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Start building the cross-disciplinary skills to solve complex challenges in a wide range of fields and industries.
Systems engineering is a discipline that accounts for both the technical and business needs of stakeholders when solving complex problems. It provides a perspective that considers the requirements of all components and constituencies within the system, allowing companies to design the most efficient and effective approaches to solving the problems they face.
Many problems faced by companies today are unsolvable by any one area of engineering. Systems engineering emphasizes a systems thinking approach, which allows you to cross disciplines and analyze and understand relationships between various sub-components of a given system. This provides for the design and implementation of solutions that span disciplines (electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, finance, production, etc.) and considers all aspects of the project or product lifecycle.
For example, how do you design, manufacture, bring to market, maintain, and eventually retire a new commercial or military aircraft? A systems engineering solution may bring together mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering along with finance and sales to approach this complex issue. Understanding the relationship between various components and how to organize and manage them in an efficient way is where systems engineering comes into play.
Systems thinking is a technique students learn in the master's program, involving various modeling and analysis strategies for understanding the relationship between all components in a system. A system is a construct or collection of different elements that together produce results not obtainable by the individual elements alone. The elements, or parts, can include people, hardware, software, facilities, policies, and documents — all things required to produce systems-level results. The results include system-level qualities, properties, characteristics, functions, and dynamic behaviors and performance.
Examples of systems may include:
Systems management involves the implementation and coordination of technical processes to achieve a specific outcome. This includes things like product lifecycle management (design, manufacturing, in-use, maintenance, and end-of-life), risk management, and engineering team management, among others.
As a whole, students in the online master's in systems engineering program learn to integrate human, physical, energy, communications, management and information requirements through the application of mathematical and scientific principles when designing solutions to complex problems.
CSU's online system's engineering graduate program offers two master's degrees, a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science. Content for both degrees covers technical and management processes to systems design. Technical processes involve modeling and describing systems using a suite of tools to model behavior. This includes:
Additionally, the systems engineering master's program offers the advantage of a hybrid course delivery strategy. This option allows you to study when and where it works best for you, whether that be online while the lecture is happening live on campus or watching a recorded version after work or on the weekend.
The online master’s programs prepare students for a wide-variety of systems engineering careers, including, but not limited to:
Systems engineers are focused on how complex projects are designed and managed over the entire life cycle of the project. They coordinate logistics, teams, and also assume control over machinery. Systems engineers are also often project managers, able to communicate to large teams of people, regardless of location, about complex tasks under demanding situations. The national median salary for Systems Engineers is $110,136. (Source: EMSI)
The program teaches students to leverage knowledge and expertise from the fields of engineering, management, and mathematics when designing and implementing solutions to complex issues.
Government and Military Systems engineering is highly relevant to projects within government and military sectors. Defense acquisition programs rely on systems engineering as an integral part of decision-making and problem-solving because it looks at everything that can be used and assesses those components to find what’s needed to make systems work. For example, in looking at the entire lifecycle of the F-14 fighter jet, systems engineers consider maintenance, design, running the numbers (hours labor, money, etc.), managing risk, and more. This helps to prevent issues with systems that can’t be fixed or are too costly to fix if a problem arises. As well as improving acquisition quality, systems engineers often work with system security issues, as well as any government and military projects that need to use systems engineering when considering all performance, security, reliability, affordability factors.
Space and Aerospace Aerospace has well established systems engineering practices and the industry continues to be at the forefront of systems engineering. Having an academic background in systems engineering provides skills appreciated and sought after by organizations and is seen as central to a space or aerospace company’s function and competitiveness. Colorado has a heavy concentration of large space and aerospace companies to include Ball, ULA, NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Sierra Nevada, Woodward, and Northrop Grumman. CSU’s systems engineering programs have many CEOs from these companies on our executive advisory board. These individuals help drive curriculum and also serve as presenters in many of the courses.
Healthcare This industry, with its service-oriented systems, needs systems engineers to manage them efficiently while considering cyber security, policy making, financial engineering, patient data management systems, and more, for the organization or hospital. Everyone along the value chain needs to make sure that what they are developing works with all the other systems (or the larger system as a whole).
Power and Energy The relevant systems in this industry are those that produce and manage power and energy. They include the electric grid, natural gas development, the oil industry, and others. All of these systems are becoming more and more connected and are in need of patches and updates due to the fact that needs and technology have advanced past what the systems were originally built to handle. Networks of suppliers, component manufactures, and market places are all subcomponents of these systems. The companies with the most integrated (and usable) products that work across all these systems will be seen as the premier companies. These products are developed using systems engineering processes.
Once admitted, please stay in touch with your department advisor and reference Department Resources and the SE Handbook to ensure you are meeting all program requirements.
The M.E. program seeks to establish a strong foundation in systems engineering fundamentals and concludes with electives and the optional capstone project. The ME requires 12 credits of core SE courses, 9 credits of SE depth courses, 6 credits of flexible elective options, and either the 3-credit capstone or another depth course. You are encouraged to start with SYSE 501 but can take the remaining courses in any order provided you are meeting course prerequisites.
