Top 10 Best ranked universities to study Systems Engineering
Engineers have superpowers in general. But not as in the “bitten by a radioactive spider” sort of way but in how they create amazing things happen. Our modern lives function because of engineers, and that’s something that only a handful of areas can boast about. Systems engineers make up a significant part of an already significant category of people. As the University of Florida puts the words, “Systems Engineers help make organized human and work more efficient and effective in education, industry, and research.”
Systems engineering affects the design of nearly every device we utilize, and those with “the technical skills to build sophisticated systems and the capability to control them in an ever-changing connected global business and political world,” as the Stevens Institute of Technology declares, are needed. They must possess various abilities and knowledge of the technical processes, and they must understand the entire spectrum of these processes: Management, environmental, economic, technical, as well as political, according to what they are described by the University of Virginia notes.
You can earn a master’s degree that is in system engineering. About 1.800 degrees were awarded in 2017-2018, representing 25 percent of 7 247 Engineering master’s degree degrees conferred the same year. There are many applications for the degree in a wide range of fields and jobs. UVA states that its graduates are professors at universities, researchers in institutes and labs as well as analysts in corporations as well as consulting firms and government agencies, as well as entrepreneurs. Systems engineer jobs (obviously) systems engineer, lead engineer, logistics operations manager, and project manager, among others, are available through a master’s degree in system engineering in accordance with the Stevens Institute of Technology.
The programs in the top 10 master’s programs in systems engineering provide mixed between on-campus and online education, as well as some that offer an amalgam of both. They can last from one year (of full-time studies) up to three years or more, based on the workload. Certain programs are specifically designed for students who are full-time, while others provide flexible options for professionals seeking to expand their careers by earning a degree. The programs all describe themselves as multidisciplinary in the sense that the field of systems engineering is a blend of diverse areas. It’s not just about the nuts and bolts of engineering, but rather a mix of knowledge from engineering alongside Management and business principles so that students are able to comprehend how to apply their knowledge in complex systems that they will study. Don’t be shocked to encounter advanced maths that are hardcore in conjunction with something similar to Managing New Business Development in the program curriculum. Don’t also expect the ability to compose a dissertation. not all programs require one; however, those that do usually permit students to pick between a thesis as well as a research assignment. Many programs make these non-required and suggest that they be used only by those who plan to pursue a doctoral program following their master’s degree.
The cost of programs listed in our Top 10 list is $26,363 for an academic year. This is a number that we calculate using tuition as the basis and incorporating the possibility of financial aid. The Median Price for the top 10 master’s degrees in systems engineering programs is $27,067, with tuition reaching $39,862 at the top and $11,313 at the lower end.
Common Admission and Application Questions
Engineering doesn’t get a good reputation as a field that is easy to research, which means that it will become more challenging as the schooling becomes more advanced. It’s not surprising that many of the programs we’ve listed in our Top 10 need a certain quantity of undergraduate study in engineering. Some require an undergraduate engineering degree or in a related field, while others might need or prefer certain courses in subjects such as algebra, calculus, programming, or fundamental engineering. Johns Hopkins University (No. number 3 in our ranking) does not just require the completion of an undergraduate program in an engineering or science field, with at least a 3.0 GPA. It also requires at least one year of full-time, full-time work.
Beyond the bachelor’s degree, applicants generally require recommendations letters, personal statements and resume, application fee, and for international students–proof that they have English proficiency (usually through TOEFL scores). Graduate standardized tests, such as GRE and the GRE or GMAT, aren’t required across the spectrum, and a lot of universities are regarded as supplementary tests when they don’t pay any attention in any way. But good GRE/GMAT scores can help tip an acceptance in your favor, especially if another part of your application–undergrad GPA or coursework, for example–is a little weaker. Regarding GPA, a lot of institutions have a minimum level for undergraduate studies, generally between 3.0 and occasionally 2.7 or 2.5 as they may require to be admitted.
If you are enrolled in a master’s degree program, you should expect to keep at least a 3.0 GPA or better to keep in the program. In addition, many universities restrict the low grades students are allowed in specific classes. For instance, at Johns Hopkins, master’s students can only earn only one C in their entire studies. (The reason for this is that so far: Johns Hopkins doesn’t mess with students.)
The application process may vary greatly. Certain schools accept applications every two or three times a year, while others provide beginning points for each term and accept applications at various times during the course of the calendar. If it’s an online school, most likely, it will have rolling admissions and multiple dates throughout the year to start classes. They are typically designed for working adults, which is why they are the most suitable for students.
The online courses are delivered on a regular basis (coursework is completed according to your schedule, and that has regular dates) as well as synchronously (meeting an agreed-upon timing for all classes) or, in some cases, the two. They’re typically accompanied by frequent online interactions that take the form of discussions in groups, Q&As with instructors, or group projects that replicate traditional classroom-based learning and allow students to feel less lonely. Students who are online also get the same benefits that their counterparts on campus enjoy through guidance and counseling in the areas of academics and career library services, library counseling, and I.T. assistance.
