Airplane getting ready at terminal (by mnimage for Adobe Stock)
Boeing’s Digital Systems Engineering office has chosen the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering as one of six universities nationwide to participate in a pioneering initiative that will reshape graduate-level systems engineering education.
The two-year pilot program will integrate Boeing’s industry expertise into the college’s Master of Systems Engineering (MSSE) curriculum through guest lectures, adjunct faculty positions and content development.
“We are honored that our systems engineering program has been selected as a partner in this groundbreaking initiative with Boeing’s Digital & Systems Engineering Office,” said Daniel Georgiadis, director of the Systems Engineering Program at the joint college. “This recognition affirms the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty and the talent of our students.”
The partnership joins FAMU-FSU Engineering with other leading institutions, including Cornell University, Colorado State University, University of Arizona, University of Alabama Huntsville, and University of Detroit Mercy. These universities were selected based on their demonstrated excellence in systems engineering education.
Austin Renwick, Senior Systems Engineer at Boeing, emphasized the program’s broader impact. “This alliance aims to strengthen critical skills and improve systems engineering education,” Renwick said. “We look forward to expanding this initiative and sharing our insights through partnerships, including with the International Council on Systems Engineering’s Academic Council.”
Strategic Growth and Industry Alignment
Since its 2018 launch, the MSSE program has achieved unprecedented growth, becoming the fastest-expanding graduate program in the history of both Florida A&M University and Florida State University. The program’s success builds on its strategic location at Florida State University Panama City campus, positioned near major defense contractors including its founding partner, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division.
The program’s hybrid delivery model, offering both in-person and online options, has attracted a diverse student body including veterans, active-duty military personnel, civil service employees, and defense contractor professionals worldwide.
“Boeing’s strategic partnership with Florida A&M University continues to expand, delivering significant value to Boeing, both universities, and joint college students,” said Nathan Brooks, Ph.D., Senior Technical Fellow and Boeing’s Innovation Lead for FAMU. Brooks, who made history as the university’s first Ph.D. recipient in electrical engineering in 2004, now coordinates Boeing research contracts with FAMU and joint college faculty.
Future-Focused Curriculum Development
According to David Gross, a systems engineering faculty member, the partnership will enhance the student experience through direct exposure to industry challenges and professional networking opportunities. The program is also preparing to launch new elective courses and a graduate certificate in “Digital Transformation of Systems Engineering.”
“This partnership is not just an investment in our program—it’s an investment in the next generation of engineers who will drive innovation in aerospace, defense and beyond,” Georgiadis said.
The collaboration aims to strengthen Boeing’s systems engineering workforce while advancing the field through academic-industry partnership, positioning FAMU-FSU Engineering at the forefront of systems engineering education.
RELATED ARTICLES
Online Masters in Engineering Program Debuts in Top 50 for National Rankings
New Industry-Standard Certification Added to Engineering Degree Program