Program Overview

Online Master's in Systems Engineering

The fully online Master's in Systems Engineering program examines the systems lifecycle, providing students with the skillset to manage the planning, analysis, design, development, integration, testing, implementation, operations, and maintenance of complex systems. The program integrates industry software into courses to ensure students are equipped with the latest knowledge to effectively lead projects.

Program Features

• Rigorous study in Systems Engineering fundamentals with options in computer and electrical engineering, engineering management, and other graduate disciplines
  • Taught by experienced faculty who are also successful professionals in the systems engineering field
  • Highly interactive online method designed to challenge and engage, while remaining convenient for working professionals
  • Established online program with strong reputation among regional and national companies
  • Taught by a dedicated faculty with significant systems engineering experience in both industry and academia
  • Customizable curriculum allows students to take electives from any engineering discipline
  • Collaborative opportunities that leverage many global industrial partnerships

What is a Systems Engineering Degree?

A Systems Engineering degree focuses on the design, creation, and operation of systems. Most programs study a wide range of mathematical and scientific concepts to understand how a system operates, then explore ways to apply this knowledge to make the system more efficient or easier to use.

What Does a Systems Engineer Do?

Systems engineers coordinate the creation, maintenance, and expansion of computer systems within an organization. They are often the main interface between managers, customers, suppliers, and specialty engineers in the systems development process.

Industries for Systems Engineers

Due to the broad nature of the work, a systems engineer may pursue a career in many industries, from software development and robotics to aerospace, nanotechnology, or civil engineering. Many will choose a specific niche:

• Software Systems Engineer: Research, design, develop, and test operating systems software.
• Solar Energy Systems Engineer: Design energy-efficient and solar projects for residential, commercial, or industrial clients.
• Logistics Systems Engineer: Design or analyze projects to optimize transportation, routing, shipping, and the distribution of finished goods.
• Aerospace Systems Engineer: Design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.
• Automotive Systems Engineers: Develop new or improved designs for vehicle parts, engines, transmissions, and other related systems.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits. Students can transfer up to 15 quarter credits from their institution, pending review from the Program Director.

Core Courses (30 Credits)

Electives (15 Credits)

Complete any five of the following electives:

• Engineering Statistics Elective
• Systems Design & Development Electives
• Systems Reliability & Logistics Electives
• Systems Engineering Leadership Electives
• Power Systems & Energy Electives
• Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Electives
• Other Approved Electives

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university.
• A bachelor's degree in science (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.) is also acceptable, but students may be required to take extra undergraduate or graduate courses.
• An undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 as well as any subsequent graduate-level work.

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one professional)
• An essay of 500-750 words answering specific questions about why the student wishes to pursue the MS in Systems Engineering and why they believe they will succeed in the program
• Resume
• Additional requirements for International Students

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 15 quarter credits from an accredited institution. Transfer credit decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $691 per credit, which represents a 50% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1382 per credit. A graduate online program fee of $125 per year applies to students enrolled in an online graduate academic program.

Academic Calendar

The academic calendar includes four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, with specific start and end dates for classes and exams for each term.

Quarter to Semester Converter

A tool is provided to convert quarter credits to semester credits, as one semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.