Master's in Systems Engineering & Systems Engineering Leadership Online
Demand is soaring for systems engineers, as organizations across many industries are recognizing that complex engineering initiatives must be holistically designed and managed. From developing and directing logistics, schedules, risks, and opportunities, to leading teams and coordinating operations, systems engineers bring clarity and structure to these processes. And a master’s in systems engineering can help get you there.
WPI’s online Systems Engineering masters draws on our strengths in engineering, business, and management to prepare leaders who can integrate the technical and human-centered processes of this multifaceted discipline.
WPI offers 2 online master’s in systems engineering to suit your background and career goals. Our part-time programs will give you the knowledge, skills, and decision-making abilities to design, manage, and lead complex projects.
Other online graduate program in Systems Engineering:
Systems Engineering and SE Leadership Info Session
View our on-demand webinar to be introduced to WPI's online graduate programs in Systems Engineering. Get an overview of program logistics, what online learning looks like, the application process, and more!
Graduate Studies Series
Team members from Graduate & Professional Studies host quick and convenient webinars designed to highlight popular topics when starting grad school. Take a deep dive into specific areas of interest such as how to secure funding, how to ace your application, an overview of student services, and more!
WPI & The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
WPI's SYS 501. Concepts of Systems Engineering is INCOSE approved and delivered 100% online. Any student who receives a final grade of 85% or better allows you to waive the knowledge exam for INCOSE’s Systems Engineering Professional Certification Program, at both the Associate (ASEP) & Certified (CSEP) levels. After 10 weeks of instruction from the experts, you’ll gain deep understanding and priceless practical experience that will be immediately applicable to your career.
WPI is home to some of the world’s leaders in Systems Engineering. Our online courses offer you the chance to learn from the best, from the safety of your home. You can even take a course without an official application.
- Mike Bonin
- Senior Engineer
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
- Anne Glavan
- Supervisor D355
- ORP Engineering Planning & Contract Change Eval, GDEB
Online Master's in Systems Engineering
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Gain technical depth in system dynamics, systems engineering, and systems thinking
- Learn to lead technical teams on complex engineering projects
- Analyze requirements for systems, explore alternatives for implementations and design and engineer systems in a way that minimizes technical risks.
- Develop integration, verification and validation strategies for systems to determine they were built correctly, and they meet users’ needs.
- Describe, design and develop complex hardware and/or software architectures that enable the functionality of complex systems and systems-of-systems.
- Work with program managers to plan, document and control the design and development of systems in a way that minimizes budget and schedule risks.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
The online systems engineering degree requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours. The distribution of credits is as follows:
Core Requirement (12 credits)
Each student must complete the core of the Systems Engineering degree program. (Denoted by an * in the list of courses below)
Leadership/Management Requirement (3 credits)
Student will consult with their Academic Advisor to select a course from WPI School of Business to fufill this requirement.
Depth Requirement (6 credits)
Minimum of an additional 6 credits of SYS courses.
Elective Courses (6 credits)
Maximum of 6 credits from any other discipline.
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
Courses
All Systems Engineering graduate courses are 3 credits (* indicates a Core Requirement)
- SYS 501. Concepts of Systems Engineering*
- SYS 502. Business Practices
- SYS 510. Systems Architecture and Design*
- SYS 511. Systems Integration, Verification and Validation*
- SYS 512. Requirements Engineering
- SYS 520. System Optimization
- SYS 521. Model-based Systems Engineering
- SYS 540. Introduction to Systems Thinking
- SYS 579. Software Systems Engineering
- SYS 579C. Complex Decision Making
- SYS 579D. Engineering Dependable and Secure Systems
- SYS 579R. Reliability Engineering
- SYS 585 Systems Engineering Capstone Experience
- OIE 542. Risk Management and Decision Making*
To find the next offering of online Systems Engineering courses, visit the Registrar’s site.
To view a course description, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Subject to change based on availability.
Online Master's in Systems Engineering Leadership
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a breadth of knowledge in systems engineering, as well as management and leadership topics
- Learn to lead diverse teams through systems thinking skill building
- Become an expert at managing people, as well as project finances
- Expand business acumen while designing and maintaining complex systems
- Achieve cost and schedule objectives on multidisciplinary projects
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
The online systems engineering leadership degree requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours. The distribution of credits is as follows:
Core Requirement (12 credits)
Each student must complete the core of the Systems Engineering degree program. (Denoted by an * in the list of courses below)
Leadership/Organizational Behavior and Change Requirement (3 credits)
Student will consult with their Academic Advisor to select a course from WPI School of Business to fufill this requirement.
