Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our list of top online master’s in systems engineering is Missouri University of Science & Technology, followed by Mississippi State University.
- Systems engineers are in demand across various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, healthcare, IT, and telecommunications.
- Graduates can pursue roles such as systems engineer, project manager, systems architect, and technical consultant.
- Systems engineers often enjoy competitive salaries, with higher earning potential as they gain experience and expertise.
- A master’s degree can open doors to leadership and management positions. You can specialize in areas such as cybersecurity, software systems, or industrial engineering, enhancing your expertise and marketability.
Jobs in engineering are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering positions are projected to grow much faster than the average occupation over the next several years. This includes openings for systems engineers.
With the rise in online learning, it’s never been easier to earn an advanced degree in this sub-field of engineering. In the ranking below, our editors outline the 15 best systems engineering online programs currently available.
Featured Programs
Rating and Ranking the Best Master’s in Systems Engineering Online
To develop this ranking of online systems engineering degrees, our editors searched the web for programs currently accepting new applicants. This initial inquiry yielded 40 total results. From there, we applied the affordability filter, eliminating schools with tuition exceeding $25,000 per year.
Finally, the site-wide graduate ranking methodology was applied. What follows are the 15 best online master’s in systems engineering programs.
Types of Systems Engineering Master’s Degrees Mentioned In This Ranking
- Master of Engineering: Systems Engineering
- MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Online MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Master of Engineering: Sustainable Systems Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
- MS in Systems and Engineering Management (SYEM)
- Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE)
#15—Old Dominion University
Master of Engineering: Systems Engineering
Points: 10
Tuition: $10,519
The comprehensive online master’s in systems engineering from Old Dominion University is a 31-credit hour Master of Engineering program with a concentration in Systems Engineering. Courses are delivered synchronously for maximum student engagement. Enrolled students will take classes such as:
- Mathematical and Computational Modeling in Systems Engineering
- System Risk and Failure Analysis
- Systems Architectures
- Systems Engineering Design
Students will also choose four elective courses to round out the curriculum. A capstone element is required of students during their final semester.
#14—Auburn University
MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Points: 11
Tuition: $10,836
The online master’s in systems engineering from Auburn University includes both thesis and non-thesis tracks and is available online or on campus. Requirements for the degree include:
- Engineering Economic Systems
- Advanced Engineering Statistics
- Linear Programming and Network Flow
Students will also complete a minimum of two elective classes as part of their plan of study. A thesis and/or research project may also be required as a capstone.
#13—University of Wisconsin- Madison
Master of Engineering: Sustainable Systems Engineering
Points: 11
Tuition: $10,728
The Master of Engineering in Sustainable Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Madison is one of the more unique systems engineering online programs in our ranking. Students who have an interest in both engineering and the environment can benefit from this standout offering. Courses required for the degree include:
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Environmental Sustainability Tools
- Sustainable Approaches to System Improvement
- Electromechanical Energy Conversion
Elective classes are also available, and an independent study component is required. Most students earn their online systems engineering degrees within 2-3 years.
#12—Iowa State University
Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Points: 11
Tuition: $10,572
The versatile master’s in systems engineering online program from Iowa State University can be pursued on a part-time or full-time basis. Students who elect to complete the program online will enroll in classes such as:
- Systems Engineering and Project Management
- Engineering Management Theory
- Decisions Analysis in Systems Design
- Requirements Engineering
Elective classes are also available and include:
- Engineering Risk Analysis
- Enterprise Modeling and Integration
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering
- Total Quality Management
An on-campus option is also available, and the program can be completed in as few as 3 semesters.
#11—University of Oklahoma
Online MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Points: 11
Tuition: $8,034
The online master’s in systems engineering program from the University of Oklahoma is a flexible MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering that can be completed fully online in as little as 2 years. The program features a strong alumni component and is comprised of courses such as:
- Simulation Modeling & Analysis
- Quality and Reliability Engineering
- Cost Engineering
- Fundamentals of Engineering Statistical Analysis
A practicum project is also required prior to graduation. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited the University of Oklahoma to award online systems engineering degrees.
#10—Texas Tech University
MS in Systems and Engineering Management (SYEM)
Points: 11
Tuition: $6,956
Texas Tech University offers an online master’s in systems engineering program from the renowned Whitacre College of Engineering and the Department of Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering. The program features both a thesis and non-thesis track as well as course titles such as:
- Simulation Models for Operations Analysis
- Total Quality Systems
- Engineering Management Environment
- Decision Theory and Management Science
Texas Tech is fully accredited by the Southern Commission on Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award online systems engineering degrees.
