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Systems Engineering - Online Graduate Programs

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Study with an internationally recognized engineering institution. Our online programs in systems engineering train you to solve complex methodological problems that exist across a variety of industries.

Systems Engineering Ph.D.
The online Ph.D. prepares students to become leaders in systems engineering by contributing original research to the field throughout coursework. This will drive advancements and lead to improvements in your area of focus for your company, and the discipline as a whole.

Systems Engineering M.S. or M.E.
CSU's online system's engineering graduate program offers two master's degrees, a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science. Content for both degrees covers technical and management processes to systems design.

Graduate Certificate - Systems Engineering Practice
This graduate certificate is a four-course series that prepares students with the core competencies and skills needed to practice as a systems engineer.

What will this program offer me?

Systems engineering is a multi-disciplinary approach to managing complex projects that require systems thinking in order to take a product, or system, through its lifecycle, from concept to completion.

  • Learn to effectively manage technical teams through system development.
  • Build your engineering skills using quantitative analysis to reconcile conflicting requirements.
  • Learn to find the best solutions that take into account risk, cost, time, life cycle, organizations, or other existing systems.
  • Analyze, design, implement, and evaluate integrated system solutions to complex systems.

Skills that are immediately applicable to your career
CSU’s systems engineering programs give you exposure to state-of-the-art research and concepts that directly apply to issues you are currently facing at work. You can even incorporate work projects into your course assignments.

The reputation of a research university plus flexible course delivery options
Fit quality education into your busy life with options to watch recorded lectures, live lectures online, or attend a selection of courses in person at our south Denver metro location.

Programs at a glance
DeliveryOnline; select courses have in-person attendance options
CreditsM.E. 30 credits
M.S. 30 credits, including a thesis or independent study
Ph.D. 72 credits, including a dissertation
Tuition$666 - $985 per credit
Includes Student Services
Fees assessed separately
Financial aid is available; eligibility determined on an individual basis
Time frameVaries based on intensity of study and previous coursework
Degree AwardedMaster of Engineering; transcript reflects the systems engineering specialization, or Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering
Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice
Offered byCollege of Engineering
What will I learn?

Our online systems engineering programs cover topics in risk analysis, project management, and support systems to provide you with knowledge to strategically plan systems throughout a product life cycle, from concept to production to operation and retirement/replacement.

Master of Engineering (M.E.) - Systems Engineering Specialization

Our M.E. program begins with four core courses, which after completion, will earn you a systems engineering certificate. To finish your degree, you will then take in-depth courses, electives, and a collaborative group study. In certain semesters, select courses (noted by an asterisk below) can also be attended in-person at our South Metro Denver location.

Core courses
  • Information Technology and Project Management
    OR
  • Advanced IT Project Management
    OR
  • Engineering Project Management and Program Management *

  • Foundations of Systems Engineering *
  • Overview of Systems Engineering Processes *
  • Engineering Risk Analysis *
Courses in depth
  • Software Development Methodology
  • Electrical Power Engineering
  • Systems Engineering Architecture
  • Engineering Optimization: Method/Application
  • Engineering Decision Support/Expert Systems
  • Simulation Modeling and Experimentation
Electives

View a list of suggested electives. This list is not exhaustive. If you find a graduate-level technical course that pertains to your professional goals and/or the systems engineering field, please contact the SE program to check if it may apply as an elective.

Group study
  • Group Study in Systems Engineering

Master of Science (M.S.) in Systems Engineering

The degree is available with a thesis (Plan A) or a independent study (Plan B) option. Our M.S. program begins with a core systems engineering foundation and concludes with a thesis or independent study. In certain semesters, select courses (noted by an asterisk below) can also be attended in-person at our South Metro Denver location.

Systems Engineering courses
  • Information Technology and Project Management
  • Foundations of Systems Engineering *
  • Electrical Power Engineering
  • Energy Conversion for Electrical Power Systems
  • Systems Engineering Architecture
  • Engineering Optimization: Method/Application
  • Engineering Decision Support/Expert Systems
  • Overview of Systems Engineering Processes *
  • Engineering Risk Analysis *
  • Simulation Modeling and Experimentation
Electives

View a list of suggested electives. This list is not exhaustive. If you find a graduate-level technical course that pertains to your professional goals and/or the systems engineering field, please contact the SE program to check if it may apply as an elective.

Thesis
  • Plan A students only – Thesis
Independent study
  • Plan B students only – Independent Study

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering courses

Students with applicable master level degree – Select 18 credits.

Students without applicable master level degree – Select 21 credits.

  • Information Technology and Project Management
  • Foundations of Systems Engineering *
  • Electrical Power Engineering
  • Energy Conversion for Electrical Power Systems
  • Systems Engineering Architecture
  • Electrical Energy Generation Systems
  • Energy Storage for Electrical Power Systems
  • Energy Networks and Power Distribution Grids
  • Engineering Optimization: Methods and Applications
  • Engineering Decision Support/Expert Systems
  • Overview of Systems Engineering Processes *
  • Engineering Risk Analysis *
  • Simulation Modeling and Experimentation
Electives

Students with applicable master level degree – No electives permitted.

Students without applicable master level degree – Select 18 credits from a list of suggested electives. The list is not exhaustive. If you find a graduate-level technical course that pertains to your professional goals and/or the systems engineering field, please contact the SE program to check if it may apply as an elective.

