Systems Engineering Master of Engineering (M.E.) – Systems Engineering Specialization, Master of Science (M.S.) in Systems Engineering

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
• Basic Statistics
• Calculus I
• GRE test scores or waiver.*

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
• Basic Statistics
• Calculus I
• GRE test scores or waiver.*
• 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

*Applicants who have earned a degree from a US institution qualify for a GRE score waiver. Please contact the department for waiver after your application is submitted and complete.

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.

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

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• 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.

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 verifiable e-transcripts, and must come directly from the previous institution. All transcripts submitted by applicants themselves are considered unofficial.

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

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.

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.