2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Systems Engineering

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Systems Engineering that totals 30 credit hours. It can take one year for full-time students to complete this program.

At KSU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the learning management system (LMS) called, D2L Brightspace. The master’s in systems engineering curriculum prepares students to become leaders in various engineering projects. Sample courses include Economic Decision Analysis, Engineering Statistics, and Advanced Systems Dynamic Modeling. In addition to requires classes, students must complete a project course in order to graduate. Some potential career opportunities for graduates are project managers, systems administrators, and systems engineers.

At Jacksonville State University (JSU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Technology totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete the program in just one year.

JSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the Canvas LMS. This program’s curriculum provides an overview of the skills and knowledge necessary to become leaders in the manufacturing industry. Some of the program’s courses include Manufacturing Systems Simulation, Safety and Health Administration, and Project Development and Management. Graduates may pursue careers like engineering managers, quality managers, and senior automation engineers.

Mississippi State University (MS State) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. It can take one year to complete the program at a full-time pace. The program offers 12 concentrations, and a couple of examples include Human Factors and Ergonomics as well as Management Systems Engineering.

MS State has its online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the LMS Canvas. The program is designed for engineers who are looking to advance their skills and assume senior-level roles. The program’s courses are Industrial Ergonomics, Process Improvement Engineering, and Systems Simulation. Depending on the concentration chosen, a thesis may be required for graduation. Prospective careers for graduates are service transition engineers, software developers, and information systems directors.

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering - Space Systems Engineering, which requires 31 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year completing this program.

UNM Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Canvas. The online space systems engineering program provides students with the skills they need to further their careers in the aerospace industry. Sample courses include Satellite Communications, Orbital Mechanics, and Machine Learning. Additionally, students must complete a seminar course before they can graduate and pursue careers in mission planning, spacecraft integration, or project management, to name a few options.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering - Engineering Management. Since this degree requires 30-32 credit hours, it can full-time students at least one year to finish. The program has two specialization options: (1) Decision Analysis and (2) Global Logistics.

NIU online students complete asynchronous and synchronous coursework on the LMS Blackboard. This program covers management topics, like risk management and project management, to help students assume leadership roles. Students may choose from courses such as Principles of Management, Financial Accounting Concepts, and Systems Engineering Project Management. An oral examination is required for the thesis track, while a master’s project and paper are mandatory for the non-thesis track. Potential careers for alumni include systems analysts, information technology managers, and software engineers.