Doctor of Systems Engineering

Earn your Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering from CSU

As the technology we use becomes increasingly more complex and interconnected, the need for skilled systems engineers is growing, particularly in industries like aerospace, aviation, power and energy, and information technology. This program is intended to help create the next generation of leaders in the field of systems engineering. Coursework reflects the rigor and depth expected of a professional doctorate program and emphasizes strategic problem solving, advanced leadership and business skills, and the knowledge required to address enterprise-level systems engineering challenges.

A program designed for engineering professionals

Developed with practicing engineers in mind, CSU’s Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering program provides advanced training and in-depth knowledge that can be used to solve complex, real-world problems. As a participant in this program, you will study both the theoretical framework of systems engineering and the technical applications needed to organize, manage, and implement projects in a range of industry settings. Interdisciplinary skills and the applied aspects of systems engineering are fundamental elements of this program’s core curriculum.

Ideal candidates for this systems engineering degree have considerable industry experience in addition to support from their current employer or organization. After being accepted, doctoral candidates in this program are assigned an advisory committee, which will include a faculty member with industry experience.

How does the Doctor of Engineering differ from a Ph.D.?

While CSU’s Ph.D. in Systems Engineering is primarily focused on systems engineering theory and scholarship (an excellent path for anyone interested in teaching), this professional doctorate program is centered on the practice and application of systems engineering principles. After being equipped with a greater depth of knowledge, graduates of this program will be prepared to seek advancement opportunities and take on leadership roles in their industry of choice.

Learn from leaders in engineering scholarship and research

By participating in this program, you will have the opportunity to study under faculty with decades of experience in applying engineering research to real-world challenges. Because CSU faculty often incorporate their own scholarship and work into the curriculum, you will also have access to some of the groundbreaking research currently taking place at the College of Engineering.

To learn more about the faculty members associated with the systems engineering doctorate program, please visit the Systems Engineering website.

The highly selective nature of this program maintains the integrity and quality of the student experience.

Requirements

• A minimum of 72 credits must be completed. Students with an applicable master’s degree may have up to 30 credits apply, such that they take 42 credits at CSU for the D.Eng.
• The D.Eng. requires students to complete a qualifying process (B grade or higher earned in all coursework toward the degree), an oral preliminary examination, and an oral final examination in addition to the finished dissertation document based on the practicum work. All D.Eng. students are considered provisional until they complete the qualifying process and preliminary exam.
• Course substitutions, if permitted, must be approved by your department and faculty advisor.

Once admitted, please stay in touch with your department and faculty advisors and reference Department Resources and the SE Handbook to ensure you are meeting all program requirements.

Practicum Sponsor Expectations

All D.Eng. applicants are expected to create a formal arrangement with an industry stakeholder that will serve on their formal advisory committee to assist with the practicum experience and dissertation evaluation. This industry representative role is called the ‘practicum sponsor,’ and D.Eng. students are responsible for always ensuring they have an active practicum sponsor while in the D.Eng. program. Doctoral students must complete an annual evaluation with their faculty research advisor and practicum sponsor every year to continue degree progress.

More information about the practicum sponsor minimum requirements and expectations can be found in the application checklist for the D.Eng. program.

Curriculum

The D.Eng. program requires a minimum of 18 credits of SE coursework selected to be relevant to your practicum project and a minimum of 6 applied/professional electives to fulfill coursework requirements. The degree also requires a minimum of 9 credits of SYSE 786 practicum and a minimum of 9 credits of SYSE 799B dissertation: professional doctorate, taken over the duration of your program, to reflect effort toward your practicum and written dissertation projects. Completion of SYSE 710 and faculty advisor permission is required before your first semester of SYSE 786 registration.

Course delivery options allow you to study when and where it works best for you, whether that is streaming the lecture from your computer while it's happening live on campus or watching a recorded version at a time more convenient for you.

Please check with the SE department for a complete list of course options. When registration for a term is open, use our Credit Courses Page to search and register for online courses.

Before applying to this program, it is strongly recommended that you contact the Systems Engineering Department to understand all requirements.

Application Deadlines

The Doctor of Engineering is a highly competitive program with limited openings. Your complete application is due by the following dates. If an applicant misses these dates, they will need to change their application term to the next term.