Systems Engineering Master’s Degree
Administered by the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
The Systems Engineering Program focuses on developing an individual’s analytical skills to design, evaluate, and build modern complex engineered systems. Engineers who can conceptualize, model, and integrate hardware, software, data, and humans are critical in technology driven multi-disciplinary design teams. The Iowa State University Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering Program is designed to train engineers to excel in the technology driven design environment commonly found in developing modern complex engineered systems. The program can be completed on line or in residence, part-time or full-time.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, the applicant should have a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from a college, university, or technical school of recognized standing. Non-engineering backgrounds will be considered on a case-by-case basis. High academic achievement or other persuasive evidence of professional accomplishments is expected for admission to the program. The GRE is not required.
Applicants for admission to this program apply through the ISU Graduate College. Each applicant must submit:
- Application and application fee
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
Applications should be submitted as early as possible before the beginning of the semester for which admission is sought. Individuals may also take up to nine credits at Iowa State as a non-degree seeking student and then transfer them to the program when they are admitted. (https://iowastateonline.iastate.edu/apply-and-enroll/)
The Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering Program at Iowa State University is focused on supporting working professionals so teaching or research assistantships typically are not available.
Degree Requirements
(10 courses total = 30 credits)
Intro Core (required first year)
| IE 5630 | Engineering and Systems Management | 3 |
| IE 5650 | Systems Engineering and Analysis | 3 |
| Core (required) | ||
| IE 5640 | Decision Analysis | 3 |
| IE 5700 | Systems Engineering and Project Management | 3 |
| IE 5850 | Requirements and Architecture Engineering | 3 |
Electives | ||
| IE 4480 | Manufacturing Systems Engineering | 3 |
| IE 4520 | Introduction To Systems Engineering And Analysis | 3 |
| IE 5030 | Introduction to Sustainable Production Systems | 3 |
| IE 5600 | Engineering Risk Analysis | 3 |
| IE 5610 | Total Quality Management | 3 |
| IE 5720 | Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| IE 5770 | Human Factors | 3 |
| IE 5810 | e-Commerce Systems Engineering | 3 |
| IE 5820 | Enterprise Modeling and Integration | 3 |
| AERE 5680 | Large-Scale Complex Engineered Systems (LSCES) | 3 |
| ME 5250 | Optimization Methods for Complex Designs | 3 |
| AERE 5630 | Introduction to Multidisciplinary Design Optimization | 3 |
| One course from any graduate program | 3 | |
Students working in research and development who are interested in furthering their research skills may select a creative component option as part of their supporting courses.
Systems Engineering Certificate
(4 courses total = 12 credits)
| Intro Core (required first year) | ||
| Engineering and Systems Management | ||
| Systems Engineering and Analysis | ||
| Core (required to pick 2) | ||
| IE 5600 | Engineering Risk Analysis | 3 |
| Decision Analysis | ||
| Systems Engineering and Project Management | ||
| Requirements and Architecture Engineering | ||
Other focus areas in related disciplines, such as systems engineering, human factors, supply chain management, or manufacturing, may be substituted for supporting courses. A program of study is developed by the student and academic advisor to fit individual needs.
Students working in research and development who are interested in furthering their research skills may select a creative component option as part of their supporting courses.