#9—University of Texas at El Paso
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Points: 11
Tuition: $5,865
The University of Texas at El Paso offers a master’s in systems engineering online from its Extended Campus. This 30-credit hour program can be completed fully online. Sample course titles include:
- Systems Requirements Analysis
- Systems Integration, Verification and Validation
- Systems Engineering Process
- Systems Architecture and Design
Graduates are prepared for success on the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) ASEP/CSEP professional certification exam. A practicum experience is required at the culmination of the program.
#8—The University of Arizona
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Points: 12
Tuition: $12,348
Designed for working professionals, the online MSSE program from the University of Arizona can be completed within just two years’ time. Prospective students can consider three different tracks, including thesis, project, and coursework-only options. Courses required for the degree include:
- Systems Engineering Processes
- Theory of Linear Systems
- Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Engineering Statistics
Students may also earn a graduate certificate in systems engineering without any additional coursework. Both The Higher Learning Commission and the WASC Senior College and University Commission have accredited the University of Arizona to award online systems engineering degrees.
#7—Weber State University
Online Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE)
Points: 12
Tuition: $8,089
The master’s in systems engineering online program offered through Weber State University is a highly flexible option that enables students to choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning on a daily basis. Still, the curriculum for the program is rigorous and includes course titles such as:
- Design For Operational Feasibility
- Overview of Systems Engineering Processes
- Engineering Project and Program Management
- Research Methods and Experimentation
Elective classes are also available. Students may choose to complete additional coursework or complete a design project at the culmination of the program.
#6—University of Utah
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Points: 12
Tuition: $7,353
The University of Utah is home to an interdisciplinary master’s in systems engineering online. This fully online MSSE program requires core knowledge courses such as:
- Discrete Event Systems Simulation
- Quality Assurance Engineering
- Systems Engineering and Integration
- Requirements Engineering and Management
In addition to the master’s degree, a fully online graduate certificate in systems engineering is also available. The University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#5—George Mason University
Systems Engineering MS
Points: 13
Tuition: $13,426
The versatile online master’s in systems engineering degree from George Mason University features three distinct concentrations:
- Architecture-Based Systems Integration
- Systems Engineering of Software Intensive Systems
- Systems Management
Despite their chosen specialty, all enrolled students will take core courses such as:
- System Management and Evaluation
- System Design and Integration
- System Definition and Cost Modeling
- Systems Engineering Principles
Both synchronous and asynchronous courses are available. Students must complete a capstone project to earn their online systems engineering degrees.
#4—Arizona State University
Master of Engineering: Systems Engineering
Points: 13
Tuition: $12,014
The online master’s in systems engineering from Arizona State is a Master of Engineering program with an emphasis in Systems Engineering. The robust curriculum for this flexible program consists of ten courses, including:
- Enterprise Modeling
- Design of Experiments
- Advanced Quality Control
- Engineering Administration
Students interested in Lean Six Sigma can earn their Black Belt certification as part of their master’s program. Five separate areas of emphasis are also available:
- Supply Chains
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Hardware
- Software
- Quality and Reliability
ASU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission to confer online systems engineering degrees.
#3—Purdue University
Master’s in Systems Engineering
Points: 13
Tuition: $9,718
The online master’s in systems engineering option from Purdue University is a graduate concentration that can be added to either the MS or MSE degree in Interdisciplinary Engineering. Sample course titles required for the concentration include:
- Models-Based Systems
- Systems Engineering Theory / Architecting
- Modeling Tools and Methods
- Analytics & Evaluation
A total of 30 credit hours is required, 18 of which must be completed at Purdue. Students enrolled in systems engineering online programs at Purdue may also qualify for a graduate certificate in this engineering sub-field.
#2—Mississippi State University
MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Points: 14
Tuition: $9,398
The affordable online master’s in systems engineering program from Mississippi State University is an MS option in Industrial and Systems Engineering. The program is highly versatile, offering five formal concentration options as well as thesis and non-thesis tracks. Students may concentrate their studies in one of the following areas:
- Industrial Systems
- Manufacturing Systems
- Operations Research
- Management Systems Engineering
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
Sample course titles include:
- Process Improvement Engineering
- Manufacturing Systems Modeling
- Engineering Economy
- Enterprise Systems Engineering
Mississippi State is accredited to award online systems engineering degrees by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#1—Missouri University of Science & Technology
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Points: 15
Tuition: $10,992
One of the leading providers of systems engineering online programs, Missouri S&T offers a fully online MSSE that can be completed with or without a thesis. Core courses required for the degree include:
- Information-Based Design
- Systems Life Cycle Costing
- Systems Engineering and Analysis
- Systems Architecting
Beyond core courses, online students can take courses to fulfill one of seven emphasis areas. Examples include:
- Computational Intelligence Engineering
- Cyber Physical Systems
- Model-Based Systems Engineering
- Financial Engineering
The university also offers a doctoral degree in systems engineering for students interested in continuing their education.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- GradReports: College and University Reviews
- National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
- PayScale.com: Best Colleges