2023 Best Online Bachelor's in Systems Engineering

What Is Systems Engineering?

Systems engineering is the study, construction, and analysis of different parts of a system. Students learn to find solutions to complex problems in a variety of fields, including software, construction, manufacturing, and more. 

Other types of engineering focus on a specific area of design and creation, such as software engineering or chemical engineering. But systems engineering takes a big-picture approach to problems by incorporating elements of multiple engineering types that act together.

A bachelor's degree in systems engineering can take as little as four years to complete. In that time, students learn the discipline's core mathematics, science, project management, and engineering principles in 120-130 credit hours of coursework. Bachelor's programs tend to have similar general curricula, while master's degrees in systems engineering often have specializations so students can focus more on a particular type of system.

Is It Possible To Get an Engineering Degree Online?

Several colleges offer systems engineering bachelor’s degrees online. In some cases, online degrees may be a better fit for certain students, especially those who are balancing work and family responsibilities on top of their studies. With no need to commute or relocate in order to complete a degree, online degrees can provide extra flexibility and expanded access for students who may find an in-person degree less accessible.

Most online programs have asynchronous courses with no live meetings. Students work in a learning management system at convenient hours but are still expected to submit assignments on time. Some courses may have synchronous lectures or regular class discussions.

Core Courses for Systems Engineering Majors

Systems engineering integrates different engineering disciplines to take a high-level view of engineering projects. Because of this, it requires familiarity with a broad range of engineering topics. These subjects include abstract systems and processes as much as physical systems like electronics units.

Financial Aid for Online Students

Many colleges provide financial aid for online or in-person students with financial need. To find your eligibility for financial aid, most schools ask you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans from government or private sources. Eligibility might depend on your household income, academic performance, ethnic or racial background, or veteran status. 

Many organizations offer scholarships for engineering students. It's also helpful to research scholarships from state and local governments, as well as scholarships for underrepresented groups. 

For example, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the National Society of Black Engineers all offer scholarships for qualifying undergraduate students. 

Talk to financial aid officers at schools you're considering to make sure that you can use any aid you receive at their institution.

Systems Engineering Careers

Systems engineering may be a more versatile degree in the job market than more narrow engineering majors. Graduates of these programs can work in systems engineering but also as other forms of engineers for industries as varied as telecommunications, construction, software, manufacturing, and energy. 

Systems engineering graduates might eventually become engineering managers once they've gained some experience managing people and projects. A master's degree isn't necessarily required but might provide a boost when applying for managerial jobs. 

Is a Systems Engineering Degree Worth It?

Systems engineering can be a lucrative, fulfilling career choice for students with a knack for math and science. Research scientists or academics may study the theory behind our understanding of the world, but engineers apply their concepts to the real world to solve problems.

A degree in systems engineering can be expensive, and this challenging discipline may not be the best fit for all students. That said, it’s a great choice for those looking for an in-demand, well-compensated career.

Consider the following pros and cons that come with an online engineering degree:

Potential Benefits

• A degree in systems engineering can open doors to well-paid entry-level jobs. Engineers tend to earn much more than the median wage for all Americans, which is $45,760.

• Systems engineers solve concrete problems, which many people find fulfilling. Unlike some other academic disciplines, systems engineering is a great fit for students who want to make a real difference and come up with practical solutions.

• Online systems engineering degrees may be more accessible, flexible alternatives to in-person degree programs.

Potential Drawbacks

• A degree in systems engineering can be expensive. One way to cut costs is to take classes at a community college or complete an associate degree before moving on to a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You can also choose a relatively affordable master's degree in systems engineering if you decide to continue your education.

• Online degree programs may feel isolating because they offer fewer in-person learning experiences. Some students find it hard to remotely build professional networks with colleagues and professors.

• Systems engineering is a challenging academic discipline. Bachelor’s degree programs are filled with difficult, highly technical engineering courses. 

What Else Should You Consider?

With so many factors to weigh, it can feel overwhelming to decide on a college. Feel free to ask yourself the questions below or devise your own as you figure out what you're looking for.

Is this an accredited college?

This should probably be the first question you ask. Every school on our site is institutionally accredited. This means that an independent organization has reviewed and approved the quality of the college's educational experience. 

You can search the Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to find a school's accreditation status. 

Is this specific program accredited? 

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the big name in accreditation for individual engineering programs. You can use ABET's database of accredited programs to learn about schools you're considering. ABET accredits many more on-campus programs than online ones, but it's not unheard of for systems engineering degrees to meet its specs. 

ABET's approval isn't always necessary in a systems engineering career. However, some employers might prefer candidates from ABET-accredited schools.

Do I want to study systems engineering or another variety?

You might be generally interested in engineering but unsure which type of engineering degree is right for you. Systems engineering combines principles from several varieties. These engineering disciplines are some of the most closely related to systems engineering:

Is online learning right for me?

The answer is not always yes. Many people prefer the interaction of live classes and the structure of campus visits. Think about the benefits of distance learning and decide whether the convenience outweighs any drawbacks. 

What would my dream college offer?

Be creative as you answer this question. Your primary concern might be cost, in which case you should heavily weigh the financial aid package a college offers. Or you may have a personal recommendation for a particular program that your trusted friend attends. Write down the important variables so you can compare them across colleges.

FAQs About Systems Engineering Degrees

Bottom Line

An online bachelor's degree in systems engineering contains heavy math, science, and engineering principles courses to prepare you for life as an engineer. This is a potentially attractive field of study because engineers tend to be well-compensated and in demand.

Systems engineering education includes lessons from several narrower engineering specialties. You might be better suited to other types of engineering if you're looking to drill down and expand your knowledge of a particular area.