Online M.S. in Systems Engineering 

At the University of Utah, our courses combine the flexibility of online teaching with the advantages and direct engagement of traditional teaching. Enjoy the benefit of studying online at your own pace while still engaging with classmates and instructors. This flexible way of teaching improves your overall experience and your ability to retain what you learn.

Interactive learning comes in a variety of ways:

• Group assignments, where you collaborate via email or a discussion forum to answer a problem set.
• Contributions to a discussion forum, where you directly respond to previous posts.
• Peer reviews, where you review and comment on assignments from other students.

Our classes also offer multiple routes to stay connected and get help:

• Communicate directly with the instructor via email.
• Participate in and guide online discussions.
• Attend online office hours in discussion threads or on the phone.
• Instructors are available in “real” office hours for students on or near campus; for some courses we offer Q&A sessions in a classroom.

Systems Engineering, a discipline focused on preventing large-scale project failures, was first developed by Bell Labs in the 1930s and 1940s. Its importance grew with the increasing complexity of high-stakes projects, leading to the creation of academic programs in the field. By 1964, nine universities offered degrees in Systems Engineering.

In response to project failures, the U.S. government mandated the use of systems engineers for significant projects, established dedicated branches, and issued guidelines to ensure effective project management. This shift required contractors to adopt a systems engineering approach, fueling demand for qualified professionals.

Recognizing the shortage of skilled systems engineers, companies like Northrop Grumman, L3 Harris, Boeing, Aerospace, and Lockheed Martin urged the Utah Legislature to invest in local training. As a result, the University of Utah's Department of Mechanical Engineering and Weber State received funding. 

In 2021, the University of Utah hired two faculty members, Todd Easton and Pedro Huebner, to focus on Systems Engineering. The department now offers an online M.S. in Systems Engineering and an online Systems Engineering graduate certificate to meet the growing need for professionals in this field. The student demand for the U’s Systems Engineering programs has grown incredibly fast, as evidenced by the addition of Dr. Cristian Clavijo, Mark Maier, and Yongzhi Qu to the U’s Systems Engineering faculty.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering. 

All courses at the University of Utah, whether online or on campus, are taught by the same expert faculty members. 

Standard Prerequisites

• B.S. in a STEM discipline with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year of calculus
• One semester of statistics

Alternate Prerequisites

• A bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 2.6
• Earn UOnline’s graduate certificate in Systems Engineering. If done correctly, all 15 hours can count toward the MSSE.

Note: Students are encouraged to have at least one computer programming course. SIME 6000 (ME EN 6185) Analytics for Systems Management teaches sufficient programming knowledge and can also count as an elective for the MSSE degree.

The Systems Engineering master’s degree program requires 30 credit hours, typically completed over two years. Students have access to various course options that align with their academic and professional goals.

As part of the master’s program, students engage in hands-on, practical learning through capstone experiences designed to integrate and apply the knowledge gained throughout their coursework.

Students may also count courses taken for the Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering toward the online master’s in Systems Engineering degree, but only 15 credits of nonmatriculated credit can apply.

Note: The U recently created a SIME prefix for Systems, Industrial, and Management Engineering. During the transition, courses are listed with the ME EN and SIME prefixes. The courses are identical in content, learning, grading, and ability to satisfy the requirements of the MSSE and GCSE degrees.

view program curriculum & requirements

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) is the leading professional organization for systems engineers. INCOSE sets industry standards, hosts conferences, and offers three levels of certification: Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP), Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), and Expert Systems Engineering Professional (ESEP).

To earn ASEP or CSEP certification, you must be an INCOSE member, pass a Systems Engineering knowledge exam, or gain INCOSE equivalency through approved coursework. The University of Utah offers an INCOSE-approved course sequence that fulfills this requirement. Students who earn a B+ or higher in both SIME 5400/6400 (ME EN 5160/6160) Fundamentals of Systems Engineering and SIME 5410/6410 (ME EN 5170/6170) Systems Integration can apply for INCOSE Equivalency by completing a departmental form. This allows them to bypass the INCOSE Knowledge Exam for ASEP or CSEP certification.

The tuition for the online master’s in Systems Engineering degree program is $872 per credit hour and is subject to change without notice. Calculate your potential cost of attendance. 

Tuition does not include additional fees such as online textbooks or proctored exams. Fees and materials vary by program. 

Explore UOnline's cost information and discover funding for graduate students.

Note: This program qualifies for the U of U employee reduced tuition benefit.

A completed application for UOnline’s Systems Engineering master’s degree must include:

• Statement of purpose (one to two pages)
• Resumé
• Two recommendation letters
• Application fee

Note: International students may need to complete the U’s requirements for English proficiency. 

apply for the msse