If you love solving complex problems with logical and creative solutions, an online master’s in systems engineering could be your ticket to a high-paying, high-impact career. A systems engineering master’s equips you with the skills to qualify for top positions across a range of industries, from automotive engineering to computer systems analysis. Keep reading to explore the best online programs, how to apply, and what the job market looks like for graduates.
Author: Shannon Daigle
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate EducationEditor: Kristin Marino
- Which Student Are You?
Choosing the Right Systems Engineering Program for You
Read more - Program Spotlights
Spotlighting Three Systems Engineering Master's Programs
Read more - Classes
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Systems Engineering Master's Program?
Read more - Specializations
What are Some Specializations in Systems Engineering?
Read more - Cost
How Much Does an Online Systems Engineering Master's Cost?
Read more - Salary/Pay
Systems Engineering Salary Outlook with a Master's Degree
Read more - FAQs
Systems Engineering Degree FAQs
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master’s in Systems Engineering Programs
Read more
Choosing the Right Systems Engineering Program for You
If you work in defense or aerospace, your systems engineering master’s options probably look different than they would for someone in a broader industry, and some programs even build toward INCOSE certification. Get the emphasis wrong and your credentials may not match what your industry values. Compare your own background against the systems engineering personas below.
What Kind of Systems Engineering Student Are You?
The Career Starter
You’ve just finished your engineering bachelor’s degree — in any discipline — and want a graduate program that trains you to think across whole systems rather than one narrow technical domain.
A full-time program with a strong focus on systems integration, requirements, and verification gives you a broad technical toolkit that’s especially valuable if you’re targeting aerospace, defense, or other complex-systems industries early in your career. A hybrid format still gets you exposure to systems modeling tools and team-based design projects that are hard to fully replicate online.
The Career Changer
You’re an engineer from a single discipline — mechanical, electrical, or software — now working on multidisciplinary programs, and need formal systems engineering training you didn’t get in your original degree.
Look for a program explicitly built for engineers without a prior systems engineering degree, with curriculum aligned to INCOSE’s Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge rather than assuming you already think in requirements and interfaces. A fully online format lets you build this training while you’re still working your current discipline-specific role.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re already working on complex, multidisciplinary programs and want the credential and formal training to move into a senior systems engineer or systems lead role.
A part-time, hybrid format lets you keep working on your current program while you build toward INCOSE’s Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) credential, which employers in aerospace, defense, and other complex-systems industries specifically recognize. Applying systems engineering concepts directly to your current program as you learn them also strengthens your case for a senior title.
The Working Balancer
You’re working full-time on a complex engineering program while managing family or other responsibilities and need a program that fits around your schedule.
A fully online, asynchronous format lets you fit coursework around a demanding program schedule and outside commitments rather than a fixed class time. Part-time pacing keeps the degree manageable alongside full-time systems work.
The MBSE Systems Specialist
You want to work with the modern, model-based side of systems engineering — building systems in SysML and digital models rather than traditional document-based specifications.
MBSE is one of the clearest shifts happening in systems engineering right now, and a concentration specifically in SysML and model-based tools gives you a skill set that traditional, document-based systems engineering training won’t. In-person access to modeling labs and tool-specific instruction matters more here than in a general systems engineering track, since MBSE proficiency is built through hands-on practice with the tools themselves.
The Technical Management Track
You’re a systems engineer drawn toward leading complex, multidisciplinary programs — owning schedules, budgets, and cross-team integration — rather than staying purely in requirements and architecture work.
This is a genuine career fork within systems engineering: some systems engineers stay deep in technical architecture and requirements work, while others move toward technical program management, often pursuing INCOSE’s Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP) credential or a PMP alongside their systems background. A capstone that has you actually manage a simulated cross-disciplinary program builds the coordination skills this track requires, beyond standard systems engineering coursework.
Spotlighting Three Systems Engineering Master’s Programs
With so many great options for getting your system engineering master’s online, you might have difficulty choosing one. We’ve got you covered.
