Most Popular Online Systems Engineering Master's Degrees 2025
Our list of popular online systems engineering master’s degree programs features accredited schools ranked by the number of online graduates.
Key Takeaways:
- Johns Hopkins University and Naval Postgraduate School tie for #1, each with 192 graduates from online systems engineering master's programs.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide posts $167,828 median alumni earnings from its online M.S. in Systems Engineering.
- Cornell University holds a 98% retention rate, placing it in the top 1% nationwide.
You can review our methodology to understand how we determine our rankings. Below our list, we also spoke with systems engineer Jayneel Gajjar, who provided guidance to those interested in this field.
Most Popular Online Systems Engineering Master's Degrees 2025
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | 192 | 2 years."> $26,350 | $155,023 | 93% | |
| Naval Postgraduate School | 192 | N/A | N/A | 100% | |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | 164 | $42,828 | $132,094 | 91% | |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide | 134 | $12,540 | $167,828 | 63% | |
| Cornell University | 124 | $34,200 | $143,008 | 99% | |
| The George Washington University | 110 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,600 | $146,616 | 87% | |
| University of Florida | 89 | $10,695 | $138,498 | 92% | |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | 59 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $11,730 | $77,904 | 91% | |
| University of Southern California | 43 | $71,204 | $163,073 | 94% | |
| Florida State University | 30 | $30,145 | N/A | 95% | |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 26 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $24,150 | $133,448 | 93% | |
| University of Arizona | 23 | $18,757 | N/A | 96% | |
| Kennesaw State University | 23 | $5,895 | N/A | 89% | |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | 23 | $18,000 | N/A | 82% | |
| George Mason University | 19 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $22,800 | $154,712 | 94% |
Most Popular Online Systems Engineering Master's Degrees 2025 - Program Details
- Graduates: 192
- Annual Tuition: 2 years."> $26,350
- Median Salary: $155,023
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: JHU awarded 192 ABET-accredited online systems engineering master’s degrees. And the graduation rate is high at JHU, with 95% graduating. Those from this degree earn a median salary of $155,023 just four years after graduating. Faculty work at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as well as NASA, Raytheon, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Graduates: 192
- Annual Tuition: N/A
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: This isn’t a general systems engineering curriculum. It’s tailored to the Navy/DoD systems acquisition environment. This means coursework, terminology, and frameworks map to defense program offices, lifecycle management, contracting, and systems-of-systems decision-making. NPS has a 100% recommendation rate from students we've surveyed.
- Graduates: 164
- Annual Tuition: $42,828
- Median Salary: $132,094
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: Stevens' online M.Eng. is taught by primary authors in space systems engineering, so you learn from experts who shaped the field. The curriculum features space-specific depth, with courses like Human Spaceflight for end-to-end crewed mission design as well as Cost-Effective Space Mission Operations that equips you with a quantitative model to estimate operations cost.
- Graduates: 134
- Annual Tuition: $12,540
- Median Salary: $167,828
- Recommendation: 63%
Why we like them: At Embry-Riddle, you can benefit from a reported 100% placement rate within one year and employer connections that span Boeing, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, Collins Aerospace, Microsoft, Amazon, and Raytheon Technologies. We also want to mention that Embry-Riddle has the highest earnings on our list for systems engineering alums — $167,828.
- Graduates: 124
- Annual Tuition: $34,200
- Median Salary: $143,008
- Recommendation: 99%
Why we like them: Cornell's program has room to develop niche expertise through three formalized concentrations — Energy Systems; Health Systems Engineering; and the Semiconductor, Manufacturing, and Industrial (SEMI) pathway. At the same time, you can stack credentials within the degree, such as Computational and Data Science, INCOSE-aligned systems credentials, and Six Sigma.
- Graduates: 110
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,600
- Median Salary: $146,616
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: GW has a formal agreement with INCOSE, allowing students with high enough scores to bypass the INCOSE knowledge exam when pursuing ASEP or CSEP certification. We also appreciate that this master's degree in systems engineering online has both synchronous and asynchronous options, depending on your preferences.
- Graduates: 89
- Annual Tuition: $10,695
- Median Salary: $138,498
- Recommendation: 92%
Why we like them: UF delivers the ISE master’s fully online through UF EDGE. Students watch recorded on-campus lectures and follow the same coursework, standards, and exams as those studying in-person. The UF EDGE format supports either MS or ME, both of which are non-thesis options. UF has a 92% recommendation rate based on over 600 verified student surveys, a sign of trustworthiness.
- Graduates: 59
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $11,730
- Median Salary: $77,904
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: UTEP's master's program aligns with the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook and prepares students for ASEP/CSEP certification. You culminate in a practicum that executes a real customer project from concept to prototype under faculty supervision. You work with SysML and Enterprise Architect to build executable system models, and you study enterprise architecture frameworks.