Dissertation

Students with applicable master level degree – 24 credits

Students without applicable master level degree – 33 credits

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice

Required systems engineering courses
  • Foundations of Systems Engineering
  • Overview of Systems Engineering Processes
  • Engineering Risk Analysis
Select one course from the following:
  • Information Technology and Project Management
  • Advanced IT Project Management
  • Engineering Project and Program Management
What career opportunities will I have?

As companies grow larger and become more complex, they have a greater need to implement a systems approach to their operations. A graduate degree or certificate in systems engineering prepares students to better analyze risk and design, and implement a systems approach to product development in a broad variety of fields, including:

  • Aerospace and Space
  • Auto
  • Bioscience
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Transit
  • Government/Military

Application Deadlines

Full consideration is given to applicants who meet the given deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed as space within the program allows.

Fall semester July 1
Spring semester November 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

1Review Admission Requirements

Download the complete Systems Engineering Application Information Packet prior to starting the application process. This packet provides detailed information regarding CSU's Systems Engineering graduate programs, minimum application qualifications, criteria for admission, and more.

Master of Engineering (M.E.) - 30 credits minimum

  • B.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution in engineering, business, life sciences, or natural sciences with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Calculus I
  • Basic Statistics
  • GRE test scores are required if all previous degrees were conferred by an institution outside of the U.S

Master of Science (M.S.) - 30 credits minimum

  • B.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution in engineering, mathematics, or a science discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Calculus I
  • Basic Statistics
  • GRE test scores are required if all previous degrees were conferred by an institution outside of the U.S
  • M.S. Plan A (thesis required) – 21 hours coursework with 9 credit hours of thesis work
  • M.S. Plan B (project required) – 27 hours of coursework with 3 credit hours of project work
  • For Plan A, a faculty advisor must be secured before admission to the program (the Systems staff will review application materials to determine faculty alignment). It is also the responsibility of the applicant to establish rapport with faculty in a professional manner once all application materials have been submitted.
  • Plan B does not require an advisor prior to admittance

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  • B.S. degree from a regionally accredited institution in engineering, mathematics, or a science discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or greater
  • Calculus I
  • Basic Statistics
  • GRE test scores are required if all previous degrees were conferred by an institution outside of the U.S

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice

  • Candidates for the certificate program must have completed a bachelor of science in engineering, business, life sciences, or natural sciences from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. A basic statistics course and Calculus I are required.

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

  • Three letters of recommendation
    Three professional recommendations are required. We recommend letters come from faculty, supervisors, etc. who can accurately speak to your skills. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
    (2 pages MAXIMUM) The statement of purpose is typically one or two pages and is meant to address the Systems Engineering Admissions Committee and why you would be a good fit for the program. Topics may include, but are not limited to:
    • Your relevant professional/academic background and skills
    • Why you are interested in Systems Engineering – provide specific areas of interest and application
    • Why you are interested in CSU’s program and what you can contribute to CSU

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for transcripts to move your application forward.

  • M.E. – Select "Systems Engineering (M.E.) – Distance" when choosing the program of study.
  • M.S. – Select "Systems Engineering (M.S.) – Distance" when choosing the program of study.
  • Ph.D. – Select "Systems Engineering (Ph.D.) – Distance" when choosing the program of study
  • Graduate Certificate – Select "Systems Engineering Practice (Certificate) – Distance" when choosing the program of study. (Note: You must first select "Certificate" at the top.)

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Official transcripts can either be mailed in or sent as e-transcripts.

Send e-transcripts to: gradadmissions@colostate.edu

Send paper copies to:
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

  • View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
  • Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

Information for International Students

Include the following items in addition to those listed above:

  • Official transcript
    Ensure official copies include a certified translation into English. Only one set of transcripts per institution is required.
  • Official TOEFL or PTE scores
    Submit official scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).
    Students are exempted from the TOEFL or IELTS or PTE requirement if the official language of their country is English or if they have recently earned a degree from an American University.
    The minimum score for applicants is 80 on the internet-based TOEFL test (550 on the paper-based test or 6.5 on the IELTS) or 58 on the PTE. Leave the department code blank. It generally takes 3-6 weeks for ETS to get the scores to CSU, so allow plenty of time. Photocopies will not be accepted.
    Visit ETS for more information.
  • Submit GRE Test Scores
    GRE test scores are required only if all previous degrees were conferred by an institution outside of the U.S.
    Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075 and leave the department code blank). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date.
    • All three sections — verbal, quantitative, and analytical — must be submitted. Photocopies are not accepted.
    • A GRE Preparation course is available face-to-face and online through CSU.

Questions? Contact a Student Success Coach for help with your application. Call (970) 492-4898.

Download a program brochure:

Master of Engineering »
Master of Science »
Ph.D. »
Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice »

Why Choose Colorado State University?

As a CSU Online student, you can expect:

  • Academic Excellence: Earn a highly respected, regionally accredited degree from a top-tier university that consistently earns top rankings.
  • Quality: Learn online from respected campus faculty and earn the same diploma awarded to on-campus students.
  • Value: Our affordable tuition rates are not impacted by residency, and financial aid is available for all programs.
  • Convenience: You have the flexibility of taking courses at times and locations that fit your life.

"By becoming Ph.D.-level scientists in both academia and industry, students will produce significant contributions in terms of original research to the field throughout their coursework, driving advancements and leading to improvements in energy efficiency, environmental impact, job creation, and economic growth."

Dr. Peter Young, co-chief creator of the systems engineering, Ph.D.

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