Below, you’ll find profiles of three top schools offering online systems engineering master’s programs. Each one has the flexibility, affordability, and accreditation you need to earn a quality degree in the field. Read on for details on what you can expect from the best online systems engineering master’s programs.
The University of Texas El Paso
The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) offers an outstanding online systems engineering master’s program. This 30-credit program is offered entirely online, making it an ideal choice for engineers with a bachelor’s degree or other STEM professionals looking to expand their managerial skills.
Students learn the basics of modeling, creation, and systems analysis, as well as management techniques and strategies. By graduation, students know how to handle an engineering project from start to finish.
Tuition is just $782 per credit regardless of students’ residential status, making this program an affordable option, no matter where you live. UTEP systems engineering master’s online students also have the option to earn the Associate/Certified Systems Engineering Professional certification during their time in the program.
Program Highlights
- Cost: $782/credit
- Credits: 30
- Length: Varies
- Mode: Fully online
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University have partnered to provide an affordable and convenient online systems engineering master’s. This 30-credit, no-thesis program was designed to be flexible for both full-time students and working professionals. Full-time students earn a master’s in as little as one year, while those who follow a part-time pace can graduate in as little as two years. FSU doesn’t require applicants to submit GRE scores.
Thanks to a tuition discount, nonresidents pay a greatly reduced tuition rate for the program. Students graduate ready to design and manage complex engineering systems.
Program Highlights
- Cost: $433/credit (resident) | $763/credit (nonresident)
- Credits: 30
- Length: One to two years
- Mode: Fully online
Arizona State University
At Arizona State University, students in the Master of Engineering-Systems Engineering Emphasis program learn to understand the scope of systems, plan projects, identify problems, and craft creative solutions. This fully online program is ideal for those with a current career in engineering, consulting, operations, manufacturing, or transportation.
Students explore the development and enhancement of all kinds of engineered systems, from phone networks and supply chains to business software. Most classes are available in an accelerated, seven-and-a-half-week format.
Students can choose a specialization from elective courses, including hardware, innovation and entrepreneurship, quality and reliability, software, or supply chains. They also take a combination of elective classes that qualify them for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Program Highlights
- Cost: $1,097/credit
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Systems Engineering Master’s Program?
While each school develops a unique curriculum plan for its online systems engineering master’s program, they share some things in common. Most programs provide students with a strong understanding of the principles of systems engineering, project management skills, and systems design before introducing additional classes to build on that foundation. Below, we’ve listed three common classes in online systems engineering master’s programs.
Fundamentals of Systems Engineering
This class focuses on the key concepts, processes, and activities that systems engineers perform in their jobs. Students learn about modern systems engineering principles and development methodologies.
After covering the fundamentals of designing and engineering large and complex projects, they go in-depth on architectural analysis and design, functional design alternatives, and architectural attributes of software tools. Often, these classes include hands-on opportunities to gain experience in the field.
Project Management
Students should expect instruction in project management skills to be a cornerstone in any system engineering master’s online program. In this class, students learn the ins and outs of the life cycle processes for choosing and managing large-scale projects.
They also learn the skills to plan, implement, and oversee projects to ensure successful completion. Usually, these courses cover topics such as project phases, breakdown of work structure, teamwork, human resource management, technological and economic feasibility, configuration management, budget control, and resource allocation.
System Design & Integration
This course covers the essential aspects of systems engineering. Students learn about the objectives, responsibilities, and activities that are crucial to the demonstration, validation, engineering, and manufacturing phases of system development programs. Students gain hands-on experience with various procedures and tools professionals use to carry out their jobs.
Professors cover topics such as the correlation between system specifications and design, management plans for systems engineering, risk management strategies, system development models, integrating customer input, and design best practices.
What are Some Specializations in Systems Engineering?
