Program Overview

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Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering

The Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering is a cohort-based online master's degree program that encourages systems engineering students to build ties and gain perspectives from their peers in other disciplines. This program is designed to help students develop heterogeneous engineered solutions to complex problems using contemporary methods, processes, and tools.

Program Summary

• Collaborate with peers to learn to identify, analyze, and manage complex systems and processes.
• Develop skills to analyze associated tradespaces that system interdependencies generate to identify optimal solution alternatives.
• Use integrated models and simulations for multi-level system analysis and practices.
• Manage budgets and schedules of large-scale projects and programs while working effectively and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.

Program Details

Credits and Costs

• 36 credits
• $1,037 per credit

Nationally Recognized

• Our graduate engineering programs are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Broaden Your Skills with a Systems Engineering Degree

• Develop heterogeneous engineered solutions to complex problems using contemporary methods, processes, and tools.
• Analyze the associated tradespaces that system interdependencies generate to identify optimal solution alternatives.
• Use integrated models and simulations for multi-level system analysis and practices.
• Manage the budgets and schedules of large-scale projects and programs while working effectively and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.

Your Systems Engineering Online Courses

The systems engineering program consists of 12 core courses taken over six continuous semesters, with each semester containing two 7-week terms. You can also select courses recognized as equivalent to the INCOSE certification knowledge exam and give yourself a competitive edge. You will study identification, modeling, analysis, architecture, integration, and risk management of complex systems and processes.

Required Courses (36 credits)

Year 1, Semester 1

• SYSEN 520: Systems Engineering (3 credits)
• SYSEN 850: Creativity and Problem Solving I (3 credits)

Year 1, Semester 2

• SYSEN 805: Technical Project Management (3 credits)
• SYSEN 532: Simulation in Systems Engineering: Discrete-Time Systems (3 credits)

Year 1, Semester 3

• SYSEN 522: Systems Verification Validation and Testing (3 credits)
• SYSEN 507: Systems Thinking (3 credits)

Year 2, Semester 4

• SYSEN 534: Simulation in Systems Engineering: Continuous-Time Systems (3 credits)
• SYSEN 536: Decision and Risk Analysis in Engineering (3 credits)

Year 2, Semester 5

• SYSEN 555: Invention and Creative Design (3 credits)
• SYSEN 886: Requirements Engineering (3 credits)

Year 2, Semester 6

• SYSEN 880: Systems Architecture and Models (3 credits)
• SYSEN 594: Master's Paper Research (3 credits)

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.

Advance Your Career

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

Graduates have become systems engineers, lead engineers, principal engineers, engineering managers, and project managers in fields such as aerospace and aviation, government and defense, and manufacturing.

• Computer Systems Analyst
• Human Factors Engineer
• Process Improvement Engineer
• Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
• Operations Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Quality Engineer
• System Architect
• Systems Analyst
• Systems Engineer

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

• Computer Systems Analysts: 10.7% employment growth (10 years), 497,800 total employment
• Computer Occupations, All Other: 10.8% employment growth (10 years), 439,380 total employment
• Industrial Engineers: 12.2% employment growth (10 years), 350,230 total employment
• Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers: 11.8% employment growth (10 years), 199,800 total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

• Opportunities to connect with employers
• Career counselor/coach support
• Occupation and salary information
• Internships
• Graduate school resources

Earn Stackable Credentials on the Way to Your Degree

Earn graduate certificates while you work toward your degree. It’s a great way to quickly gain new skills and add valuable credentials to your résumé — without any additional course work, course fees, or application fees.

Complete All of These Certificates (33 credits)

• Life-Cycle System Design (Graduate Certificate)
• System Modeling and Analysis (Graduate Certificate)
• System Quality & Risk Evaluation (Graduate Certificate)
• Technical Management (Graduate Certificate)

Complete Your Degree in Two Years

Students in this cohort-based program will work closely with a group of peers to complete all course requirements within two years.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

How to Apply to Penn State

Application Instructions

1. Review the admission requirements.
2. Gather your required materials.
3. Create a Penn State login account.
4. Review Stackable Credentials Application Fee Waiver and Transfer Credit Policy
5. Read the application instructions.
6. Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor.

Faculty

• Mohamad Darayi
• Joanna F. DeFranco
• Nil Ergin
• Kathryn Jablokow
• Mohamad Kassab
• Phillip A. Laplante
• Ashkan Negahban
• Colin Neill
• Raghvinder S. Sangwan
• Kailasam Satyamurthy
• Doug Schumer

News

Penn State featured in U.S. News’ 2025 ‘Best Online Programs’ rankings

This Penn Stater’s job is ‘out of this world’

Student Success Story

The Penn State systems engineering master's program was the perfect avenue to fulfill my own interests and to help the USAF improve its acquisition processes.

— Neil Barnas, Arlington, VA

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Cost
11 or fewer	$1,037 per credit
12 or more	$12,448 per semester

2026–27 Academic Year Rates

Cost
11 or fewer	$1,048 per credit
12 or more	$12,572 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

• visit the Tuition Information site
• click the plus sign to expand the table
• select a semester from the World Campus row

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.