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Systems Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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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

Unrestricted admission requires (1) a 3.0 grade point average from an ABET accredited undergraduate engineering program, (2) minimum of two years of engineering experience or current full-time employment as an engineer, (3) calculus, engineering statistics, and engineering economy. A GRE is not required for this program.

Applicants for admission to the Systems Engineering Program apply through the Graduate College at Iowa State University.  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 9 credits at Iowa State as a non-degree seeking student and then transfer them to the program when they are admitted.

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)

I E 563Engineering and Systems Management3
I E 565Systems Engineering and Analysis3
Additional Core
I E 564Decision Analysis3
I E 570Systems Engineering and Project Management3
I E 585Requirements and Architecture Engineering3
Electives (select 5 courses from any categories)
Manufacturing Courses
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Inventory Control and Production Planning
Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing
Total Quality Management
Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction
Human Factors
Engineering Courses
Enterprise Modeling and Integration
Large-Scale Complex Engineered Systems (LSCES)
Introduction to Sustainable Production Systems
Software Courses
e-Commerce Systems Engineering
Information Systems for Manufacturing
1 Other from any graduate program (optional)

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 2016 (4 courses total = 12 credits)

Intro Core (required first year)
Engineering and Systems Management
Systems Engineering and Analysis
Core (required to pick 2)
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 adviser 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.