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Systems Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 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

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)

I E 563Engineering and Systems Management3
I E 565Systems Engineering and Analysis3
Core (required)
I E 564Decision Analysis3
I E 570Systems Engineering and Project Management3
I E 585Requirements and Architecture Engineering3
Electives
I E 448Manufacturing Systems Engineering3
I E 452Introduction To Systems Engineering And Analysis3
I E 503Introduction to Sustainable Production Systems3
I E 560Engineering Risk Analysis3
I E 561Total Quality Management3
I E 572Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interaction3
I E 577Human Factors3
I E 581e-Commerce Systems Engineering3
I E 582Enterprise Modeling and Integration3
AER E 568Large-Scale Complex Engineered Systems (LSCES)3
M E 525Optimization Methods for Complex Designs3
AER E 563Introduction to Multidisciplinary Design Optimization3
One course from any graduate program3

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)
I E 560Engineering Risk Analysis3
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.