- Graduates: 43
- Annual Tuition: $71,204
- Median Salary: $163,073
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: The median salary for alums of this program are at $163,073, which is in the 75th percentile nationally for this field. Perhaps it's because online students take the exact same courses, with the exact same faculty and standards as the on-campus students. Plus, there's no “online” label on the diploma. USC has a 94% recommendation rate based on well over 1,000 reviews.
- Graduates: 30
- Annual Tuition: $30,145
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: This systems engineering master's curriculum was jointly developed with the U.S. Navy (which is unusual outside of defense-focused institutions like NPS). This ties coursework to real acquisition, lifecycle, and systems engineering practices that are used in military and government environments, but it's all delivered through a public research university.
- Graduates: 26
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $24,150
- Median Salary: $133,448
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: WPI has a direct pathway to INCOSE certification readiness, and you can either pursue a Systems Engineering or Systems Engineering Leadership fully online, with the leadership option weaving in finance, marketing or entrepreneurship, IT, and organizational behavior topics.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $18,757
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: Many systems engineering master’s programs require either a thesis or a capstone. Arizona gives you three routes, including either a (1) Thesis, (2) Master’s Report, or (3) Coursework-only with no project required. We also appreciate Arizona's high 97% recommendation rate as a school, which is based on 444 student reviews we've collected.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $5,895
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: Most online systems engineering programs stick to standard semester pacing. KSU’s flexible course delivery allows students to choose between full-length semesters or accelerated 7-week blocks. And while the program prefers a STEM bachelor’s, it provides pathways for applicants from non-traditional or engineering-adjacent backgrounds.
- Graduates: 23
- Annual Tuition: $18,000
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 82%
Why we like them: At S&T, you can stack two graduate certificates into the master’s plan of study. The core integrates model-based systems engineering as a required course alongside systems architecting, information-based design, life-cycle costing, and a capstone. S&T also offers a dedicated Boeing student pathway and emphasis options that include Financial Engineering and Cyber Physical Systems.
- Graduates: 19
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $22,800
- Median Salary: $154,712
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: GMU integrates stackable credentials directly into the systems engineering master's degree, allowing you to earn the fully online Architecture-Based Systems Integration graduate certificate en route. Here, you would also benefit from GMU’s Washington, D.C., proximity, the region with the highest concentration of systems engineering roles.
What Employers Look for in Modern Systems Engineers: An Expert Perspective
Feature Systems Engineer
According to Jayneel Gajjar, the need for systems engineers with graduate-level training is high, and the BLS backs up this claim by stating that employment in engineering occupations is projected to grow faster than the U.S. average throughout the next decade. Gajjar says this is especially true where products are complex and safety-critical.
He notes that "The demand for systems engineers with advanced degrees is particularly strong in the aerospace, automotive, and biotech equipment manufacturing sectors." This demand is tied to the growing sophistication of engineered systems, where professionals "need to master core competencies like system integration, requirements engineering, validation protocols, and quality analysis methodologies such as Design Failure Mode Analysis and Six Sigma to remain competitive."
"The demand for systems engineers with advanced degrees is particularly strong in the aerospace, automotive, and biotech equipment manufacturing sectors."
But technical knowledge is often not sufficient on its own. Gajjar emphasizes that "Today's employers highly value systems engineers who bring strong soft skills to the table," explaining that "The ability to innovate, resolve conflicts effectively, make sound decisions, and navigate agile frameworks has become just as important as technical expertise."
He also points to rapid changes in tools and workflows within the field of systems engineering. With the rise of artificial intelligence, "AI now supports systems requirements development, system modeling, and comprehensive DFMEA analysis," while "Automation has revolutionized system testing by enabling early prediction of failure modes." In automotive engineering, specifically, data-driven insights continue to reshape development, as "data analytics tools provide valuable insights into system behavior and customer usage patterns after vehicle deployment."
For online students in a systems engineering master's degree online, one of the biggest challenges, perhaps, is gaining practical testing experience. Gajjar acknowledges that "Online students in this field often struggle with gaining hands-on testing experience, particularly with data acquisition tools and methodologies." His advice is simply to be proactive: "I recommend actively participating in industry conferences and regularly reading relevant journal papers focused on data acquisition methods and testing protocols."
FAQs About Online Systems Engineering Master's Degrees
Do Systems Engineers Need a Master's Degree?
A systems engineer can have a rewarding career with nothing beyond a bachelor's degree. But some advanced positions might call for a master's degree in systems engineering. A master's degree might also give you an edge over other candidates for roles that don't specifically call for one.