If you already have an idea of the career you want, a specialization can help you tailor your degree to your ambitions. If you choose a specialization, you’ll take classes focused on building skills and advanced knowledge in a that area. This section contains three common specializations for online systems engineering degrees.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity programs teach students the skills they need to keep data secure. Students learn how to manage and protect computer systems, networks, and programs and how to secure data from attacks and breaches.
In this specialization, you’ll learn cutting-edge methods for keeping digital information safe and sound. The University of San Diego offers an online master’s in cybersecurity engineering.
Project Management
A project management degree teaches students everything they need to know to confidently manage engineering projects and lead initiatives. Courses cover accounting, operations, risk and quality management, and strategic planning.
After graduating with this specialization, students are ready to apply for jobs as cost systems or engineering analysts, processing engineers, or project managers. Liberty University has an master’s in engineering with a focus on project management, and Oregon State offers project management as an online micro credential.
Software
A software degree equips students with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to design, implement, and manage software systems in various industries. Students learn to apply systems engineering principles to complex software development projects.
Coursework focuses on software architecture, design, coding methodologies, and system integration techniques. Johns Hopkins University offers an online master’s in systems engineering with a specialization in software.
How Much Does an Online Systems Engineering Master’s Cost?
Getting an advanced degree is a significant financial commitment. Taking an honest look at the costs ahead of time, then making a plan for financial aid and payment, can help you overcome one of the biggest obstacles to education before you even take your first class. The table below compares tuition rates in three online systems engineering programs.
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | Systems Engineering ME, MS | 30 | $35,790 |
| Purdue University | MS in Engineering- Systems Engineering | 30 | $34,170 |
| George Washington University | MS in Systems Engineering | 36 | $43,200 |
Tuition and Financial Aid for Systems Engineering Students
Choosing an affordable computer science program is a great tactic for managing your educational expenses. Of course, checking out scholarships and financial assistance for computer science students or engineering students can offset expenses even more. Graduate students might even be eligible for work-study programs, graduate assistantships, or tuition assistance from their employer.
Systems Engineering Salary Outlook with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in systems engineering prepares you to design, integrate, and manage complex technical systems across their entire lifecycle — from concept through deployment and maintenance. Graduates work in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, healthcare technology, and transportation — as systems engineers, program managers, and technical leads overseeing large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects. The credential is particularly valued by defense contractors and government agencies managing mission-critical systems.
Systems engineers are well-compensated, especially in defense and aerospace where the complexity and security requirements of systems drive demand for senior technical talent. Earnings scale with the scope and classification level of the programs you support.
Check the salary table below to explore engineering compensation by state, and benchmark systems engineering pay in your area.
Engineers, All Other
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $122,930 | $158,090 | $189,950 |
| Alabama | $152,550 | $183,040 | $195,190 |
| Alaska | $142,390 | $164,260 | $186,940 |
| Arizona | $102,280 | $137,730 | $167,380 |
| Arkansas | $76,940 | $103,380 | $147,980 |
| California | $130,850 | $169,830 | $212,130 |
| Colorado | $132,590 | $164,800 | $195,190 |
| Connecticut | $124,110 | $153,670 | $164,430 |
| Delaware | $103,580 | $120,120 | $144,250 |
| District of Columbia | $151,920 | $185,220 | $195,190 |
| Florida | $105,410 | $138,920 | $167,950 |
| Georgia | $112,260 | $135,040 | $163,210 |
| Hawaii | $122,800 | $159,570 | $176,410 |
| Idaho | $130,970 | $153,570 | $195,360 |
| Illinois | $111,930 | $139,170 | $168,770 |
| Indiana | $120,880 | $139,410 | $163,380 |
| Iowa | $103,090 | $125,440 | $129,760 |
| Kansas | $76,100 | $101,790 | $139,360 |
| Kentucky | $99,830 | $124,790 | $152,970 |
| Louisiana | $99,070 | $131,330 | $162,000 |
| Maine | $120,430 | $135,260 | $155,150 |
| Maryland | $129,770 | $172,580 | $195,190 |
