A student uses the digital twin augmented reality tools in the Center for Digital and Human Augmented Manufacturing.

Graduate programs

Master’s in digital twin technology

Excel in the future of AI

Program format

In-person and online

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Three semesters

Overview

The M.S. in digital twin technology is a forward-focused engineering master’s program that prepares graduates to lead in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and emerging technologies. The program emphasizes how creating digital modeling systems can optimize performance, accelerate growth, predict and mitigate risk, and navigate real-world implementation.

Specializations

Advanced manufacturing

Robotic and automation

Energy systems

Machine learning and data analytics

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Student success

The SMU program prepares students to be creative by providing a solid background in fundamentals of science and engineering without compromising the practical aspects of mechanical engineering. Essential entrepreneurial know-how, interpersonal skills and an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning complement the educational experience of SMU students. The program also stimulates professional and social leadership.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Industrial automation and robotics
  • Aerospace and defense systems engineering
  • Energy systems and utilities
  • Automotive and mobility engineering
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Simulation, modeling and virtual prototyping
  • Smart infrastructure and built environment systems

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

9:1

graduate student-to-faculty ratio

30%

of Lyle engineering students are women

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. B.S. degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Get started here.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

ME 5355/7355

Fundamentals of Digital Twin Technology

Introduces digital twin modeling through simulation, artificial intelligence and real-time data integration, with hands-on development using Python and Unreal Engine for visualization, control and interactive system design.

ME 5356/7356

Digital Twin Technology in Advanced Manufacturing

Focuses on applying digital twins in manufacturing, integrating materials, sensors and AI-driven simulation to enable intelligent design, process optimization and predictive system performance.

CEE 5374/7374

Digital Twins for Smart and Resilient Urban Systems

Explores digital twin applications in smart cities and urban infrastructure, integrating real-time sensing, simulation and AI-driven decision support to enhance system resilience, situational awareness and proactive urban management.

Outside the classroom

  • Centers and institutes

    Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • SMU students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Research alongside renowned faculty on engineering and applied science projects funded by government agencies, foundations and private companies. SMU Lyle supports innovative new research through seed funding, bridging the gap between ideas and external funding. We combine our expertise and seek out collaborators to enable novel research with societal impact.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty members are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. SMU Lyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.

Facilities

SMU Lyle students have access to state-of-the-art facilities where they can conduct research, meet with industry leaders, and gain skills on new and established technologies.

SMU engineering students use state-of-the-art technology in the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

The center combines research innovation and industry partnerships to explore how digital twins, AI, virtual reality and more will shape the future of manufacturing.

The Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship gives engineering students a platform to solve global problems.

Hart Institute for Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A co-venture of SMU Cox and SMU Lyle, the institute provides opportunities to create new products and processes for the marketplace, and business plans to determine how to take these products to the world.

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Frequently asked questions

The M.S. in digital twin technology is a forward-focused engineering master’s program that prepares graduates to lead in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and emerging technologies. They learn how digital twins enable real-time virtual modeling of physical systems, enhancing design, simulation, monitoring and optimization processes.

You can become a digital twin developer, systems engineer, data analyst or project manager, among other roles. Potential fields hiring a person with a master’s in digital twin technology include:

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Industrial automation and robotics
  • Aerospace and defense systems engineering
  • Energy systems and utilities
  • Automotive and mobility engineering
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Simulation, modeling and virtual prototyping
  • Smart infrastructure and built environment systems

Very much so. The median annual wage for computer and information research scientists was $140,910 in May 2024.

Absolutely. Employment of computer and information research scientists, including those who design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology, is projected to grow 20% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

McKinsey analysis indicates the global market for digital twin technology will grow about 60% annually over the next five years, reaching $73.5 billion by 2027.

Yes – SMU’s digital twin technology specialization sits inside the mechanical engineering M.S. program, and SMU requires applicants to hold a B.S. in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.

SMU’s Lyle School has launched a center dedicated to exploring how digital twins can transform manufacturing. Their work emphasizes:

  • Creating virtual replicas of physical systems that update in real time
  • Using AI and machine learning to optimize workflows
  • Improving efficiency, reducing costs and enabling safer, data-driven decision-making
  • Leveraging SMU’s NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD for high-performance AI computing

SMU’s digital twin initiatives position the University as a leader in:

  • AI-enhanced manufacturing
  • Human-machine collaboration
  • Realtime simulation and predictive analytics
  • Next-generation aerospace quality assurance

Their combination of AI supercomputing, VR environments and human-centric digital twins is particularly cutting-edge.