Systems Engineering

Program Overview 

The 100% online, 30-credit hour 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 ranked #2 by U.S. News and World Report, 2023. 

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 as a base requirement. The Systems Engineering (SYS) concentration requirements must be met within these base requirements. 

  • Required: SYS 50000 Perspectives on Systems 
  • Select one
    • SYS 53000 Practical Systems Thinking 
    • SYS 51000 Tools and Methodologies for Designing Systems

Visit our courses page.

Other engineering and/or non-engineering courses

Visit the online engineering course page.

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 a Plan of Study (POS) 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.