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Graduate Certificate in Hardware Systems Engineering
Classes Begin: January 4, 20271 year
Fully Online
12
Drexel University is Regionally Accredited
This graduate certificate provides cross functional knowledge in systems engineering, hardware design engineering, and product development. It provides the necessary skills to aid in the design and development of complex systems that require knowledge of digital, RF, and electromechanical design in areas of hardware, software, and firmware design. Upon completion, you will have an enhanced understanding of:
- Hardware Product Development Experience
- Systems Engineering Lifecycle Process Implementation
- Engineering Project Planning & Execution
- Cross-Disciplinary Technical Design
The versatile curriculum consists of six courses—three required, and three electives that allow you to tailor the coursework to your specific skill development interests. Upon completion, you may apply the credits from this certificate toward select master’s degrees from the Nick Howley College of Engineering and Computing.
Program Features
- A flexible, completely online program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule
- Taught by Drexel University's distinguished Nick Howley College of Engineering and Computing faculty who are experienced and successful professionals in the field
- Coursework utilizes industry-standard tools and software
- A highly interactive online learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and classmates
- Opportunity to earn INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification through completion of additional courses within the Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Drexel University is transitioning to a semester calendar system as of Fall 2027. View the semester program of study for this program.
| Required Courses | ||
| SYSE 533 | Systems Integration and Test | 3.0 |
| SYSE 650 | Transition of the Integrated System from Design to Production | 3.0 |
| SYSE 685 | Systems Engineering Management | 3.0 |
| or SYSE 688 | Systems Engineering Analysis | |
| Technical Elective * | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits | 12.0 | |
In addition to the Systems Engineering courses listed above (SYSE 682, SYSE 685, SYSE 688), you have the option to take three additional technical electives associated with earning INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional (SEP) certification by completing the Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering:
- SYSE 520 - Global Sustainment and Integrated Logistics
- SYSE 640 - Model Based Systems Engineering
- SYSE 690 - Modeling and Simulation
Admissions Criteria
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or related science from an ABET-accredited institution
- A bachelor’s degree in the sciences (physics, mathematics, computer science, etc.) may also be accepted, however, you may be required to take additional courses
- Any degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in your bachelor’s degree as well as any subsequent graduate-level work
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one professional)
- Personal Essay
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1400 per credit.
For the academic year 2026-2027, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans , you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
2027-2028 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2027
August 23, 2027
December 8, 2027
December 13, 2027
December 17, 2027
Spring 2028
January 10, 2028
April 24, 2028
April 27, 2028
May 3, 2028
Summer 2028
May 15, 2028
August 5, 2028
August 7, 2028
August 11, 2028
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