Is It Possible to Get a Systems Engineering Master's Degree Online?
Several colleges offer fully online and affordable master's degrees in systems engineering. Most of these programs have asynchronous courses with no live class meetings because administrators design them for professionals who work during the day.
How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Systems Engineer?
You can become a systems engineer with a four-year bachelor's degree. In truth, most college students take longer than four years to complete a bachelor's degree. But it's also possible to graduate college early and start your engineering career in a little less time.
What Can You Do with a Systems Engineering Master's Degree?
A systems engineering master's degree might help you qualify for advanced engineering roles. Some specialized engineering disciplines have some knowledge crossover with systems engineering. Therefore, you might find jobs with titles such as quality engineer, health and safety engineer, industrial engineer, or validation engineer. A master's degree is also a requirement for some engineering management occupations.
Engineers trained in systems may potentially work in different types of . This is because system engineering involves a high-level view of engineering processes. Indeed, job posts for health and safety or industrial engineers sometimes ask for a degree in either those majors or systems engineering.
Engineering jobs as a whole pay median yearly wages of $97,310 and are likely to experience a significant increase in total jobs through 2034, with approximately 186,500 openings projected each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't have a separate category for systems engineers, but we've listed several other careers that systems engineering master's graduates might qualify for.
- lead teams of engineers and engineering technologists. They oversee projects, calculate budgets, and make strategy plans for their employers' output. Many engineering master's degrees work some management instruction into their curricula but some professionals also earn master's degrees in engineering management.
- Employers hire to plan and oversee safe operations that minimize injury and illness. Most manufacturing firms require this work but so do government agencies, construction companies, and laboratories.
- try to optimize production for their employers. This may involve studying how people and machines interact, where bottlenecks occur, and how energy can be used more efficiently.
- focus on quality assurance by combining best practices from health and safety, industrial, and systems engineering. They gather data on how products and services are performing and report this to their managers.
What Is an Online Master’s in Systems Engineering?
An online systems engineering master's degree teaches students to design and manage complex systems, merging engineering principles with management practices. Classes offer access to advanced software tools, preparing graduates for leadership roles in systems engineering.
Master's degrees in systems engineering feature advanced courses in this interdisciplinary branch of engineering. Faculty teach students to analyze processes for designing and building assorted technical products and services. Enrollees learn these skills in classes about quality review, risk management, problem-solving, and system architecture.
This subject has master's degrees that are either general or specialized. General degrees tend to have names like Master of Science in Systems Engineering and cover many kinds of systems. Specialized master's degrees focus heavily on one type of system, such as a Master of Science in Health Systems or Master of Science in Industrial Systems.
Most systems engineering master's degrees contain 30-36 credit hours of coursework. It can take 1-2 years for full-time learners to finish and 2-3 years for part-time enrollees.
To apply for an online systems engineering master's degree, you need a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or another STEM field. Other common requirements include letters of recommendation, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a personal statement or essay, a resume, and GRE test scores.
If you're in the early stages of planning your educational path, you might want to consider the most affordable bachelor's in engineering online degrees.
What Courses Will I Take in a Master’s in Systems Engineering Program?
Systems engineering master's degrees build on lessons learned in undergraduate degrees in engineering. Students will practice advanced mathematics, science, and engineering design concepts in about 10 courses. Most programs have some lessons in engineering management to help prepare graduates for leadership roles.
Courses you're likely to find in a general systems engineering master's program include the following:
- Optimization Models: Students learn to create models to gather data useful for making evidence-based improvements. They practice inputting data points in various technical tools before analyzing the results.
- Project and Quality Management: This course aims to teach students how to supervise complex engineering projects toward high-quality outcomes. Professors might discuss project planning and scope, quality assurance, budgeting, and conflict management.
- Risk Analysis: Systems engineers deal with complex processes and must be adept at reducing risk and uncertainty. This class covers tools such as probability analysis, events and decision trees, and the uncertainty sensitivity index.
- Systems Analysis and Design: Analysis and design faculty discuss methods for studying different types of systems. Topics might include mathematical and simulation modeling, design thinking, information processing, and organizational decision-making.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Master’s in Systems Engineering Program?
A master's degree is a major commitment. It's helpful to think through all the variables that make up decisions about graduate school. You can use the following questions to help start your research.
Is this an accredited institution?
Institutional accreditation should be your primary concern. It means that a trusted agency has given a stamp of approval to the college as a whole and certified the quality of its faculty, curricula, and services.
Search the Department of Education's to find a college's accreditation details.
Is this an accredited program?
Individual programs can also earn accreditation by undergoing a specialty review.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits engineering programs, including master's degrees in systems engineering. ABET has a searchable that includes both online and on-campus offerings.