None of the programs in the top 10 master’s degrees in systems engineering is offered only online, but they are alternative options to studies. UVA (No. 2) offers a weekend-learning program, and MIT (No. 5) a commuter option. That’s all to say that a traditional, drop-everything-else-and-study-for-the-next-two-years master’s program isn’t the only option; in fact, the more forward-thinking universities have figured out ways to accommodate people who can’t afford or simply don’t have that option.
What about financial Aid & Scholarships?
The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that the average Price of a master’s degree is around $25,000. This is in line with the average of $26,363 in our Top 10 engineering programs in systems. For the majority of students all over the globe, it’s plenty of money that you can spend each year, particularly if you’re an undergraduate student who doesn’t have any income coming into. It’s financial aid that’s the lifeline that makes education affordable. As per the NCES, 70.4% of master’s students get some form of financial aid. The median amount of $17,400. The aid is provided through loans (57.1 percent) and grants (32.5 percent), and various other methods (10.4 percent); however, the NCES does not define the definition of “other” refers to. Plasma donation? Rich relatives? Are you working a few tasks as a hired assassin in order to save some money before pursuing the master’s in systems engineering and then finding it difficult to escape the criminal syndicate that gave you your income and does not like loose ends in the world? That call came from Brussels, and what exactly was their meaning of “liquidate”? What, where did we go? Oh right, financial aid.
There are a few spots to start. If you’re employed in a company, it’s an excellent idea to find out if your employer provides educational stipends, or other support for your studies, particularly when you’re already employed in the field of engineering. If you’re active or veteran military or active-duty military, it’s possible to avail the Post-9/11 GI Bill will assist in paying for educational expenses, and universities frequently have programs specifically geared towards recruiting military members. (In fact, U.S. News and World Report have an entirely separate category for the top Colleges that cater to Veterans.)
Anyone who is seeking financial aid should visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website, which provides a wealth of details and is a great resource for explaining the various types of aid available, the best way to apply for it, and the process of applying for it as well as a thorough outline of student loans which should be read by anyone considering attending a university. (Its loan simulator is an amazing tool.) It has different sections according to the stage of your life and where you are: attending school for the very first time, preparing to finish your degree, currently in the process of repaying loans, or in danger of being in debt or owing a fine, etc. There is a wealth of details that will allow anyone to gain a thorough grasp of the entire financial aid world in a relatively short time. The most crucial aspect of this Federal Student Aid website is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which will outline the different types of aid that you are eligible for. To get a quick estimate, look up the website’s FAFSA4caster offering an overview of the information that could be available in your application.
Grants and scholarships are among the most popular kinds of financial aid in part because you don’t need to pay them back. They are awarded on the basis of merit, while grants are awarded based are based on the basis of need. One of the best places to look for these can be found in the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship searcher, with information on over 8000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and others. The majority of these listings are specifically targeted at students at the undergraduate level because there are more opportunities for undergraduates than graduate students. However, they still offer more than 3,000 opportunities for those going to graduate school.
Also, consider the schools themselves. They will often include the analysis of financial aid in your application. The chances are that the universities provide their own grant and scholarships for qualified students. The state where you live likely has its own scholarships, as does private industry–particularly the many, many industries where engineering plays a key role. For additional information about everything systems engineering, from educational programs to job opportunities, check for the International Council on Systems Engineering.
What Can I Earn by completing a Systems Engineering Master’s Degree?
It is estimated that the National Center for Education Statistics provides a median wage for those with a master’s degree of 70,330, and 28% of those who graduate with master’s degrees have more than $100,000 in a year. It’s a broad definition, however, and master’s degrees are available in a variety of styles and not the same earnings potential.
Glassdoor provides an average system engineer base pay of $77,768, and PayScale states $79,835. The employment website Indeed claims $102,191, whereas its competition, ZipRecruiter, states $91,790. The authoritative-sounding salary.com says the median salary is $69,486, with the top 10% bringing in $82,928. Six different websites with six different decades of figures. Who’s correct?
The best location to look up salary information will be to go through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is located within the U.S. Department of Labor. However, the BLS does not have specific data for system engineers, which aren’t tracked as a category, as opposed to electrical and electronic engineers and mechanical engineers, civil engineers, and so on. The BLS’s general data on engineers in 2016 shows that the median wage was $91,010, and an estimated number of 139,300 engineering jobs are expected to be added by 2026. The closest analogy to a systems engineer found in the BLS information is likely to be an industrial engineer, which is described by the BLS defines as creating “efficient systems that connect machines, workers materials, information, and energy to create an item or provide services.” The BLS includes 91,000 as the average wage and the highest 10 percent earning $132,340 and low-earners earning $56,470. In 2028 it is estimated that the BLS forecasts a growth rate of 8%. This is more than the average national rate of 5%. This means that 238,000 jobs will be added to the existing 284,600 available. These are impressive numbers even though industrial engineers aren’t identical to system engineers.