Finance Requirement (3 credits)
Student will consult with their Academic Advisor to select a course from WPI School of Business to fufill this requirement.
Marketing, Strategy, or Entrepreneurship Requirement (3 credits)
Student will consult with their Academic Advisor to select a course from WPI School of Business to fufill this requirement.
Information Technology Requirement (3 credits)
Student will consult with their Academic Advisor to select a course from WPI School of Business to fufill this requirement.
Technical Elective Requirement (3 credits)
Minimum of an additional 3 credits of SYS courses.
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
Courses
Core Requirements (12 Credits)
- SYS 501. Concepts of Systems Engineering *
- SYS 502. Business Practices *
- SYS 540. Introduction to Systems Thinking *
- SD 550. System Dynamics Foundation: Managing Complexity *
Leadership/Organizational Behavior and Change (3 credits)
(Choose one of the suggested courses below)
- OBC 505. Teaming and Organizing for Innovation
- OBC 506. Leadership
- OBC 533. Negotiations
- OBC 537. Leading Change
Finance (3 credits)
- FIN 500. Financial Information and Management
Marketing, Strategy, or Entrepreneurship (3 credits)
(Choose one of the suggested courses below)
- BUS 546. Managing Technological Innovation
- ETR 500. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- ETR 593. Technology Commercialization
- MKT 500. Marketing Strategy
- MKT 568. Marketing Analytics
Information Technology (3 credits)
(Choose one of the suggested courses below)
- MIS 500. Innovating with Information Systems
- MIS 571. Database Applications Design and Development
- MIS 573. System Design and Development
- MIS 584. Business Intelligence
Technical Elective (3 credits)
(Choose one of the suggested courses below)
- SYS 510. Systems Architecture and Design
- SYS 511. Systems Integration, Verification and Validation
- SYS 512. Requirements Engineering
- SYS 520. System Optimization
- SYS 521. Model-based Systems Engineering
- SYS 579. Software Systems Engineering
- SYS 579C. Complex Decision Making
- SYS 579D. Engineering Dependable and Secure Systems
- SYS 579R. Reliability Engineering
Capstone Project (3 credits)
- IDG 598. Systems Engineering Leadership Project
To find the next offering of online courses, visit the Registrar’s site.
To view a course description, visit the Graduate Catalog.
Subject to change based on availability.
Software
Software used in the online systems engineering masters program: Adobe Connect, SysML Modeling Tool: Magic Draw Cameo Systems Modeler (full evaluation license available) or equivalent SysML tool, Magic Draw Cameo Systems Modeler (full evaluation license available) or equivalent SysML tool, Optimization Modeling With Spreadsheets, 2nd Ed., by Kenneth R. Baker, 2011, Wiley, ISBN 978-0-470-92863-9, Windows-based computer to work software problems in class, Microsoft Office 2007 or later, Oracle Crystal Ball software package (free license), Microsoft Excel Risk Solver Platform for Education (RSPE v 12.5)
Faculty
Our MS systems engineering students work closely with WPI’s renowned Systems Engineering faculty: real-world experts who enrich the curriculum with decades of professional experience in all aspects of the field. Many continue to be active members of industry as employees and consultants in a variety of leading companies, including Verizon, MITRE Corporation, and the United States Air Force.
Admissions Qualifications for a Master’s in Systems Engineering
The online master's in Systems Engineering requires a B.S. degree in Computer Science or in engineering field that is ABET-accredited with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you’re interested in sharpening your skills in the systems engineering, a graduate certificate may be for you. Our systems engineering can help bridge the next steps to gain the training and expertise to advance your career in systems engineering.
Admissions Qualifications for a Master's in Systems Engineering Leadership
The online master's in Systems Engineering Leadership requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a course of study that included at least two quantitative courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher.
If you do not have a bachelor's degree, please view our list of undergraduate programs.
For specific application requirements, visit our admissions for online programs page.
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After Graduation
Many of our master’s in systems engineering graduates advance in their current organizations or apply their enhanced skills to new opportunities. Organizations employing WPI systems engineering alumni include BAE Systems, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Raytheon, Textron, U.S Army Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center, and many more.