2023 Best Online Colleges for Systems Engineering Degrees
As technology advances, engineers become more and more vital to a growing economy. Students with a degree in mathematics or science can solidify their career path by earning a master's degree in systems engineering. This path allows you to develop complex projects and processes that are used in a wide variety of industries. Advancing your education in this field will set you up for high-level roles in aerospace, civil engineering, software development, cybernetics, or project management. Many degrees focus on a specific area of interest, such as energy or information technology. Below you'll find a list of the best system's engineering online degrees, including their course requirements, program lengths, and career outlooks.
View our methodology for more details about rankings or learn more about OnlineU.
2023 Best Online Colleges for Systems Engineering Degrees
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $125,714 | ||
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 88 | $117,910 | |
| Johns Hopkins University | 81 | $114,155 | |
| University of Virginia | 68 | $108,239 | |
| The George Washington University | 65 | $106,809 | |
| Southern Methodist University | 57 | $104,021 | |
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | 54 | $102,847 | |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide | 50 | $101,436 |
#1 University of Southern California
- Salary Score: 96
- Median Starting Salary: $125,714
- Locations: Los Angeles (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
University of Southern California (USC) is a large nonprofit that offers an online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum provides students with an in-depth understanding of industrial engineering practices and theories. Some core courses include Inventory Systems, Engineering Project Management, and Enterprise Wide Information Systems. To graduate, students must complete nine advisor-approved elective courses, which can take one and a half to two years with a full-time schedule. Alumni may find jobs in aerospace, defense, health care, or communications. USC also offers a Master of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering, which focuses on the design, implementation, and management of complex systems.
At USC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online.
#2 Georgia Institute of Technology
- Salary Score: 88
- Median Starting Salary: $117,910
- Locations: Atlanta (GA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master's in Applied Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum aims to train students in systems engineering, modeling, and design. Some core classes include Leading Engineering Teams and Systems Design and Analysis. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, including a 12-week, team-based capstone project that can take two years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may go on to explore careers as software engineers, data scientists, or database developers.
At GIT, students use Canvas to access their coursework digitally. While learning materials are primarily online, there are three mandatory in-person visits to Atlanta, GA. Online students may access academic and IT support as well as collaborative tools.
#3 Johns Hopkins University
- Salary Score: 81
- Median Starting Salary: $114,155
- Locations: Baltimore (MD)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a medium-sized nonprofit that offers an online Master of Science in Systems Engineering. The curriculum aims to equip students with technical engineering skills through systems analysis, design, and production. There are five areas of focus for students to choose from, including Project Management and Software Engineering. Some core classes include Engineering and Measuring Influence, Enterprise Systems Engineering, and Introduction to Model Based Systems Engineering. To graduate, students must complete at least 10 courses (seven core, three electives) within five years. Graduates typically work in aerospace, civil engineering, or manufacturing. Johns Hopkins also offers a software-focused Master of Science in Information Systems Engineering, which can lead to a career in cybersecurity, data engineering, or information management.
At JHU, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which can be fully online or a hybrid between online and in-person learning. Online students have access to the University Life Design Lab for career development and planning.
#4 University of Virginia
- Salary Score: 68
- Median Starting Salary: $108,239
- Locations: Charlottesville (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
University of Virginia (UVA) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum trains students to develop the necessary skills to design, develop, test, and maintain complex systems. Some core classes include Optimization Models and Methods, Stochastic Modeling, and Human Factors in Safety. To graduate, students must complete all core and elective courses within UVA's Engineering School, which can take one to two years, depending on a student's schedule. Graduates may pursue careers in the healthcare, automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing industries.
At UVA, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Online students have access to peer advice and counseling as well as academic support.
#5 The George Washington University
- Salary Score: 65
- Median Starting Salary: $106,809
- Locations: Washington D.C.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
The George Washington University (GW) is a medium-sized nonprofit that offers an online Master of Science in Systems Engineering requiring 36 credit hours. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of systems design, development, and implementation. Some core classes in this major include The Management of Technical Organizations, Model-Based Systems Engineering, and Program and Project Management. To graduate, students must complete all core systems engineering courses, which can take one to two years, depending on the student's schedule. Alumni may go on to enter careers in the software, energy, manufacturing, or aerospace industries.