Another category that appears within the BLS as being associated with systems engineers is electronic and electrical engineers, who are described as being employed within “research and development manufacturing, engineering services, telecoms and in the Federal Government” to “design create, make, test and supervise the manufacturing” of electronic and electrical equipment. While a systems engineer can definitely work in a similar setting, however, it’s not appropriate for all engineering systems jobs. However, they are able to earn a decent salary. BLS estimates that they earn an average in the range of 101,000 and anticipate a growth rate of just 2percent through 2028, which is roughly half of the average for the nation.
If you feel that salary information is somewhat scattered, this is the nature of systems engineering. It is a source of information for other engineering fields but doesn’t get a lot of attention on its own. The website of the International Council on Systems Engineering describes it nicely. In the middle is a yellow oval that has “Systems Engineering” in it. It connects to 16 rectangular shapes around it that are marked “mechanical engineering,” human factor engineering,” aeronautical engineering,” and so on. “Systems engineers provide a unique view of the engineering process… which helps to coordinate and coordinate other engineering-related activities.” This is something that other engineers should be aware of.
What are the top System Engineering education?
We’re sure that you’ve got academic goals you’re eager to attain. However, you might be unsure of where you should begin. We, the editors at Grand degree, utilize a unique method of ranking that is built on the following five factors:
25% Total Cost of Education: Average cost of the graduate and undergraduate tuition for each school
25 Graduation Rate: Number of students who begin their studies at the university and finish at the
20% Potential Earnings: Average mid-career salary of high school graduates
20 percent SelectivityThe amount of applicants to the number who actually are accepted
10 percent Online Graduate Programs: The number of programs that are offered online by each department
We at Master’s Programs Guide endeavor to be the best we can to help guide the family and you towards an academic career that is rewarding. The quest for knowledge is a noble pursuit. We want to assist you in achieving your goals.
Take a look at our list of the top master’s programs in systems engineering!
1. University of Florida
Master of Science/Master in Engineering with a focus on Industrial & Systems Engineering
Despite its status as a punchline in the national press for the numerous snarky antics of the “Florida Man,” this state of Florida is home to three of the top five most prestigious institutions within the U.S. by enrollment. There’s a reason why the University of Florida takes the top spot with more than 52,000 students as per Worldatlas. Given the size of the institution and its prestigious status, it’s not surprising to find that the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering provides four varieties of master’s in systems and industrial engineering. It is available in two different versions that include Master of Science (with or without thesis) and Master of Engineering (with or without thesis), which require the completion of an undergraduate engineering degree.
Students can choose between the traditional 30-hour degree that is earned on the campus of Gainesville, FL, a 31-hour online program, and an MS-only program of 31 hours for students in Eglin Air Force Base. Eglin Air Force Base; and Outreach Engineering Management program designed for professionals who work with a focus on the Management of engineering. Students who opt for the thesis will get up to six hours of academic credit for their work.
Phew. It’s a good thing. Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering defines its degree in terms of “focusing on the analysis of data and methods for modeling,” in which students “develop top-of-the-line capabilities in the system, process, and human performance measurement, optimization modeling as well as methods for design as well as implementation.” While pursuing the degree, they’ll learn about diverse areas of application that require ISE, including Human systems and health systems, transportation systems, production systems, and many more. With its many options for earning a degree, the school clearly wants to cater to every kind of student.
Students on campus must complete three courses in the foundation, no what their major is: Deterministic Methods in Operations Research (only available in the autumn), Applied Probability Methods in Engineering (ditto), and a graduate seminar that is one credit. Non-thesis students must also complete one of the nine “project courses” at the conclusion of their studies, including Digital Simulation Techniques, Systems Design, Model Health Systems Engineering, Principles of Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and others.
Students who go online have a different structure. It starts with five core classes that comprise Deterministic Methods as well as the Applied Probability Methods above, as well as other courses in system design and architecture as well as Management. After that, they will have the 15 credit electives that they select and a single project course. Some of the courses that are high-level within IGE’s IGE program include Manufacturing Management, Web-Based Decision Support Systems for Industrial and Systems Engineers, Models for Supply Chain Management, Fund Math Programming, and Stochastic Modelling and Analysis. In all of it, students must keep an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Admission to the program at U.F. requires transcripts and a statement of intent along with a CV, GRE scores, and 3 letters of recommendation or references. The program has start dates in the fall and summer. In terms of fees, Florida costs just $9,313, which is less than half of the list average of $26,363.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of Science in System Design & Management
MIT. Have you heard of it? The University of Engineering Technology, technology, and the top and brightest in these areas? No. 3, in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report? No. 1 in graduates Best Engineering Schools? Its industrial/manufacturing/systems engineering programs tie for No. 6 according to U.S. News 6, which includes Purdue, Stanford, University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as Virginia Tech, but let’s be real. In terms of technology, MIT has the name not only for its prestige and recognition but also for the envy of many top universities.
