Lead the future of digital infrastructure
In person; some online classes
Full time or part time
Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)
The Master of Science in data center systems engineering at SMU Lyle is the only graduate program of its kind in the U.S., designed to meet the surging demand for professionals who can lead in one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
This interdisciplinary program blends electrical engineering, IT, facilities management, business continuity and cyber security, preparing graduates to manage complex infrastructure systems from end to end.
Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.
Students gain a competitive edge with the nation’s only master’s degree program focused on data center systems engineering right in Dallas, which was recently ranked the third-largest data center market internationally, providing a business-friendly location and infrastructure hub in the middle of the U.S. This program is designed to place you at the forefront of building the systems our digital future depends on, opening doors to high-impact roles.
Best National Universities
U.S. News & World Report (2026)
Average starting salary for M.S. data center systems engineering graduates (2024)
of Lyle graduate students are women
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CEE 7380
This course explores the design, reliability and sustainable management of mission-critical facility systems.
CS 7320
Introduces basic principles of problem-solving, planning and reasoning under uncertainty used in artificial intelligence.
CCEE 7384
Procedures to select energy-saving options for buildings are examined with emphasis on practical aspects of the subjects.
Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
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.
Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.
Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges in digital infrastructures.
Lyle students and faculty perform research that has global implications, taking advantage of state-of-the-art facilities and funding from government agencies, foundations and private companies.
Our distinguished faculty 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.
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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.
Combines research innovation and industry partnerships to explore how digital twins, AI, virtual reality and more will shape the future of manufacturing.
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.
Request more info about the M.S. in datacenter systems engineering
This multidisciplinary program provides graduate students with end-to-end knowledge for data center inception, architecture, implementation and management of digital infrastructures. SMU Lyle has the nation’s only master’s degree program focused on data center systems engineering, preparing graduates to lead complex infrastructure systems.
The degree covers data center infrastructure engineering from a multidisciplinary perspective and builds upon undergraduate degrees as diverse as mechanical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, chemistry, business management and finance.
The program is designed to meet the surging demand for professionals who can lead in one of the fastest-growing sectors globally. Data centers are the foundation of AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation, yet the industry faces a critical talent shortage.
As the only one of its kind in the nation, it prepares graduate students for positions as managers and technologists for the rapidly growing number of data centers worldwide.
Potential roles include:
Data center systems engineers oversee the entire digital infrastructure of a company or system, leveraging electrical engineering, cyber security and IT to create a functional data center. Graduates of the data center systems engineering program gain additional insights, as the degree is multidisciplinary, pulling from different engineering disciplines, ultimately readying them for leadership roles at data centers.
Computer engineers are the designers of computer hardware and integration of a system’s software into that hardware.
IT managers oversee the IT system to ensure it is running smoothly, supporting business needs and optimizing technology investments.
Whether you're an experienced professional or an early-career engineer, Lyle’s Master of Science in data center systems engineering equips you with the leadership, technical and strategic skills needed to advance into high-impact roles.
Flexible learning formats, expert faculty, real-world project experience and SMU’s powerful alumni and industry network make this program ideal for working professionals seeking career growth in a high-demand field.
Qualified students with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science or one of the physical sciences or mathematics are required to complete 30 credit hours (typically 10 courses).
Students entering the program with an undergraduate degree other than in engineering or one of the physical sciences or mathematics may be asked to articulate the necessary courses.
SMU Lyle graduate students’ starting salary in this field was $125,000 in 2024.
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