The Systems Engineering Program at Stevens Institute of Technology has developed the Open Academic Model (OAM) to guide its strategic planning and operations since its founding in 2001. Guided by OAM, the Stevens Systems Engineering Program (SSEP) has grown from inception in 2001 into one of the largest in the US. The main objectives of the present research are: (1) to formally define and characterize OAM, its principles and related implementations strategies for the first time, and (2) to evaluate the effect of OAM on the impact of SSEP for the period 2001-2010, which is measured based on a predefined set of impact criteria related to size, quality, scholarly publications, and faculty leadership. OAM is based on five main principles: (1) "Broad Partnerships," (2) "Blurred Boundaries," (3) "Agile Environment," (4) "Community Sharing," and (5) "Second-Career Faculty." Evaluation of their effects on the impact of SSEP revealed that OAM: (1) led SSEP into one of the largest systems centric systems engineering programs in the US, (2) had a direct effect on the impact of SSEP to grow and offer the best SE education tailored to sponsors' needs, (3) enhanced SSEP's reputation within industry and academia, (4) helped SSEP corporate partners to successfully deploy SE concepts and appreciate the value-added of SE to their organizations, and (5) enabled hiring executives from industry to share their leadership and SE expertise through teaching, research, and administrative duties. Given the challenges facing engineering education as a whole and SE education in particular, OAM is a novel model that can be applied at other institutions, especially smaller ones that have flexible policies and the right leadership team. Further recommendations for improvements of OAM and its implementation at Stevens as well as at other SE programs are provided. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]