The university has developed its multidisciplinary design and systems management (SDM) program specifically for early and mid-career professionals that will “learn to employ systems thinking to comprehend the managerial, technical, and societal aspects of big-scale, complex issues.” Because the program is geared toward working professionals and professionals, the university offers three degrees that include in the university (finish the course in just 16 months) or locally-based commuter (21-24 months with a minimum of two courses during a term on campus) as well as distant (21-24 months, however, you must spend at minimum an entire semester in the university with an additional semester spent writing an academic thesis).
In actual fact, all students must complete a high-credit (at least 37 units) in a 13-week term as a student on campus during the spring or fall semester. Students typically do it in their second year and then take the second year to spend studying their thesis back at home.
Whatever the route that you choose, every SDM Fellows (as the school calls students within the program) have the opportunity to participate in remote learning. This is through Foundations of System Design and Management, which is a three-term course that runs for the whole academic year. The course is delivered online, in live, interactive video conferences. Fellows are spread across a range of time zones throughout the globe. This is designed to recreate “the real-world experience of geographically diverse teams in today’s work.” Foundations of System Design and Management incorporates discussions in class, lectures by MIT instructors and guest speakers, as well as individual assignments and team-based projects. The course concludes with a team project that tackles an issue that is posed by a sponsor from the government, industry, or a different source.
The program of SDM master’s program is broken into a minimum of 90 subject units as well as 24 thesis units. These include 36 core units, 12 of depth courses as well as 12 management foundation courses as well as an optimum of 30 electives, which are balanced between Management and engineering. The foundation and depth courses are designed to prepare students to be able to tackle difficult problems by providing additional engineering instruction as well as introductory courses in accounting, finance, and strategy. Students must have an overall 4.0 GPA (out of 5.0 or which is the minimum) in the course of study to be eligible to graduate.
The prestige of MIT is what makes it a competitive admissions process, even though the application requirements are generally including transcripts with 3 letters of reference, GRE/GMAT results, as well as a resume and statement of purpose, though the university requires an interview. Applications are accepted between the months of January and March. The best part? MIT is priced reasonably at $18,971, which is well below the average of the list.
3. University of Virginia
Master of Science/Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Ranked at No. 28 in National Universities and No. 41 in the list of Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News and World Report, UVA is widely regarded to be one of the most prestigious American universities that are public. This may have something to do with their rich history due to the fact that it was the creation of one of the Founding Fathers. Thomas Jefferson founded the school in 1819 and regarded it as one of his most significant accomplishments. The school’s headstone mentions him as”the “Father of the University of Virginia,” but it’s not clear the fact that he was president of the United States. UVA was clearly a place that had a special place for him, and it is for a lot of people who go there.
The university is aware that its research is a magnet for prospective graduate students. Its faculty is currently conducting research on an artificial pancreas and the latest generation of air traffic control systems, as well as autonomous vehicle security software. Students who are pursuing an M.S. in system engineering could have the chance to work on a portion of this research.
Similar to other programs listed on our list UVA’s Department of Engineering Systems and Environment provides two kinds of engineering master’s degrees: the M.S. as well as and M.E. Its MS degree is research-oriented and requires a thesis and is not available on the internet, whereas the M.E. includes a mentored research project, which is available in a weekend or online program. The curriculum tracks for both programs differ. According to what UVA states, M.E. students begin with the basics of systems analysis design, development, and integration before applying them to a particular project. M.S. students also begin with the basics but in the decision-making process, systems, and information sciences. They are applying that knowledge to a more specific work project (usually one that is in the process within the department) which culminates in the thesis.
The ME program runs for 12 months and needs 30 credits to complete nine hours of core classes (such as Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design, Stochastic Modeling, and Optimization Models and Methods) and 21 hours of electives. UVA defines M.S. students as “wishing not only to develop the fundamentals of knowledge but additionally contribute to the advancement of knowledge by conducting independent, original research.” The program comprises five elements that include electives, core courses, colloquiums, colloquiums, and research, in addition to involvement (“in an intellectual community of the university,” declares the website). This equates to 32 credit hours, which is nine hours from core classes and 15 electives, 2 hours of Systems Engineering Colloquium, and at least six hours to complete their thesis. For graduation, M.S. students must author or co-author at minimum one technical paper in addition to their thesis. In other words, UVA’s M.S. in Systems Engineering program is not a game.
