Program Overview

M.S. in Systems Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Systems Engineering is a career-oriented program. Graduates of this program will be able to work in multiple engineering disciplines and successfully lead a team working on a complex engineering problem in a real-world environment. Through their foundation of coursework, ability to solve problems, and understanding of issues related to engineering and project management, students will be prepared to work in a wide spectrum of industries, such as defense, aerospace, biotechnology, power and energy, cybersecurity, machine learning and AI, automation and manufacturing, chip design, and robotics, among many others.

A preliminary analysis of the need for this program has been conducted by the University. Evidence that supports the demand for this program was assessed by utilizing Lightcast software and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, evaluating competitor institutions, and reviewing job demand in local industries and organizations. Overall, engineers with graduate degrees can earn up to 28% more than bachelor’s degree holders over the course of their career and 10% more in year-over-year salary. The outlook for systems engineering jobs is very good, with demand for employment expected to grow 3-5% annually (about 13,600 jobs each year) through 2029, on pace with the national average, but in many specific industries such as defense, power, cybersecurity, where the M.S. in Systems Engineering program is offering specializations - the demand is much stronger, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Systems Engineering jobs in these areas are expected to grow by 9.6% in the State of New Jersey ) according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook.

Additionally, the engineering sector overall will need to grow by 15% in the next decade to accommodate the increasing need for engineers and replace new and anticipated retirees, many of whom are exiting the workforce having reached managerial status. Success as an engineering manager cannot be reached through engineering expertise alone, however; the IEEE (Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers) maintains that non-technical abilities such as interpersonal communication, adaptability, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and other managerial skills play an essential role in employment decisions, promotion, and overall career development for those seeking management roles. These are some of the skills that are particularly highlighted in Systems Engineering.

Curriculum

The Rowan University Master’s of Science in Systems Engineering program requires the completion of 30 semester hours. The M.S. in Systems Engineering program can be completed in a thesis or professional (course-only
on-thesis) track. In the thesis track, 6 credits will be thesis work.

• 10 Courses / 30 Semester Hours
• Foundation Courses: Yes
• Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: Yes
  • Students will graduate with the M.S. degree upon completion of 30 credits as per the program requirements. Thesis-track students will require successful completion of a thesis defense.
  • Complete 30 graduate credits from approved courses with a GPA of 2.7 or higher.
  • Grades in the required courses must be a B- or better.
  • No more than two elective courses with a C or C+ may be counted towards graduation requirements.
  • Grades of C- or lower may not be used towards graduation requirements.
  • Students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is also required to graduate.
  • Thesis track students must successfully complete 6 credits of thesis work, and pass the thesis defense.

Coursework

The following list includes titles of foundational coursework for the M.S. in Systems Engineering program:

• Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
• Model Based Engineering

Elective study may also be available in the following areas:

• Combat Systems Engineering
• Cybersecurity Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Power Systems Engineering
• Wind Energy Systems
• Project Management
• Engineering Analytics and Quality Control
• Software Engineering
• Cybersecurity Principles

Admission Requirements

The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

• Completed Application Form
• $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
• Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in science, engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better (on a 4.0 scale)
• Current professional resume
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives
• Two letters of recommendation
• TOEFL language test (International)
• WES evaluation (International)

Deadlines, Tuition and Financial Aid

Entry Terms & Deadlines Tuition Financial Aid

The chart below details available entry terms for the Master of Science in Systems Engineering program as well as corresponding application deadlines. Submitting the Application Form is only the first step to beginning the admission process. All of the required materials listed above must be received on or before the application completion deadline for your desired entry term to be considered for admission to that term. We encourage you to complete the application form and begin submitting your materials at least one month before the deadline indicated.

Entry Term | Application Deadline | International Deadline
---|---|---
Fall | July 1 | July 1
Spring | November 1 | November 1
Summer | April 1 | N/A

Rates

We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.