the program include mandatory leadership training and possible commercialization of research discoveries.

小蝌蚪APP淲e wanted a degree that industry will look at and say 小蝌蚪APP楾hat小蝌蚪APP檚 what we want right now,小蝌蚪APP櫺◎蝌紸PP said Zappi. 小蝌蚪APP淲e feel like this is another offering that Louisiana can use to attract Fortune 500 companies in our state.小蝌蚪APP

At least 10 current engineering students are ready to move into the new graduate program.