The requirements for admission to a university aren’t particularly intimidating. Candidates will require transcripts and three recommendation letters as well as a statement of intention essay. GRE scores aren’t required in the M.S. and are not needed for M.E. unless you went to an institution outside of that of the United States. The UVA tuition is also affordable and is $17,845, which is lower than the average of the top 10 master’s programs in engineering systems.
4. Johns Hopkins University
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
The site for systems engineering for Johns Hopkins leads with a somewhat Westworld image of a robot arm and hand that is clutching an actual walkie-talkie. Is it an explosive device? If it’s a walkie-talkie, why would a robot require one? Who’s on the other side? Perhaps these are the types of questions that are answered by the system engineering program at the university, or perhaps the image could be just to make people’s wheels spin. Human-computer interaction is one of the subjects covered in the course, at the very least. (So, is it a cyborg in the picture? This only raises further concerns.)
The questions aren’t addressed in the overview of the program, which describes it as the “systems-centric program” that teaches students “technical capabilities in the area of systems engineering and the systems that are systems.” (It’s a known fact that universities are of the opinion that repetition of “systems” whenever feasible is an indication to be intelligent.) The degree offers a focus area that includes software systems, simple systems, human systems cybersecurity, modeling, and simulation. The degree is offered by Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. The degree grants the students with an M.S. or MSE or MSE, the latter of which requires a bachelor’s degree from a school accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission. There’s no difference in the courses offered by the two courses, and both are based on either seven or eight-core classes and three or more electives. Students must complete the courses in five years and achieve a B in their courses in order to be able to graduate. (Only 1 C grade can count towards the master’s degree.)
Naturally, the mandatory courses each have a different variant or “system” as part of their titles, such as An Introduction to Systems Engineering, Management of Systems Projects, Software Systems Engineering, System Conceptual Design Systems Design and Integration, and System Test and Evaluation. Johns Hopkins is anything but inconsistent. Its electives depend on which focus students select from the six choices available. All required courses are online, and a majority of the electives are as well.
Some of the electives include Management of Complex Systems, Critical Infrastructure, Engineering and Measuring the impact, as well as the study of Statistical Methods and Data Analysis, Communications in Technical Organizations, Software Project Management, and Software Safety. The goal is that students acquire an extensive set of skills upon graduation and will have a complete array of system knowledge, including the technical knowledge to “lead the development and evaluation of complicated systems as well as Systems.” System!
If the application sounds like a lot of work, It is, and so are the requirements for admission. The applicants must have the equivalent of undergraduate education in an engineering or science field (with at least a 3.0 GPA) as well as one year of relevant full-time experience that is documented in the form of a “detailed” professional resume. Additionally, they must submit a professional recommendation letter as well as transcripts from all their college courses. However, there’s no GRE prerequisite. The tuition of the best 10 programs on our list at $27,868.
5. Stevens Institute of Technology
Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, should be a must-see for engineers from all over the world. The university is the brainchild of inventor/entrepreneur Edwin A. Stevens, who engineered the nation’s first steam ferry, and, along with his brother Robert, helped develop the railroad system (and created the first cowcatcher). Jon, another of their brothers Jon was the one who built the vessel America and was the founder of the American Cup Race. Over time, SIT alumni created the IMAP email system bubble wrap and the Gantt diagram and also discovered the neutrino. The short version is that SIT is a perfect school.
In reality, SIT’s site for the Systems Engineering program states the fact that SIT has been “the largest supplier of education in systems engineering in government officials of the U.S. federal government and industries around the world.” The curriculum is described as “the perfect mix of engineering, technology, and management education,” SIT says its graduates are able to “address issues of integration and systems and life cycle issues system thinking and integration at corporate and system levels.”
SIT offers a master of Engineering in systems engineering with five concentrations available, including large-scale cyber-physical systems, integrated cyber-physical systems software systems as well as unspecified (i.e., general). The 10-course program is broken down into six compulsory classes, 3 electives, and a thesis or project.
Instead of using electives for fulfilling the requirements of concentration, SIT includes them with the essential courses. Six of the classes are in the concentration chosen. Whatever the concentration, each course is classified into the following areas of modeling, simulation as well as analysis (such as Systems Modeling & Simulation or Decision and Risk Analysis) and management (Project management of complex systems), and concept (Fundamentals of Systems Engineering or Concept of CPS: Determining what to build and why) Architecture and design; implementation and maintenance.
Six credits can be applied to a project or thesis. If students choose to write a thesis, it will take the place of among their other electives. The university recommends students take their electives in order to get one of the many graduate degrees they offer, including supply chain and logistics analysis, Systems engineering management, urban resilience, the integrated engineering of ships systems, and many more.
