Systems Engineering

Program Overview 

The 100% online systems engineering (SYS) concentration offers an area of specialization for students in the Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) / Master of Science (MS) degree. The concentration aims to develop professionals who are both well-grounded in interdisciplinary engineering as well as prepared to create and execute trans-disciplinary processes that result in engineered systems that are responsive to stakeholders' needs.  

Graduates will be able to apply state-of-the art methods in designing, analyzing, and controlling the next generation of complex systems that respond to rapidly changing environments.  Application areas include next-generation air traffic management, sustainable buildings, intelligent healthcare devices, healthcare delivery systems, flexible manufacturing integrated with design, next generation transportation systems, and next generation intelligent systems.  

Purdue University's online graduate engineering program is consistently ranked among the top three online programs by U.S. News and World Report, 2024. 

Students pursuing the systems concentration have the opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Systems without taking additional courses. A separate application is required to be considered.  

Interested in learning more? Contact an enrollment counselor. 

Course Topical Areas: 

Introduction to Systems Systems Thinking
Systems Engineering Theory/Architecting Models-Based Systems
Human Factors Automotive Systems
Cyber Security Decision Analysis
Analytics and Evaluation Modeling Tools and Methods 

Degree Requirements with the Systems Concentration

The Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE or MS) degree requires a total of 30 credit hours with at least 18 credits of Purdue, graduate level, engineering courses. The Systems Engineering (SYS) concentration must be completed within these degree requirements. 

Any courses listed on our courses page will fulfill this requirement, including available non-engineering courses.

All questions regarding courses and transfer credits should be directed to a student’s academic advisor. 

Creating Your Plan of Study 

The MSE/MS master's program offers a wide range of flexibility in course options. After you begin your studies at Purdue, an academic advisor will help you create an Electronic Plan of Study (EPOS) to best fit your educational needs and career goals.  

The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. This website is a knowledge source for specific requirements and completion.