Your a Systems Engineering major, what the heck is that?
Written: May 04 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: wide variety of classes
Cons: one word, Physics
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| amandaw99's Full Review: University of Pennsylvania |
You're a what?
Yes, I am a Systems Engineering major. Ask anyone what that means, and no one can give you a straight answer. "You look at the whole picture to solve the problem." That's what they tell me - basically here is how i came about choosing this major and why I love it.
How did I end up there?
I came to Penn a Computer Science and Engineering major. I had no real understanding that once I got here I would be surrounded with people who had been programming their whole lives. Needless to say, I was intimidated when I didn't pick things up right away (things my classmates had known for years now), so I transferred out after my first semester.
I should mention I only got through that semester because my TA was very helpful. The lecture professor was the worst I had ever had here at Penn, he basically sat me down when I failed my first midterm and said, "what were you thinking majoring in CSE if you knew nothing about it." I was lucky I got such a nice and helpful TA that helped me to pass with a C.
So I was very upset and disappointed as I searched for a new major. That's when I found Systems Engineering.
Why choose Systems?
Basically because I could still take computer type classes without doing much more programming. It also allowed me to take OPIM classes at Wharton which counted towards my engineering degree. These are classes that deal with IT in business, and by far have been my most favorite classes I have taken here.
I am also lucky that I get to take many classes offered in the liberal arts school, which balance out the math and engineering courses. Basically, Systems is the most liberal engineering offered here at Penn, which is exactly what I wanted.
So what classes do you take?
Happily there's no language requirement. One of the few majors at Penn that doesn't have it, which is fine with me. You have to take 5 math classes, Physics with lab, Chel with lab, another natural science, 7 socian science/humanities classes, 3 free electives, and a bunch of engineering classes. You also have to take 6 focus classes.
Uh, what's a focus?
Systems is a really broad major. I am a Systems Engineering major with a focus in Informations Technology and Telecommunications. This means I can take CSE classes, OPIM classes (descriptions above), plus classes in a few other categories. This is what I wanted, technology without intense programming.
There are other focuses like an Economic focus (which a lot of Wharton kids double major in), Health Care Systems focus, Computer focus (more programming related), among many others.
What can you do with a Systems Engineering Degree?
Well, if you are strictly a SYS major, and not a double major a lot pf people go into consulting. This is supposedly like 2 years of hard work to move onto something better. I hope to go into some sort of Internet company, but I will let you know.
Well, is that it?
Yup, that's it. That's all I can tell you about Systems Engineering. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at amandaw33@aol.com
Recommended:
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Epinions.com ID:
amandaw99
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Member: Amanda
Location: Pa
Reviews written: 72
Trusted by: 45 members
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