| Massachusetts | $131,260 | $162,470 | $187,010 |
| Michigan | $121,000 | $135,410 | $166,360 |
| Minnesota | $108,850 | $132,410 | $167,120 |
| Mississippi | $111,030 | $141,130 | $166,000 |
| Missouri | $102,980 | $136,240 | $168,530 |
| Montana | $97,470 | $124,990 | $136,990 |
| Nebraska | $88,490 | $119,600 | $136,260 |
| Nevada | $103,780 | $133,370 | $189,750 |
| New Hampshire | $128,130 | $157,300 | $187,910 |
| New Jersey | $132,450 | $170,460 | $195,190 |
| New Mexico | $162,070 | $180,190 | $203,280 |
| New York | $117,600 | $154,310 | $192,900 |
| North Carolina | $112,450 | $140,790 | $173,370 |
| North Dakota | $100,250 | $127,920 | $154,910 |
| Ohio | $120,470 | $155,510 | $175,340 |
| Oklahoma | $119,810 | $138,400 | $158,040 |
| Oregon | $123,220 | $157,000 | $184,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $108,950 | $138,580 | $164,650 |
| Rhode Island | $117,080 | $166,300 | $199,410 |
| South Carolina | $110,490 | $139,760 | $180,960 |
| South Dakota | $112,260 | $129,960 | $156,890 |
| Tennessee | $96,640 | $125,420 | $155,960 |
| Texas | $115,810 | $153,940 | $177,780 |
| Utah | $110,320 | $136,990 | $163,340 |
| Vermont | $126,550 | $174,900 | $174,900 |
| Virginia | $148,160 | $181,660 | $195,190 |
| Washington | $134,570 | $168,550 | $196,120 |
| West Virginia | $118,800 | $136,990 | $169,500 |
| Wisconsin | $110,360 | $129,960 | $155,460 |
| Wyoming | $113,050 | $136,660 | $144,040 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes172199.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Systems Engineering Degree FAQs
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in systems engineering?
Many schools require a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program. If you have a degree from another field, be prepared to take prerequisite courses in addition to the following requirements:
- Completed application and required fees
- Proof of an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Proof of completed coursework in advanced math, science, and engineering design
- Official transcripts from previous schools
- GRE scores
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume
How long does it take to earn an online master’s degree in systems engineering?
Most programs take anywhere from 18 months to three years to complete. A full-time workload means you’ll graduate in less time, while part-time coursework means you’ll spend more time in school.
Additionally, if you choose to pursue a specialization, you may need to take more classes and earn more credits than a student earning a general system engineering master’s.
Is there a benefit to earning a master’s degree in systems engineering online instead of in person?
Yes, earning your master’s in systems engineering online has many advantages. Earning a degree online is generally less expensive than attending on-campus programs. You’ll have the opportunity to attend a school anywhere in the country, rather than being limited to schools that are in your area. Plus, earning your degree online gives you a head start at working with remote teams, much like many systems engineering professionals.
Do I need to learn coding or computer programming to study systems engineering?
Perhaps, but it depends on where you’d like to work. For example, someone who wants to become a systems engineer in the areas of cybersecurity or software may need to know coding languages to effectively manage projects.
However, if you work in other industries, you won’t need to know computer programming. Systems engineers typically focus on solving problems and managing solutions that require technological know-how, but coding isn’t a must.
Will I be accepted into a systems engineering master’s program without a computer science or related undergrad?
That all depends on the program you’re interested in, so you’ll want to check directly with the school you’re considering. There are plenty of computer science programs for students who graduated with a bachelor’s in another discipline. However, if you’re one of these students, you might need to take some additional courses in math, science, or engineering before taking master’s-level courses in systems engineering.
Best Online Master’s in Systems Engineering Programs
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Best for: working students
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Best for: working students
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Best for: advancement-focused students
Youngstown State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Best for: working students
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Best for: advancement-focused students
Capitol Technology University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Purdue University-Main Campus
Best for: advancement-focused students
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Best for: working students
University of North Dakota
Best for: working students
