Systems Engineering MSSYSE
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSYSE)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.2701
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2199
About the Program
Students in the Master of Science in Systems Engineering will gain understanding of systems engineering process as well as:
- Understand the fundamental concepts of systems engineering and how it applies to industry.
- Develop and implement models and tools to enhance and optimize complex systems.
- Develop and manage processes relevant to complex systems development.
- Design, implement, integrate, verify, validate, support and decommission complex systems.
- Use systems engineering tools and practices to identify and execute effective technical solutions.
- Develop System Architectures (physical, structural, behavioral, etc.) to represent systems design and development.
- Manage system-intensive projects within cost and schedule constraints.
What is Systems Engineering?
Fundamentally, the function of systems engineering is to guide the engineering development of complex systems, or in some cases, new technology. Systems engineering is:
- A set of processes, principles, fundamentals and tools, and often includes a cultural aspect, to guide the design of complicated systems.
- An emphasis on the total operation of the system - necessitating a thorough understanding of requirements for operation and performance.
- Involves defining the system as functional relationships in the early conceptual stages of the process.
- Includes a rigorous analysis of alternatives to assure optimal system design in later stages.
- An integration of subsystem and emerging technology to develop a system that satisfies the defined requirements.
Systems Engineering involves the ability to think within the context of incorporation and understanding of the system linkages and interactions and between the subsystems and components that comprise the entirety of the system.
The Master of Science in Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary curriculum which integrates systems thinking, the ability to understand the complete system and the ability to execute the systems engineering process. The degree provides skills to enable systems development throughout the entire life cycle, from conceptual development and engineering design through the operation and sustainment phases.
A master’s degree in systems engineering is an excellent complement to any engineering or STEM bachelor’s degree. The program continues with the Drexel School of Engineering tradition by preparing students to be successful in their careers. Study can be on a part-time or full-time basis, and the program is available both online and on campus.
Graduates of the MS program pursue career trajectories in all aspects of systems engineering which include systems analysis, systems modeling and analysis, systems design, integration and test, systems architecture development, implementation of new and emerging technology, troubleshooting and maintenance, logistics and supportability analysis, risk analysis and management of large-scale systems projects. The curriculum prepares students to apply systems engineering across a broad domain of industries such as aerospace and defense, manufacturing and automotive, energy, healthcare to name a few. The program also offers the scientific and analytical foundation necessary for advancement in both industrial and academic careers.
Our nationally ranked program prepares students for any systems engineering challenge. The courses in the curriculum stimulate students to apply systems engineering processes and skills for multiple industries.
The Drexel program has the following discriminators:
- The program is offered face to face and in asynchronous online modalities.
- The strength of our program is our faculty as all our instructors have extensive experience in industry.
- In addition to an experienced faculty, we have a strong Advisory Board that consist of Experienced personnel in industry that are functioning in various systems engineering positions. Through this advisory board, we have a strong connection to industry.
- Drexel's MS in Systems Engineering is certified by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). As such, graduates qualify for a Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) Certification from INCOSE in addition to earning an MS degree.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
Degree and GPA Requirement
A bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university is required. A bachelor’s degree in science (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.) may also be acceptable. An undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for a bachelor’s degree as well as for any subsequent graduate-level work is required.
TOEFL Requirement
For students whose native language is not English and who do not hold a degree from a US institution, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered. Minimum total score of 90 (internet-based). Official documents of this exam must be submitted directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. Unofficial photocopies will not be accepted.
Other Requirements
- Submission of an application
- Official, sealed college transcripts
- An essay
- Two or more letters of recommendation
Degree Requirements
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | ||
| Systems Engineering PBC | 9.0 | |
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| EGMT 5071 | Engineering Statistics and Data Analysis | 3.0 |
| SYSE 5082 | Systems Science and Systems Thinking | 3.0 |
| SYSE 5088 | Systems Engineering Analysis | 3.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| SYSE 6020 | Global Sustainment and Integrated Logistics | 3.0 |
| SYSE 6573 | Operations Research | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select any courses within the 5000-7997 level | 6.0 | |
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 5000 as preparation for their co-op experience. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
Systems Engineering Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
| Required Courses | ||
| SYSE 5033 | Systems Integration and Test | 3.0 |
| SYSE 5085 | Introduction to Systems Engineering | 3.0 |
| SYSE 6040 | Model Based Systems Engineering | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 9.0 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
- Develop and implement models and tools to enhance and optimize complex systems.
- Develop and manage processes relevant to complex systems development.
- Design, implement, integrate, verify, validate, support and decommission complex systems.
- Use systems engineering tools and practices to identify and execute effective technical solutions.
- Develop System Architectures (physical, structural, behavioral, etc.) to represent systems design and development.
- Manage system-intensive projects within cost and schedule constraints.