At GW, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which can be fully online or asynchronous with in-person learning. Online students may access mental health services, career counseling, tutoring, and GW's digital library.
#6 Southern Methodist University
- Salary Score: 57
- Median Starting Salary: $104,021
- Locations: Dallas (TX)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a medium-sized, private nonprofit affiliated with the United Methodist denomination. It offers an online Master of Science in Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum delves into systems management, risks, engineering, and technology. Some core classes include Integrated Risk Management, Systems Engineering Design, and Systems Analysis Methods. Students must complete all nine core courses before completing three courses from their chosen track (On-Campus/Distance Education or Cohort). This can take one to two years depending on the student's schedule. Graduates may enter the aerospace or manufacturing industries. SMU also offers a Master of Science in Datacenter Systems Engineering, which focuses on cloud infrastructure engineering.
At SMU, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is hybrid online/in-person. Additionally, online students may access SMU's counseling services.
#7 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- Salary Score: 54
- Median Starting Salary: $102,847
- Locations: Ann Arbor (MI)
- Accreditation: HLC
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UM-Ann Arbor) is a large, public institution that offers an online Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering + Design requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of complex products and processes. Some core classes include Energy Systems Engineering Project, Risk Analysis, and Vehicle Dynamics. Students must complete all program requirements to graduate, such as core course, electives, and a practicum. Students can take one to two years to graduate on a part-time schedule, and graduates may then pursue careers in energy systems management and manufacturing. UM-Ann Arbor also offers a Master of Engineering in Energy Systems Engineering, which is more deeply focused on sustainable energy, storage, and conversion.
At UM-Ann Arbor, students use the digital learning platform, Canvas, to access their learning materials. Coursework can be fully online or asynchronous via in-person learning. Additionally, UM-Ann Arbor offers academic resources, such as tutors, to their online students.
#8 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide
- Salary Score: 50
- Median Starting Salary: $101,436
- Locations: Daytona Beach (FL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU) is a medium-sized nonprofit that offers an online Master of Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The curriculum covers complex technology projects. Some core classes include System Quality Assurance, Systems Engineering Project, and Organizational Systems Management. Students must complete 18 core courses, 12 electives, and a capstone project. However, they have the choice between a technical track or an engineering management track. Each pathway can take one to two years, depending on a student's schedule. Graduates of the program may go on to explore careers in software development, aerospace, or manufacturing. ERAU also offers a Master of Science in Unmanned & Autonomous Systems Engineering which focuses on unmanned robotics and autonomous systems.
At ERAU, students use Canvas and EagleVision to access their coursework, which is mostly online but includes some in-person projects. Additionally, online students have access to personal academic advising.
Overview of Online Master's in Systems Engineering Degrees
Master's degrees in systems engineering feature advanced courses in this interdisciplinary branch of engineering. Faculty teach students to analyze processes for designing and building assorted technical products and services. Enrollees learn these skills in classes about quality review, risk management, problem-solving, and system architecture.
This subject has master's degrees that are either general or specialized. General degrees tend to have names like Master of Science in Systems Engineering and cover many kinds of systems. Specialized master's degrees focus heavily on one type of system, such as a Master of Science in Health Systems or Master of Science in Industrial Systems.
Program Requirements
Most systems engineering master's degrees contain 30-36 credit hours of coursework. It can take 1-2 years for full-time learners to finish and 2-3 years for part-time enrollees.
To apply for an online systems engineering master's degree, you need a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or another STEM field. Other common requirements include letters of recommendation, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a personal statement or essay, a resume, and GRE test scores.
If you're in the early stages of planning your educational path, you might want to consider the most affordable bachelor's in engineering online degrees.
Master's in Systems Engineering Courses
Systems engineering master's degrees build on lessons learned in undergraduate degrees in engineering. Students will practice advanced mathematics, science, and engineering design concepts in about 10 courses. Most programs have some lessons in engineering management to help prepare graduates for leadership roles.
Courses you're likely to find in a general systems engineering master's program include the following:
Optimization Models
Students learn to create models to gather data useful for making evidence-based improvements. They practice inputting data points in various technical tools before analyzing the results.
Project and Quality Management
This course aims to teach students how to supervise complex engineering projects toward high-quality outcomes. Professors might discuss project planning and scope, quality assurance, budgeting, and conflict management.
