Program Description

The Master of Science in Systems Engineering program provides an opportunity for working professionals to acquire advanced systems engineering skills through full or part-time study. The Master of Science in Systems Engineering program will educate professionals with science, technology or engineering backgrounds to solve industry challenges of the 21st century. These professionals will develop the advanced systems engineering knowledge to assess program risks, understand requirements and develop solutions to meet the complex needs of business and technology. Systems Engineering classes are offered completely online. Instructors use a variety of state-of-the-art instructional tools that allow students to pursue the Systems Engineering degree from anywhere they can access the Internet. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Develop, deploy and manage systems; including developing the mission, identifying the system and subsystem level requirements, and verifying that requirements are met.
2. Use simulation, optimization and decision-making techniques to evaluate and select alternative system architectures.
3. Understand and apply the basic phases of system development and how those phases interface with the project management process and the system life cycle.
4. Identify, assess, manage, and mitigate system and process risks. 
5. Support the development of the functional, operational, physical, and interface architectures of systems with modeling tools and methods.
6. Develop user-centered designs that integrate the requirements for humans in systems and interfaces.
7. Manage the technical, administrative, budget and scheduling aspects of a project in conjunction with the human aspect of system development.
8. Communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking.
9. Recognize the need for and engage in lifelong learning.
10. Describe the impact of Systems Engineering solutions in a global, societal, and ethical context.

This program is a part of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology . 

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements. To be considered for admission to this program, the following application materials must be submitted to the KSU Graduate Admissions Office no later than the published deadline date for the semester in which the applicant plans to enroll: 

• A 1 - 2 page Statement of Purpose describing your career and educational goals, and
• A current resume.

International students should consult the graduate admission website for additional requirements.

Admission Criteria

Applicants to the Master of Science Program with a major in Systems Engineering must have the following qualifications to be eligible for this program:

• An undergraduate degree in engineering, engineering technology, computer science, physical science, or other technically oriented major from an accredited college or university. Interested students from other disciplines may be admitted to the program, but may be required to complete additional courses.
• A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on the 4.0 scale) or its equivalent. Applicants with a GPA of 2.75 or better may be considered if they meet any of the following:
  • A minimum of 4 years’ relevant work experience in the field of engineering after their undergraduate degree. You must supply at least two (2) recommendations from former or current employers/supervisors. The letters of recommendation must clearly state your years of employment and relevant work experience.
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
  • Official GRE scores meeting the current admission profile: 148 (600 on old scale) Quantitative

Admission Criteria for Unique Cases

This program does not accept non-degreed students. 

Transfer Credit

Graduate work taken at other regionally accredited institutions must be evaluated and approved by the program director and/or graduate committee of the respective program in order to satisfy degree requirements at KSU. No grade below B may be accepted. Transfer grades are not used in calculating semester, summer term, or cumulative grade-point averages. Transfer credit for the Master of Science in Systems Engineering cannot exceed 6 credit hours.  Transcripts will be evaluated for transfer credit after full admission, upon request. 

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements