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.
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 |