Requirements
and Restrictions
Learning Work?
or Live Event
Online Master's in Systems Engineering
Classes Begin: January 5, 20262 years
Fully Online
45
50% tuition savings
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
The fully online Master’s in Systems Engineering program examines the systems lifecycle providing you with the skillset to manage the planning, analysis, design, development, integration, testing, implementation, operations, and maintenance of complex systems. The program integrates industry software (such as IBM tools) into courses to ensure you’re equipped with the latest knowledge to effectively lead projects for years to come. Designed specifically for the working professional, the online MS in Systems Engineering program at Drexel combines the technical and computational rigor expected from employers with management courses that you can apply to a wide range of industries.
Master's in Systems Engineering Online Program Features
- Rigorous study in Systems Engineering fundamentals with options in computer and electrical engineering, engineering management, and other graduate disciplines
- Taught by experienced faculty who are also successful professionals in the systems engineering field
- Highly interactive online method designed to challenge and engage, while remaining convenient for working professionals
- Established online program with strong reputation among regional and national companies
- Taught by a dedicated faculty with significant systems engineering experience in both industry and academia
- Customizable curriculum allows you to take electives from any engineering discipline
- Collaborative opportunities that leverage many global industrial partnerships
Archived Webinar
What Our Students Say
"The most rewarding part of my experience at Drexel is the ability to recognize system failures and ways on how to resolve them. Being able to apply the knowledge you have gained from the classes in the real world is the best feeling ever." —Valeriya Orlova, current student
What is a Systems Engineering Degree?
A Systems Engineering degree focuses on the design, creation, and operation of systems. Most programs study a wide range of mathematical and scientific concepts to understand how a system operates, then explores ways to apply this knowledge to make the system more efficient or easier to use.
Per the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), systems engineering is a function with five phases:
- System studies or program planning
- Exploratory planning to define the problem and goals—this also includes systems synthesis, systems analysis, selecting the best system, and communicating the results
- Development planning which repeats phase 2 in more detail
- Studies during development which include developing parts of the system, integration, and testing
- Current engineering which takes place once the system is operational
What Does a Systems Engineer Do?
Systems engineers coordinate the creation, maintenance, and expansion of computer systems within an organization. They are often the main interface between managers, customers, suppliers, and specialty engineers in the systems development process.
One of the unique functions of a systems engineer is the ability to see the big picture. This helps to integrate all aspects of the engineering process. Key responsibilities of systems engineers include designing and developing solutions to issues such as:
- Complex Applications Problems
- System Administration Issues
- Network Concerns
- Systems Management and Integration
- System Performance
- Testing
- Scheduling and Cost
In Which Industries Does a Systems Engineer Work?
Due to the broad nature of the work, a systems engineer may pursue a career in many industries from software development and robotics, to aerospace, nanotechnology, or civil engineering. Many, in fact, will choose a specific niche:
Software Systems Engineer
Software systems engineers research, design, develop, and test operating systems software. They apply principles and methods from computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Their work can apply to medical, industrial, military, telecommunications, aerospace, business, and other areas with networks.
Average Annual Salary: $110,000
Solar Energy Systems Engineer
Solar energy systems engineers design energy efficient and solar projects for residential, commercial, or industrial clients. They need to understand local climates, solar technology, thermodynamics, and structural energy needs.
Average Annual Salary: $96,980
Logistics Systems Engineer
Logistics systems engineers design or analyze projects to optimize transportation, routing, shipping, and the distribution of finished goods. This can include cost of containers, network modeling, and managing the flow of information.
Average Annual Salary: $74,600
Aerospace Systems Engineer
Aerospace systems engineers design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They often conduct basic and applied research, helping evaluate the adaptability of specific materials and equipment. Also, they may recommend improvements to testing equipment.
Average Annual Salary: $115,220
Automotive Systems Engineers
Automotive systems engineers develop new or improved designs for vehicle parts, engines, transmissions, and other related systems. To do so, they need to understand computer-assisted design technology. They may also direct building, modifications, or testing of a vehicle or its components.
Average Annual Salary: $87,370
Related Programs
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
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.