Students in SIT’s Master of Engineering in systems engineering program include the standard prerequisites: the transcript, GRE scores, and two letters of recommendation. Prospective students must also possess proficiency in programming software according to the guidelines of the curriculum. Students who do not have professional experience beyond the undergraduate level will have to complete Introduction to Systems Engineering and Fundamentals of Software Engineering in order to get ahead, although certain exceptions may be made subject to the approval of a professor advisor as well as the director of the system engineering program.
Stevens Institute of Technology Stevens Institute of Technology is an independent school situated right over from the Hudson River from Manhattan, which is a loopy method of saying that it’s costly. How much? It is the highest expensive of the programs within the top 10 master’s degrees in systems engineering, costing $39,862.
6. George Washington University
Master of Science in Systems Engineering
A list of notable students from George Washington University is long, but it’s not an official list. It’s listed, plural. The university, which is situated in Washington, D.C., is home to top leaders in media, politics, and entertainment, as well as government and even national treasures such as Tim Gunn, formerly of Project Runway. G.W. is, as it’s also known as an institution that produces Important People, and students who are pursuing the Master of Science in Systems Engineering at the university can have the opportunity to experience this at a distance. It is designed to cater to “working adults who lead busy lives,” the program is delivered online through weeknight classes and is also accessible to students following the course. While the program is based on systems thinking and business concepts, it also includes practical instruction to ensure that students have the ability to build a broad base of knowledge. The goal of the curriculum is to provide students with thorough instruction in “technical techniques like axiomatic design, analysis of systems, while also providing deep insight into the management of projects and leadership methods.” In other words, the main topics that are included in the curriculum are the assessment of quality as well as analysis of architecture and Systems as well as risk management, large-scale systems, problem-solving using systems engineering tools in addition to managing the technical team, according to the curriculum’s web site.
The load of the course is straightforward 12 classes for a total of 36 hours of credit. The courses include Management of Technical Organizations, Decision Making in the Face of Uncertainty, Knowledge Management, Systems Engineering I and II as well as Applied Enterprise Systems Engineering. Additionally, there are Problems in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Capstone, which is a course that allows students to be in small groups and apply their knowledge to a real-world challenge (proposed by students and then approved by the teacher). The course helps students prepare for taking the Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) test provided through the International Council on Systems Engineering and aids employers and others in understanding that the graduates are aware of the subject matter they’re working on.
What will they acquire to prove it? They’ll use the technical abilities of Axiomatic design and system analysis “to examine the way systems interact to create and integrate subsystems, as well as to determine the quality of systems.” They’ll also coordinate the functions of an organization, such as Management of organizational behavior as well as quality and cost control. They’ll also supervise the development of technology.
Admission to G.W. is contingent upon submitting an application, a statement of intent, transcripts along with three letters of recommendation. A GRE score or GMAT scores aren’t required but are recommended. The admissions website recommends the “ideal” applicants hold a bachelor’s degree, with at minimum a 2.7 GPA in engineering, mathematical science, physical science, business administration, computer science, and information technology. They must also earn a grade of A or better in two math courses. If you’ve done courses in systems engineering at another institution, it will not be considered for the purposes of G.W. since the school does not accept transfer credits.
The school will accept cash but not all of it. Being a private institution with an enviable reputation for making Important People, G.W. lies on the expensive side. Although it’s not the most expensive of our Top 10, it’s $39,000. The importance doesn’t come cheap.
7. University of Southern California
Master of Science in Systems Architecting and Engineering
Its University of Southern California has, since its inception, been among the nation’s most prestigious universities–U.S. News and World Report ranks it at No. 22 among the National Universities. It is no surprise that it has an excellent engineering curriculum. Their Viterbi School of Engineering is listed as no. 10 among the Best Engineering Schools for graduate studies, according to U.S. News. Yes, USC has endured some…unpleasantness in recent years, but it only distracts from the fundamental essence of a university that remains one of the best in the land. Also, it’s is one of the more expensive schools, the M.S. in systems architecture and engineering costs $36,161.
For professionals with more than a decade of professional experience, The program focuses on “the method of creation by which these systems are designed and designed, planned and built, then evaluated, tested, utilized and then eventually retired.” The multidisciplinary program includes a variety of specializations, including mechanical and aerospace systems, Artificial Intelligence/Neural Networks, Control and automation systems as well as communication as well as signal processing, information and computer systems, engineering, construction management systems, integrated media systems, production systems, network-centric technologies software process architecture and, in simplest terms systems.
This MS in systems architecture and engineering calls for at least 30 units of course work and a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. The minimum GPA is 15 units of the required courses and an elective in technical Management for three credits, as well as a general technical elective of three credits and nine electives in a technical specialty. The required courses include Engineering Economy, Economic Consideration for Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering Theory and Practice, Model-Based Systems Architecting and Engineering, and Systems Architecting, in addition to others.