Please check with the SE department for a complete list of course options. When registration for a term is open, use our Credit Courses Page to search and register for online courses.
Course delivery options allow you to study when and where it works best for you, whether that is streaming the lecture from your computer while it's happening live on campus or watching a recorded version at a time more convenient for you. When registration for a term is open, use our credit courses page to search and register for online courses.
Once admitted, please stay in touch with your department advisor and reference Department Resources and the SE Handbook to ensure you are meeting all program requirements.
The M.S. program provides a 15-credit depth of knowledge in SE areas, 6-12 credits of flexible elective options, and concludes with a thesis or independent study project. You are encouraged to start with SYSE 501 but can take the remaining courses in any order provided you are meeting course prerequisites.
Please check with the SE department for a complete list of course options. When registration for a term is open, use our Credit Courses Page to search and register for online courses.
Course delivery options allow you to study when and where it works best for you, whether that is streaming the lecture from your computer while it's happening live on campus or watching a recorded version at a time more convenient for you. When registration for a term is open, use our credit courses page to search and register for online courses.
As an online systems engineering graduate student, you can access CSU's curriculum in a variety of ways. You may choose to "attend class" online while the lecture is happening live on campus (synchronous learning). Or, if it works better for your schedule, you can choose to watch a webinar-style version of the lecture later (asynchronous learning).
The online learning environment and course structure of this program encourages interaction with your classmates and professors through group projects, email, and designated online office hours. You even have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussions during live lectures.
Learn more about online learning to help determine if it's the right fit for you.
The Systems Engineering Department within CSU’s College of Engineering is just that: a dedicated university department focused on leading-edge systems engineering research and education. Department faculty are both talented instructors and world-class researchers in the field. In addition, many of CSU’s engineering professors have extensive industry experience, which they bring into the classroom and curriculum. Many of our students are also leaders in their workplaces. You will be learning alongside engineers from organizations like NASA, Lockheed-Martin, Woodward, Inc. and ULA, just to name a few.
Colorado State University offers a unique pathway to bypass the INCOSE knowledge exams through our SYSE 501: Foundations of Systems Engineering course. Unlike many other programs, we streamline the process by requiring just one course—pass SYSE 501 with a B+ (87%) or higher, and you can skip the knowledge exams for both the ASEP and CSEP certifications.
What sets us apart is that SYSE 501 counts as graduate credit. You don’t need to be enrolled at CSU to take the course, but if you choose to continue your education here, the course applies to our systems engineering certificate, master’s, or Ph.D. programs. This flexibility allows you to test the waters of graduate education while ensuring the course moves you forward in your certification and academic goals.
Our program attracts working professionals who are already systems engineers. By choosing SYSE 501 at CSU, you gain access to valuable networking opportunities within this community. We also boast a recognized student division of INCOSE, called INCOSE RAMS, where students can connect with the broader INCOSE community, enhancing both their professional network and access to exclusive resources.
SYSE 501 not only helps you bypass the knowledge exams but also gives you a solid foundation in systems engineering principles and their real-world applications. Whether you are pursuing INCOSE certification or exploring graduate education, this course provides the skills, connections, and flexibility to support your career growth.
If you’ve been considering INCOSE certification, SYSE 501 offers a more efficient, integrated path—one course, dual certification options, graduate credit, and a strong professional network. Take the next step in your career with confidence!
The systems engineering faculty at CSU bring decades of experience in applying academic research to real-world situations. Developed by Dr. Ron Sega, this program’s coursework is based on extensive research and professional experience with organizations such as NASA, Woodward, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Visit the Systems Engineering website to learn more about the faculty associated with the systems engineering M.E./M.S. programs, and their research specializations.
Hear what our students have to say about CSU's programs, and find out how earning a systems engineering degree online allows you to obtain the same world-class education as on-campus students.
Find out how Derek applied what he learned in the program to his work as a systems engineer in the aeronautics industry.
“I use the processes and tools I learned in class daily to support the projects I am working on in my engineering job. I learned the importance of the holistic approach to making a project successful. I would absolutely recommend CSU Online’s systems engineering program to anyone who is looking to better understand the field. The professors are very knowledgeable and eager to help students learn and understand the material.”
“Most programs have very similar core content, but CSU offered electives in areas I was interested in. The ability to choose non-technical electives was attractive to me. Being able to study organizational psychology complimented my degree and my interests. I'm better able to see the connections between technical systems and processes, as well as the people. Balancing school, work, and family can be challenging, but the online courses make it achievable.”
Full consideration is given to applicants who meet the given deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed as space within the program allows.
| Fall semester | July 1 |
| Spring semester | November 1 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowDownload the complete Systems Engineering Application Checklist prior to starting the application process. This packet provides detailed information regarding CSU's Systems Engineering graduate programs, minimum application qualifications, criteria for admission, and more.
Master of Engineering (M.E.) - 30 credits minimum
Master of Science (M.S.) - 30 credits minimum
Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.
Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.
Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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