Risk Analysis
Systems engineers deal with complex processes and must be adept at reducing risk and uncertainty. This class covers tools such as probability analysis, events and decision trees, and the uncertainty sensitivity index.
Systems Analysis and Design
Analysis and design faculty discuss methods for studying different types of systems. Topics might include mathematical and simulation modeling, design thinking, information processing, and organizational decision-making.
Careers in Systems Engineering
Engineers trained in systems may potentially work in different types of engineering occupations. This is because system engineering involves a high-level view of engineering processes. Indeed, job posts for health and safety or industrial engineers sometimes ask for a degree in either those majors or systems engineering.
Engineering jobs as a whole pay median yearly wages of $79,840 and are likely to experience a 4% increase in total jobs through 2031. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't have a separate category for systems engineers, but we've listed several other careers that systems engineering master's graduates might qualify for.
Engineering Manager
Engineering managers lead teams of engineers and engineering technologists. They oversee projects, calculate budgets, and make strategy plans for their employers' output. Many engineering master's degrees work some management instruction into their curricula but some professionals also earn master's degrees in engineering management.
Health and Safety Engineer
Employers hire health and safety engineers to plan and oversee safe operations that minimize injury and illness. Most manufacturing firms require this work but so do government agencies, construction companies, and laboratories.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers try to optimize production for their employers. This may involve studying how people and machines interact, where bottlenecks occur, and how energy can be used more efficiently. Their job growth rate is about twice the national average and should result in a gain of 30,600 jobs in the 2021-2031 decade.
Validation Engineer
Validation engineers focus on quality assurance by combining best practices from health and safety, industrial, and systems engineering. They gather data on how products and services are performing and report this to their managers.
What Else Should You Consider?
A master's degree is a major commitment. It's helpful to think through all the variables that make up decisions about graduate school. You can use the following questions to help start your research.
Is this an accredited institution?
Institutional accreditation should be your primary concern. It means that a trusted agency has given a stamp of approval to the college as a whole and certified the quality of its faculty, curricula, and services.
Search the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to find a college's accreditation details.
Is this an accredited program?
Individual programs can also earn accreditation by undergoing a specialty review.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits engineering programs, including master's degrees in systems engineering. ABET has a searchable database of accredited programs that includes both online and on-campus offerings.
You don't necessarily need to attend an ABET-approved master's program to have a successful systems engineering career. But the board is influential in the engineering field and some employers may insist that candidates have ABET-accredited degrees.
Do I want to study systems engineering or another variety?
Some people prefer to study a different kind of engineering in graduate school than they studied as undergraduates. Even if you have a bachelor's in system engineering, you may be more interested in an online master's degree in one of these related specialties:
You might also be interested in our lists of the most affordable online master's degrees in aerospace engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering
Do I want to attend school online?
Many working professionals seek online graduate programs because distance learning helps them balance work with school and other activities. But online isn't for everyone. Distance programs take a different kind of discipline because their flexibility means that your studies can feel unstructured.
What features do I want from a master's program?
You can answer this question in any way that suits you. For example, your top considerations may be cost, job placement rate for master's graduates, and an active career services office. Somebody else may have entirely different concerns or only one variable in common. Assign weights to everything you want and keep these in mind as you research schools.
FAQs About Systems Engineering Degrees
Do Systems Engineers Need a Master's Degree?
A systems engineer can have a rewarding career with nothing beyond a bachelor's degree. But some advanced positions might call for a master's degree in systems engineering. A master's degree might also give you an edge over other candidates for roles that don't specifically call for one.
Is It Possible to Get a Systems Engineering Master's Degree Online?
Several colleges offer fully online master's degrees in systems engineering. Most of these programs have asynchronous courses with no live class meetings because administrators design them for professionals who work during the day.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Systems Engineer?
You can become a systems engineer with a four-year bachelor's degree. In truth, most college students take longer than four years to complete a bachelor's degree. But it's also possible to graduate college early and start your engineering career in a little less time.
What Can You Do with a Systems Engineering Master's Degree?
A systems engineering master's degree might help you qualify for advanced engineering roles. Some specialized engineering disciplines have some knowledge crossover with systems engineering. Therefore, you might find jobs with titles such as quality engineer, health and safety engineer, industrial engineer, or validation engineer. A master's degree is also a requirement for some engineering management occupations.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 8/28/2023