Students have eight options to choose from in technical management electives that include Decision Analysis, Modern Enterprise Systems, and Strategies in High-Tech Companies. Technical electives, in general, include seven choices, which include a number of courses on Software (such as Software Management and Economics) as well as other subjects such as Lean Operations and Case Studies in Systems Engineering and Management.
Specialization courses comprise an additional nine units. Students have many choices for each, but all nine courses should be a part of a single specialty. Each specialization has at minimum four options for courses, but certain specializations have more. There are many more options. Computer and Information Systems specialization includes eight courses, and for instance, the Integrated Media Systems specialization has Integrated Media systems nine. The specialty with the shortest term, Systems, has the highest number, offering the most staggering fifteen choices for courses that range from the Electrical Engineering Research Seminar to Quality Management for Engineers, Network Flows as well as the Decision Analysis, Management of Engineering Teams and numerous other.
Admission to USC’s M.S. in system architecture as well as engineering requires the completion of an undergraduate degree in math, engineering, or hard science with a “satisfactory” GPA and similarly “satisfactory” GRE scores. However, what constitutes satisfactory isn’t clarified. This is USC’s most popular word as the university requires that applicants have a good performance in previous courses in the field of study. Experience in the industry is highly recommended. However, it’s not mandatory. Students who are interested in studying must submit documents such as transcripts, GRE scores, resume as well personal statement as well as three letters of reference.
8. University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Engineering in Systems Engineering
The second institution of our top 10 that was stewarded through a founding father, The University of Pennsylvania–“Penn” to its associates–dating from 1740. However, it was founded under the direction of the leadership of Benjamin Franklin. The renowned writer, inventor, and bon vivant was the head of the institution that predated Penn for a number of years. His influence continues to be felt by the university over 250 years later, and it’s not just because the campus of Philadelphia is home to an image of him on an island. The university’s leaders will inform you that his passion for inquisitiveness and innovation has influenced their research and academic pursuits today.
This is the case for that department as well. Electrical and Systems Engineering Department is part of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and awards an MSE in Systems Engineering degree. It was created by the fusion between the electrical and departments of systems engineering in 2002. The merger was designed to reflect the ever-changing technology and engineering. Particularly relevant to this point, the department made a decision to alter its approach to teaching, focusing less on specific details and ability to use tools to produce “broadly educated curious problem-solvers that possess a solid understanding of foundational concepts in the discipline and an incredibly comfortable level with the self-directed acquisition of new techniques,” according to its mission statement.
Do you feel like that? Does that sound like you? MSE program in the S.E. program follows this directive by giving students a broad knowledge of systems science, data science modeling, optimization, and decision-making according to their site. The methodology is rooted in the interplay between electrical and systems engineering. It aims to offer the “in-depth conceptual foundation and interdisciplinarity abilities” that today’s complex systems demand. However, the curriculum is flexible enough to adapt to the needs and career goals of students.
The study plan is straightforward 10 units, of course. They’re broken up into a minimum of one class each in the fields of data science, system modeling, and the design and optimization of systems. There’s also an elective in leadership as well as a technical elective and two courses in an application field (or thesis, which isn’t required and recommended for students who are planning to earn an advanced degree). Each section has a range of classes. Data science has six courses, like Applied Machine Learning and Data Mining Learn through Massive Datasets. Systems modeling also has six topics, ranging that range from Linear Systems Theory to Systems Methodology. Optimization and design of systems include five topics, which include Feedback Control Design and Analysis and Modern Convex Optimization as well as Human Systems Engineering. The last one sounds like it could be in the realm of science-fiction; however, the description of the course is less evocative: “an introduction to human systems engineering, which examines diverse human factors that impact the range of human performance and the human system integration.” There is no mention of the cyborg in the course.
Penn claims that it takes full-time students between one and two years to complete their degree, based on the workload. To start the entire process, complete the transcripts, resume, and a two-page personal statement in “a size and font that is readable,” two letters of recommendation, as well as GRE results. The program accepts applications for admission once each year, usually in February. You can expect to spend $26,266, which is basically the cost of the top 10 master’s programs in systems engineering.
9. Cornell University
Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering
Cornell University lives in two worlds. On one side, it’s a privately funded Ivy League research university. However, it’s a federal land-grant university and an associate with the State University of New York, which means it has to “make contributions to all fields of research in a way which is focused on public engagement in order to enhance our quality of life for our country, our state, and the world.” It’s a public institution but a high-end, Ivy League yet SUNY close. This isn’t a very common mix; however, you’re not able to argue about what works. U.S. News and World Report rank Cornell as No. 17 in the rankings of National Universities and No. 14 for graduate schools. Best Engineering Schools.