You can transfer up to 15 quarter credits from your institution, pending review from the Program Director.
| Core Courses (30 Credits) | ||
| Systems Engineering Process | ||
| SYSE 520 | Global Sustainment and Integrated Logistics | 3.0 |
| SYSE 533 | Systems Integration and Test | 3.0 |
| SYSE 682 | Introduction to Systems Science | 3.0 |
| SYSE 685 | Systems Engineering Management | 3.0 |
| Systems Engineering Analysis | ||
| SYSE 640 | Model Based Systems Engineering | 3.0 |
| SYSE 688 | Systems Engineering Analysis | 3.0 |
| Data Analytics and Modeling | ||
| EGMT 572 | Statistical Data Analysis * | 3.0 |
| EGMT 573 | Operations Research | 3.0 |
| SYSE 690 | Modeling, Simulation and Other Tools | 3.0 |
| Systems Engineering Capstone | ||
| SYSE 598 | Capstone in Systems Engineering | 3.0 |
| Electives (15 Credits) ** | 15.0 | |
| Complete any five of the following electives: ** | ||
| Engineering Statistics Elective * | ||
|
EGMT 571
|
Engineering Statistics * | |
| Systems Design & Development Electives | ||
|
SYSE 530
|
Systems Engineering Design | |
|
SYSE 531
|
Systems Architecture Development | |
|
SYSE 532
|
Software Systems Engineering | |
|
SYSE 650
|
Transition of the Integrated System from Design to Production | |
| Systems Reliability & Logistics Electives | ||
|
SYSE 522
|
Engineering Supply Chain Systems | |
|
SYSE 524
|
Systems Reliability, Availability & Maintainability Analysis | |
|
SYSE 525
|
Statistical Modeling & Experimental Design | |
|
EGMT 575
|
Quality Systems Engineering | |
| Systems Engineering Leadership Electives | ||
|
EGMT 501
|
Leading and Managing Technical Workers | |
|
EGMT 635
|
Visual System Mapping | |
|
EGMT 650
|
Systems Thinking for Leaders | |
|
SYSE 521
|
Integrated Risk Management | |
| Power Systems & Energy Electives | ||
|
ECEP 501
|
Power System Analysis | |
|
ECEP 502
|
Computer Analysis of Power Systems | |
|
ECEP 503
|
Synchronous Machine Modeling | |
|
ECEP 610
|
Power System Dynamics | |
|
ECEP 611
|
Power System Security | |
| Machine Learning & Artificial Intellgence Electives | ||
|
ECE 610
|
Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence | |
|
ECE 612
|
Applied Machine Learning Engineering | |
|
ECE 687
|
Pattern Recognition | |
|
ECES 521
|
Probability & Random Variables | |
| Other Approved Electives | ||
|
EGMT 504
|
Design Thinking for Engineering Communications | |
|
EGMT 531
|
Engineering Economic Evaluation & Analysis | |
|
EGMT 535
|
Financial Management | |
|
EGMT 610
|
Ethics & Business Practices for Engineers | |
|
EGMT 615
|
New Product Conceptualization, Justification, and Implementation | |
|
EGMT 616
|
Value Creation through New Product Development | |
|
EGMT 620
|
Engineering Project Management | |
|
EGMT 625
|
Project Planning, Scheduling and Control | |
|
EGMT 630
|
Global Engineering Project Management | |
|
EGMT 645
|
Managing Engineering Disasters | |
|
EGMT 652
|
Engineering Law | |
|
SYSE 898
|
Master's Thesis in Systems Engineering *** | |
| Optional Co-op Experience † | 0-1 | |
|
COOP 500
|
Career Management and Professional Development for Master's Degree Students | |
| Total Credits | 45.0-46.0 | |
*Electives from other engineering disciplines and/or Drexel colleges may be considered with approval by your advisor.
*Pursuing the Master's Thesis option requires completion of the 12 core courses, one elective course, and nine thesis credits. Advisor approval is required if you're interested in waiving core courses.
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university
- A bachelor's degree in science (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.) is also acceptable, but you may be required to take extra undergraduate or graduate courses
- An undergraduate degree earned abroad must be deemed equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 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)
- In an essay of 500-750 words, please answer the following questions:
- Why do you wish to pursue the MS in Systems Engineering?
- Why do you believe you will succeed in the program?
- Resume
- Additional requirements for International Students
Transfer Credits
You may transfer up to 15 quarter credits from an accredited institution, regardless of whether you completed a master’s degree. Transfer credit decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Systems Engineering program at 215.895.2354 for more information.
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2025-2026 is $691 per credit. (A 50% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1382 per credit)
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates 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.
- 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
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026
© All Rights Reserved