Publication

he critical challenge addressed by this research task is the development of systems engineering (SE) talent for future DoD and related industry workforce needs. A 45% growth is expected in SE jobs in the next decade1 ; numerous studies have highlighted the shortfalls in both the number and capability of the SE workforce. New academic and career pathways are urgently needed to build the talent base required by DoD and associated industries. Operating through the Department of Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) STEM Development Office and the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), DoD is sponsoring a research effort aimed at building education and workforce capacity in systems engineering. This research will analyze the outcomes on student learning of and career interest in SE and DoD careers through analysis of a series of systems engineering pilot capstone courses. These courses are being offered in a variety of contexts at eight universities and separately, through six service academies. Products of this research will include: SE curriculum and assessments; compilation and analysis of the methodologies and approaches to SE course delivery; and recommendations of effective practices for scaling up the program to larger numbers of institutions nationwide.