While there are no mandatory prerequisites for enrolling in the MIT xPRO Architecture and Systems Engineering program, familiarity with certain concepts is assumed to make the most of the courses. Although having an undergraduate degree is not explicitly required, it is beneficial for participants to have an educational background in a relevant technical field. Here is a summary of the suggested prerequisites and expected familiarity with certain concepts:
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Educational Background: An undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor's degree, is suggested for participants in the program. Having a solid educational foundation in a technical field will contribute to a better understanding of the program content.
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Work Experience: Participants with around 1-2 years or more of work experience in a technical field are likely to find the courses most relevant. Past participants in the program have had an average of 5-15 years of work experience, which enhances the application of the concepts covered.
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Modeling Experience: Familiarity with modeling concepts, regardless of the domain, is valuable. This could include experience with modeling for computation, physics-based simulations, testing, or other relevant areas. Prior exposure to modeling techniques will help in grasping the content related to models and their management.
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Familiarity with Concepts: Incoming participants are expected to be familiar with several concepts, including:
- Systems Engineering "V" model: Understanding the basics of the Systems Engineering "V" model, which illustrates the typical stages of system development.
- Product Development Reference Models: Familiarity with various product development reference models such as Stage-Gate Reviews, Waterfall, Spiral, and Agile methodologies.
- Requirements Engineering: Knowledge of principles for developing clear and concise requirements, along with flow-down and management tools.
- Customer Needs Identification: Understanding methodologies for identifying customer needs, such as Voice of the Customer analysis.
- Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in using spreadsheet software, such as Excel, and working with simple spreadsheet models.
- Preferred Familiarity: While not required, it is preferred for participants to have some familiarity or experience with the following concepts:
- Early-stage product development
- Product lifecycle, including aftermarket and maintenance considerations
- Functional analysis
- Basic concept development methods, such as the Morphological Matrix and Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
- Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE)
- Integrating or connecting models together
- Verification and validation processes
Please note that management experience is not necessary for participation, but some class materials may require participants to write about teamwork and general management topics relevant to systems architecture and complex projects.
For more detailed information about the Architecture and Systems Engineering program, including specific prerequisites for each course, it is recommended to visit the program's FAQ site and review the article titled "How do I know if the Architecture and Systems Engineering program is right for me?". This resource will provide further insights to help determine if the program aligns with your background and interests.