The SET Academy for Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is part of the Institute for Digital Enterprise Advancement’s (IDEA) Education and Training platform.
Prepare Your Students with Industry-Ready MBSE Skills
The SET Academy is a Systems Engineering Technology (SET) curriculum designed for
Community Colleges
This ready-to-implement six-course module has been developed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), preparing students for design, development, and manufacturing careers supporting Industry 4.0
Is Your STEM Curriculum Preparing Students for MBSE?
Community Colleges face the challenge of aligning their educational programs with the rapidly evolving demands of high-tech industries like defense, aerospace, automotive, and telecommunications.
Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) designs and manages complex systems using digital models. By replacing traditional document-based methods, MBSE improves efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration across the entire Product Life Cycle.
Keeping pace with emerging technologies, like MBSE, while ensuring your students have the needed skills can strain a college’s limited resources.
The SET Academy helps to bridge this resource gap by offering colleges a comprehensive, industry-aligned curriculum that addresses the high-tech industry’s demand for leading MBSE skills.
The best part, the SET Academy is available for you to implement.
Why the SET Academy is the Right Choice for Your College
The SET Academy has been supported by the Department of Defense (DoD) through its Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program to address critical workforce digital-skill shortages.
A ready-to-implement curriculum that integrates into a college’s existing Computer or Engineering degree programs, providing your students with the foundational skills they need for careers in MBSE and digital engineering. The SET curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure graduates are prepared to tackle real-world challenges.
Proven Results
Empowering Students, Supporting Industry Needs
Enrollment Growth
Over 250 students have enrolled in the Calhoun Community College SET program since its inception in 2021. In partnership with Huntsville area employers, the SET program will expand in 2025 to include a work-study option (SET+) option.
Industry Demand
Every eligible student in the first cohort received internship offers, with many securing full-time employment before completing the program. Many Huntsville area companies have recognized the value of SET graduates and the MBSE Modeler skills that they provide.
High Earning Potential
SET Interns earned between $18 and $25 per hour during their internship placements. Full-time salaries have ranged from $60,000 to $85,000 annually.
SET Academy Curriculum
01
Introduction to Systems Engineering
An introductory course covering systems engineering (SE) principles, objectives, and methodologies, emphasizing SE and its relationship with other disciplines.
02
Systems Modeling I
The first course in the systems modeling sequence introduces students to the tools and concepts necessary to create a representative SE model, focusing on nine key diagram types.
03
MBSE in the Digital Environment
This course focuses on the integration of disparate models and data types, emphasizing the use of modeling programs, data structures, and languages commonly used in industry.
04
Systems Modeling II
This is the second course in the modeling sequence, advancing students’ knowledge of systems modeling and the tools required to create complex SE models.
05
Systems Modeling III
This is the final course in the modeling sequence. It focuses on model presentation to industry management, model scope, and planning content.
06
Capstone Project
A real-world project course where students work in teams to interact with industry partners, develop models, and present their findings, integrating all previous learning.
How SET Academy benefits your college
Turnkey Solution:
Complete curriculum materials, faculty training, and continuous support to ensure a smooth integration into your existing STEM programs.
Proven Results:
Strong internship and job placement rates from companies eager to hire SET certified graduates for MBSE modeler roles.
Courses Designed with Industry:
All courses were designed in consultation with leading academic and industry professionals from leading defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing companies, ensuring your students learn the right skills to prepare them for success.
Ready to include the SET Academy in your college’s course offering?
Schedule a call so that we can discuss any further questions you may have. We are happy to walk you through the curriculum and explain how we support a college in implementing a new SET Academy program. We can also share more detailed information or connect you with another Community College implementing the SET Program.
What others have said
Can’t keep up with demand
We have more employers seeking SET graduates than we have students in the program. The demand for these MBSE skills remains strong, and every eligible student has secured internships and full-time positions.
Ron Porter | Calhoun Community College, SET Instructor
Gave me confidence
The concepts I learned created a strong framework for understanding the structure and behavior of the Artemis rockets and missions. I am not an engineer, but I am comfortable with the engineering language thanks to the SET program.
Linda | Currently supporting NASA
It provided me an opportunity
Being a lover of engineering and associated tasks but not being an engineer, the SET program seemed to be the perfect niche for me.
Bryan | Currently supporting U.S. ground-based midcourse defense
It helped me change my career
The SET program changed the career path I thought I would be taking…Now, I enjoy going to work to see what new product, project, or model I will be working on and where this product, project, and model will lead down the road.
Gina | Currently an MBSE leader for a defense contractor
What I learned was valuable
The most satisfying part of this project [SET Capstone] has been using all of the modeling skills we learned over four semesters. I see myself working on complex projects and am interested in exploration projects such as the Space Launch System and Human Landing System.
Jackson | Currently enrolled in a university engineering program
Frequently Asked
Questions
How is Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) being used in the industry today?
Companies utilize MBSE to streamline processes and enhance system lifecycle management in complex projects by providing a digital model for system design and testing, which improves collaboration, reduces risks, and accelerates innovation. Additionally, MBSE plays a crucial role in Industry 4.0 digital transformation by integrating with digital thread initiatives to connect various stages of the product lifecycle, thereby enhancing communication and collaboration while reducing development and design risks
How does the SET curriculum align with the goals of the DoD’s IBAS program?
The SET Academy supports the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program by addressing workforce shortages in the U.S. defense industrial base. Through the IBAS grant, the SET curriculum focuses on developing Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) talent, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for critical roles in the defense and aerospace industries. This initiative aligns with the primary objective of IBAS to strengthen the defense industrial base, contributing to Industry 4.0 digital transformation by fostering a skilled workforce capable of leveraging advanced digital tools and methodologies.
Where is MBSE being used?
MBSE is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing to streamline product development and integrate complex systems efficiently. It enhances digital transformation in electrical and electronic engineering by supporting comprehensive system modeling and improving decision-making. Additionally, MBSE connects various stages of the product lifecycle across engineering disciplines, ensuring traceability and collaboration among stakeholders.
How does the SET curriculum integrate with our existing STEM courses?
The SET curriculum can be a stand-alone program that provides students with SET Credentials or integrated into a broader associate degree program, such as Computer Information Systems or Engineering. Additionally, the integration of the SET curriculum can be customized to support a college’s specific needs, ensuring that it complements and enhances existing STEM courses while aligning with institutional goals and student career pathways.
What kind of faculty support is provided?
A college’s faculty receives comprehensive training and continuous support to ensure they are equipped to teach advanced systems engineering concepts aligned with MBSE and digital engineering. DigitalWERX, a partner in advancing MBSE education, provides ongoing support to help update curriculum changes, ensuring alignment with evolving industry best practices. This support includes customizing integration to meet the specific needs of the college, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the SET curriculum within existing STEM courses.
What is the cost of licensing the SET Academy curriculum?
The cost to license varies based on the size of your institution and the level of support required. This curriculum is fully developed and comes with a complete lesson plan, supporting documents, classroom slides, and access to simulation models and the software needed to operate. Contact us to discuss licensing options tailored to your needs.
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