Its Master of Engineering in systems engineering is offered on the campus at Ithaca, NY, and online. By design, it is interdisciplinarity-based. The program demands a minimum of 30 credits, with 12-14 credits from classes that they can modify according to their preferences. Every student is required to take 17-19 hours of compulsory courses. They are taken from three classes: Model-Based Systems Engineering System Analysis Behavior, Optimization, and Project Management. They also have an engineering project in systems which counts as up to 8 credits.
Students select from the extensive listing of electives that are approved that the university breaks down into groups and enforces certain guidelines. Students have to take at least one course from the modeling-and-analysis group. (Perhaps Stochastic and Deterministic Modeling in Biochemical Systems?) The same goes for the group that applies. (Maybe we consider that we use stochastic hydraulics?) But they cannot have more than one class from Management (like Managing New Business Development), and not any seminar or seminar-related elective like Enterprise Engineering Colloquium is permitted each semester (so two total). A faculty advisor must be able to approve the entire course of study, including mandatory courses and electives. There’s an interesting point: “You must receive a letter grade for every course which is used towards the degree you’ve earned.” Therefore don’t bother those who want to make use of emojis as grades instead of using the alphabet.
The requirements of the distance learning program are identical, but the course offerings vary. Online ME is intended for students with a part-time schedule, and the on-campus course is designed for completion in the course of one full year of studies. Students who go online have the option to attend lectures live or record them later. The admission requirements are identical for both. The university prefers applicants possess at least an undergraduate level in engineering, math, or science, along with at least one course in integral calculus, linear differential algebra, calculus as well as differential equations. Also, at least one-course undergrad in statistics and probability (though this can be completed upon admission if needed). Beyond those, the typical requirements include a one-to-two-page statement of intent along with transcripts and two letters of recommendation, and GRE scores.
If you take into account that Cornell, as an Ivy League school, isn’t able to offer Ivy League prices: $28,890, that’s a little higher than the average of the top 10 schools on our list.
10. University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering & Design
One of the country’s most well-known public universities is situated within one of the top cities for college and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has always enjoyed particular acclaim, and U.S. News and World Report rank it at No. 25 on the list of National Universities. For. Graduate education is ranked No. 4 in the rankings for Best Engineering Schools and No. 2 for best industrial/manufacturing/systems engineering programs (tied with Columbia University). It is a family-owned business. In addition, the Integrative Systems and Design department in the College of Engineering has serious standards. “Dedicated to developing leaders who can think critically and generate lasting value in the workplace and throughout society,” it has “a strict concentration on innovation, agility, and motivation in the service to the greater good.”
Don’t walk through Ann Arbor intending to get a master’s degree. Because this field “touches all aspects of our lives,” as the program website states that the field “has not been this vital or more difficult.” The curriculum at Michigan places a strong emphasis on human-centered engineering, lean systems engineering, and risk management.
The program is in the form of a 30-credit course split into core classes (classified by school officials as “breadth”) and electives (“depth”) as well as an end-of-course. The three core courses lay the basis (Introduction to Systems Engineering) and aim to set an example for multisyllabic titles. (Development and Validation of Design Requirements in Systems are just one, and the others are System Architecting, Concept Development, and Embodiment Design.) Within the 15 elective credits that are offered, at least three of them are required to be directly from the engineering field (say, Design for Six Sigma), and three must be design-focused courses (Advanced Design for Manufacturability, maybe?). The university also offers manufacturing, automotive engineering, energy systems engineering, and aerospace engineering electives.
The whole process culminates in a final project where students work in companies as individuals or groups to work on a specific industry issue or open-ended engineering problem. The duration of the work is between three and one and a half months (i.e., two or three semesters) in accordance with the size of the assignment. The assignments aren’t random. Students are assigned projects based on their backgrounds as well as their strengths and desires, and the school requires companies to compensate students in exchange for the time they spend. Examples of projects from the past include reducing the noise generated by airframes in jets, creating a hospital ICU bed that will be in the near future and incorporating human factors into designing an electric motorbike, and many others. The concept is that students gain an experience in the real world, and companies profit from students’ insights (and low-cost labor). Win-win!
The admissions process at the Michigan University of Michigan requires a bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering sciences (“with good grades,” stated on the admissions webpage) and an academic statement of intent (how the program can assist you in achieving your academic and professional goals) as well as the personal statement of one page (how your personal and professional background and experiences prompted you to pursue the degree) as well as transcripts. It isn’t necessary to take the GRE isn’t required but strongly encouraged. Application deadlines are four times during the year, corresponding to the start of the academic year. To pay for tuition, you can expect to pay $16,856, which places Michigan in the middle of the top 10 master’s degrees in systems engineering.
OTHER PROGRAMS THAT ARE NOTABLE
11. Boston University
Location: Boston
Degree Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering
Net Price of $29,154
12. Washington University in St. Louis
The location is University City, MO.
Degree Masters of Science in Systems Science and Mathematics
Net Price: $27,931.