You don't necessarily need to attend an ABET-approved master's program to have a successful systems engineering career. But the board is influential in the engineering field and some employers may insist that candidates have ABET-accredited degrees.
Do I want to study systems engineering or another variety?
Some people prefer to study a different kind of engineering in graduate school than they studied as undergraduates. Even if you have a bachelor's in system engineering, you may be more interested in an online master's degree in one of these related specialties:
- Master's in aerospace engineering
- Master's in electrical engineering
- Master's in industrial engineering
- Master's in mechanical engineering
You might also be interested in our lists of budget-friendly online graduate degrees in this field, including the most affordable master's in aerospace engineering degrees as well as affordable industrial engineering master's programs.
Do I want to attend school online?
Many working professionals seek online graduate programs because distance learning helps them balance work with school and other activities. But online isn't for everyone. Distance programs take a different kind of discipline because their flexibility means that your studies can feel unstructured.
What features do I want from a master's program?
Top considerations may be cost, job placement rate for master's graduates, and an active career services office. Somebody else may have entirely different concerns or only one variable in common. Assign weights to everything you want and keep these in mind as you research schools.
Student Reviews of Online Systems Engineering Programs
JHU is a great school! Since I am studying online, I can't rate campus living and other related categories. I do wish there was better career support for EP students. The career services aren't available for part time students.
Review Date: 10/16/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have been doing most of my course work using WebCampus and I can say that it is actually more challenging than just going to class. Professors keep it very professional.
Review Date: 6/19/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Systems Engineering program at the University of Maryland, College Park is greatly committed to preparing students for the real world. As a current part time student who is also working in the industry, I have been able to see a direct correlation between the material I am studying in school, and the skills I need to become a better engineer in the field. The faculty is committed to making sure you fully understand the material at hand, and are not just memorizing information to take an exam.... Read More
Review Date: 12/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Texas at El Paso is one of the most underrated schools in this country. The University of Texas at El Paso or UTEP as the majority of us know it truly an institution of higher learning. Since its founding in 1914, it has positively impacted the community in a myriad of ways. Today UTEP educated the majority of El Paso and the vision that UTEP has put forward which is to have a nationally recognized research university shows with the leadership as well as the faculty. This is a school... Read More
Review Date: 6/19/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Maryland Baltimore County is a superb small school that provides a very personal classroom experience. The professors are industry experts that know their subject matter inside and out with a strong desire for their students to succeed. The curriculum is consistently adjusted to keep pace with the every changing technical landscape which provides graduates with a very strong understanding as soon as they enter the workplace.
Review Date: 11/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I graduated from my bachelors from the university of Texas, the university have a great program call "Dual Credit" where you can take graduate courses that counts towards your bachelors and masters. I really recommend this program since it is a fast track you can start working in your master before you finish your bachelors. It will only take me one year to finish my master degree. If you are currently looking for a masters of science in an engineering field I will really recommend UTEP, it will... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Excellent support from faculty. Research opportunities with faculties belonging to different backgrounds. Multidisciplinary course structure enables you to take courses from a variety of departments. Coursework is elaborate. Industrial tie ups help obtain internships and jobs.
Review Date: 7/26/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The professors and faculty that I have encountered so far have been very helpful and supportive. So far, the workload is as I expected from a Master's degree program. I am looking forward to continuing my graduate level experience with WPI. From what I have experienced at this point in my degree, their reputation for delivering a quality education is preceding them.
Review Date: 1/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This is an amazing program because of its flexibility, opportunities, and environment.
Review Date: 10/13/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have truly enjoyed my time thus far in the Systems Engineering graduate program at LMU. The content is interesting and the professors challenge their students to think critically.
Review Date: 7/1/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of Maryland College Park has excellent graduate programs that are recognized in industry, government, and the private sector. Their faculty and staff are comprised of people whom are very accomplished, which is shown through various courses. They have research opportunities available that allow students to gain real world experience.
Review Date: 6/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have really enjoyed my experience in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering at Loyola Marymount University. The staff and faculty are very supportive and encourage students to strive for excellence. Several professors have extended their assistance with networking opportunities.
Review Date: 8/8/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program is great in terms of course flexibility and allowing students to explore their interests through an intense senior design project. The masters in engineering program at Cornell is meant to be a continuation of the four year undergraduate degree and is only one year, which can be considered a pro or a con depending on what type of program your looking for. One con of the program is that it's very helpful to develop good relationships with faculty, and if you don't you can miss out on opportunities... Read More
Review Date: 6/16/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I'm in my first year of my graduate program and i'm loving every second of it. UPenn rocks.
Review Date: 10/16/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Pro -- very informative Con -- Too much project
Review Date: 7/3/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No