Engineering Technology

Systems and Industrial Engineering Concentration

The Systems and Industrial Engineering Technology (SIET) concentration at Drexel University prepares students to design, manage, and improve the interconnected systems that support modern industries. By integrating applied engineering with the analytical tools of systems and industrial engineering, the program develops professionals who can optimize performance, ensure sustainability, and lead innovation in complex environments.

Rooted in Drexel’s practice- and systems-based approach to engineering education, the SIET concentration emphasizes systems thinking, process modeling, data-driven decision-making, and technology integration. Students gain cross-disciplinary experience in mechanical, electrical, and industrial systems while learning how to analyze workflows, model complex systems, and apply optimization techniques to enhance quality, productivity, and sustainability.

Aligned with the goals of Industry 4.0, the curriculum introduces students to automation, simulation, and data analytics tools that support smart manufacturing and intelligent infrastructure. Looking ahead to Industry 5.0, students also explore human-centered design, global logistics, and emerging technologies that enable scalable and ethical solutions.

Integrated Learning Experience

Students in the SIET concentration develop competencies in areas such as:

• Systems Engineering: Applying structured frameworks to the design, integration, testing, and management of complex systems across their full life cycle
• Industrial Engineering: Using process modeling, simulation, and operations research to optimize manufacturing systems, supply chains, and service operations
• Data Analytics and Decision Support: Leveraging statistical and analytical tools to guide system design, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Sustainable Logistics and Global Integration: Designing systems that address environmental impacts, material flows, and logistical efficiency in global supply networks
• Engineering Technology Foundations: Building hands-on experience with intelligent systems, robotics, instrumentation, quality control, and project management

These skills are applied through project-based courses, lab-intensive instruction, and a three-term senior capstone project that challenges students to solve real-world engineering problems in collaboration with faculty and industry partners. In addition, students participate in Drexel’s cooperative education (co-op) program, gaining up to 18 months of paid, full-time work experience before graduation.

Why Choose Drexel’s SIET Program?

• Systems Thinking in Practice: Students learn to approach engineering challenges holistically, analyzing how components, technologies, and people interact within large systems.
• Future-Ready Training: The curriculum addresses Industry 4.0 and 5.0 priorities—automation, big data, sustainability, human-technology collaboration, and ethical innovation.
• Co-op and Industry Engagement: Students gain direct experience through Drexel’s nationally recognized co-op program, building résumés and professional networks in industries such as aerospace, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing.
• Graduate Study Pathways: The program provides a strong foundation for advanced degrees, including Drexel’s MS in Systems Engineering and MS in Engineering Management. Students also benefit from mentorship and collaboration opportunities with graduate students in these programs.
• Customizable Academic Path: Through technical electives and flexible project work, students can specialize in topics such as healthcare systems, infrastructure, defense technologies, or data-driven optimization.
• Supportive Learning Environment: Faculty with deep industry and academic experience provide mentoring and guidance, ensuring student success both in the classroom and beyond.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the SIET concentration are well-equipped for roles that require both technical engineering skills and systems-level thinking. Common industries and sectors include:

• Aerospace and defense
• Manufacturing and automation
• Healthcare systems and operations
• Government, utilities, and infrastructure
• Transportation and logistics
• Information technology and smart systems

Typical career paths include:

• Systems Integration Engineer
• Process Improvement Specialist/Engineer
• Project Manager
• Logistics Systems Engineer
• Quality Systems Engineer
• Industrial Systems Consultant/Engineer

Additional Information

For more information, visit the BS in Engineering Technology webpage or contact your assigned College Academic Advisor.

Degree Requirements

*

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101. 

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

**

See General Education Requirements

***

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

†

MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

††

Some students may need a one-credit concurrent practicum course depending on their calculus exam score and summer preparatory review participation.

‡

See Advisor.

Sample Plan of Study

4 year, no-cop

*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

See General Education Requirements

†

Students not participating in co-op will not takeCOOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

††

Students select 6.0 additional credits from any BET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, OPM, or MKTG courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.

4 year, 1 co-op

*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

†

See General Education Requirements

††

Students select 6.0 additional credits from any BET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, OPM, or MKTG courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.

5 year, 3 co-op

*

CHEM sequence is determined by the student's Chemistry Placement Exam score and the completion of a summer online preparatory course available based on that score.

**

MATH course is determined by the student's Calculus Placement Exam score and the completion of any summer online preparatory courses available based on that score.

***

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

†

See General Education Requirements

††

Students select 6.0 additional credits from any BET, EET, MET, MHT, INDE, OPM, or MKTG courses not already required. See advisor for specific courses.

Program Level Outcomes

• Apply knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
• Design systems, components, or processes meeting specified needs for broadly-defined engineering problems appropriate to the discipline;
• Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in broadly-defined technical and non-technical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature;
• Conduct standard tests, measurements, and experiments and to analyze and interpret the results to improve processes; and
• Function effectively as a member as well as a leader on technical teams.