Graduates of the Master of Science in Systems Engineering are capable of designing and managing complex multidisciplinary engineering systems with a rigorous systems engineering approach. The research component of the thesis- and project-based M.S. programs equip students with cutting edge skills in specific focus areas, preparing them for future career opportunities. Choose from more than 40 course options, and attend online, in-person, or hybrid. Engage with industry-connected professors and peers on transformative engineering projects.
- The Plan A degree prepares students for research, offering skills applicable in academia and industry. Students will design and manage complex multidisciplinary engineering systems using a rigorous systems engineering approach. A thesis enables students to focus on a specific area of their choice, preparing them for the next level of graduate education or a robust career in industry.
- The Plan B degree prepares students for careers as researchers or practitioners in industry. It requires completion of a project with formal report. The required final project will focus on a specific problem or system of their choice, and will demonstrate readiness for advancement in an industry career.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Effectively analyze, design, or implement integrated system solutions.
- Effectively use SE tools such as modeling and simulation of a system.
- Analyze systems interfaces between stakeholder, technical domains effectively and efficiently.
- Exemplify a variety of roles in multi-disciplinary teams including systems engineer, technical expert, and leader.
- Contribute technically to the systems engineering field of knowledge, governance, policy, program management, or planning.
Effective Fall 2025
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in Depth - Select 15 credits: | 15 | |
| Engineering Project and Program Management | ||
or CIS 600A | Project Management: Information Technology | |
or CIS 670 | Advanced IT Project Management | |
| Engineering Optimization: Method/Application | ||
| Intelligent Decision Support Systems | ||
| Intellectual Property and Invention Systems | ||
| Engineering Risk Analysis | ||
| Spaceflight and Biological Systems | ||
| Modeling Human Systems Behavior | ||
| Design Analysis of Engineering Experiments | ||
| AR/VR Biometrics and Sensing for Training | ||
| Electrical Power Engineering | ||
| Coupled Electromechanical Systems | ||
| Simulation Modeling and Experimentation | ||
| Grid Integration of Wind Energy Systems | ||
| Foundations of Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Thinking for the Real World | ||
| Control Engineering for System Engineers | ||
| Systems Sensing and Imaging Analysis | ||
| Overview of Systems Engineering Processes | ||
| Dynamics of Complex Engineering Systems | ||
| Human Systems Integration | ||
| Space Mission Analysis and Design | ||
| Engineering Data Design and Visualization | ||
| Systems-Based AR/VR Environmental Realism | ||
| Augmented/Virtual Reality Systems Development | ||
| Security Engineering for Systems Engineers | ||
| Secure Vehicle and Industrial Networking | ||
| Transitions in Energy Systems | ||
| Systems Engineering Architecture | ||
| Cybersecurity Awareness for Systems Engineers | ||
| Analytics in Systems Engineering | ||
| Cost Optimization for Systems Engineers | ||
| Systems Requirements Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Systems Test and Evaluation | ||
| Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering | ||
| Technical Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Thesis | ||
| SYSE 699 | Thesis | 9 |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select technical elective credits with approval by student’s advisor. SE Department maintains an extensive list of possible suggested electives, or new courses may be approved on an individual basis. A maximum of 6 credit hours are permitted at the 400-level. The remainder must be at the 500-level or above.
Effective Fall 2025
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Courses in Depth - Select 15 credits: | 15 | |
| Engineering Project and Program Management | ||
or CIS 600A | Project Management: Information Technology | |
or CIS 670 | Advanced IT Project Management | |
| Engineering Optimization: Method/Application | ||
| Intelligent Decision Support Systems | ||
| Intellectual Property and Invention Systems | ||
| Engineering Risk Analysis | ||
| Spaceflight and Biological Systems | ||
| Modeling Human Systems Behavior | ||
| Design Analysis of Engineering Experiments | ||
| AR/VR Biometrics and Sensing for Training | ||
| Electrical Power Engineering | ||
| Coupled Electromechanical Systems | ||
| Simulation Modeling and Experimentation | ||
| Grid Integration of Wind Energy Systems | ||
| Foundations of Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Thinking for the Real World | ||
| Control Engineering for System Engineers | ||
| Systems Sensing and Imaging Analysis | ||
| Overview of Systems Engineering Processes | ||
| Dynamics of Complex Engineering Systems | ||
| Human Systems Integration | ||
| Space Mission Analysis and Design | ||
| Engineering Data Design and Visualization | ||
| Systems-Based AR/VR Environmental Realism | ||
| Augmented/Virtual Reality Systems Development | ||
| Security Engineering for Systems Engineers | ||
| Secure Vehicle and Industrial Networking | ||
| Transitions in Energy Systems | ||
| Systems Engineering Architecture | ||
| Cybersecurity Awareness for Systems Engineers | ||
| Analytics in Systems Engineering | ||
| Cost Optimization for Systems Engineers | ||
| Systems Requirements Engineering | ||
| Introduction to Systems Test and Evaluation | ||
| Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering | ||
| Technical Electives 1 | 12 | |
| Research | ||
| SYSE 695 | Independent Study 2 | 3 |
| Program Total Credits: | 30 | |
A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
- 1
Select technical elective credits with approval by student’s advisor. SE Department maintains an extensive list of possible suggested electives, or new courses may be approved on an individual basis. A maximum of 6 credit hours are permitted at the 400-level. The remainder must be at the 500-level or above.
- 2
SYSE 695 requires the student to complete a systems engineering project, in collaboration with a faculty member, with a formal report on the results. This culminating project will incorporate a range of skills learned in SE coursework, and can be academic or applied in nature. The project is evaluated by the student's committee to meet the scholarly expectations for a Plan B degree.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |