Master of
Systems Engineering

Complex engineering projects are at the heart of modern business. In order to innovate, adapt, thrive, and survive, organizations must undertake efforts that require the coordination of different teams, the understanding of complex technology and tools, and the integration of interdepartmental work processes. Leaders who can effectively manage these efforts are in high demand across many industries. The Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree program prepares and qualifies students to take on such a role. Through this focused curriculum, students will establish a solid foundation of fundamental systems-engineering knowledge, learning how to apply a systems perspective to business and technology.

For applicants inclined toward research and later doctoral studies, the program offers a thesis track. Students enrolled in the thesis track can select thesis advisors from the participating faculty in the College of Engineering and the College of Business, as appropriate to individual faculty’s research interests. For applicants more interested in entering or returning to the workplace, the program offers a non-thesis track. Based on their background and interests, students applying for the non-thesis option can select between the two different tracks available, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. The Technical track concentrates on system design, analysis, and implementation, while the Engineering Management track concentrates on organization, process, and management. The M.S. in Systems Engineering delivers exceptional learning and an esteemed credential for systems engineers entering the field, engineers wishing to broaden their perspective or advance to management positions, and managers seeking the knowledge and skills necessary for engineering products and services from a systems perspective.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the ERAU admission requirements, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline, computer science, or the physical sciences. Any engineering degree earned in the United States must be from an ABET accredited program. Students should possess a strong academic record, demonstrated by a 3.0 CGPA or better. Applicants may be admitted conditionally with the provision that they complete specific undergraduate courses prior to enrolling in graduate courses.

Degree Requirements

Both thesis and non-thesis option require the completion of 30 credits with a common core of 12 credits program core.

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option - Technical Track

Non-Thesis Option - Engineering Management Track

Complex engineering projects are at the heart of modern business. In order to innovate, adapt, thrive, and survive, organizations must undertake efforts that require the coordination of different teams, the understanding of complex technology and tools, and the integration of interdepartmental work processes. Leaders who can effectively manage these efforts are in high demand across many industries.

The Master of Systems Engineering (MSYSE) degree program prepares and qualifies students to take on such a role. Through this focused curriculum, students will establish a solid foundation of fundamental systems-engineering knowledge, learning how to apply a systems perspective to business and technology.

The program is offered in two tracks, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals. The Technical track concentrates on system design, analysis, and implementation. The Engineering Management track concentrates on organization, process, and management.

The MSYSE delivers exceptional learning and an esteemed credential for systems engineers entering the field, engineers wishing to broaden their perspective or advance to management positions, and managers seeking the knowledge and skills necessary for engineering products and services from a systems perspective.

Program-Specific Criteria

Admissions Criteria

Applicants and students requesting an internal transfer to MSYSE should meet at least one of the following criteria-

• Applicant holds an undergraduate degree from an ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology program and has a 3.0 CGPA or higher on a 4.0 scale in that ABET program

OR

• Applicant has successfully completed an equivalent to both MATH 242 and STAT 211/222 and have a 3.0 CGPA or higher in their undergraduate program

Any applicants with graduate coursework must meet the established graduate transfer CGPA as well.

NOTE: Applicants who fail to satisfy the guidelines for full admission may be considered for possible conditional admission under circumstances determined by the Admissions Office or Program Chair. The candidate will be notified of academic conditions of admission, including specific information on required course prerequisites, at the time a decision is rendered. Students granted custom conditional admission must adhere to the individual terms outlined in their letter of admission and will remain on conditional status until they have satisfied the terms of their conditional admission.

In addition, applicants must submit

• Three (3) letters of recommendation, including one (1) from a recent instructor or trainer
  Download the MSYSE Program Recommendation Form 
• Resume outlining work experience, education, relevant activities and awards
• A type-written Statement of Objectives, demonstrating a strong capacity for written communication and addressing the following topic areas-
  • The applicant’s understanding, in their own words, of what Systems Engineering entails
  • The applicant’s background and exposure to engineering to-date, in both their academic and professional career
  • A statement of the particular MSYSE track the applicant intends to pursue (Technical or Management) and a discussion of why this election was made; If the applicant has chosen an elective set, disclosure and justification of elective selections may also be included
  • An explanation of the applicant’s overall academic and career objectives, including how the applicant believes that the MSYSE program will positively contribute to the achievement of stated goals

Current students requesting to transfer into the MSYSE program will be required to meet the same program requirements stated above.

Prerequisite Knowledge

The Master of Systems Engineering degree program is designed to instill specific skills and knowledge, with courses reinforcing one another, building toward student mastery. Access a  Curriculum Map, outlining the Program Outcomes and suggested sequencing of student coursework.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Core/Major

Electives

Estimated Cost of Attendance