SMU Lyle M.S. systems engineering students in a state-of-the-art classroom.

Graduate programs

Master’s in systems engineering

Solve complex systems challenges for a modern world

Program format

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)

Overview

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on designing, integrating and managing complex systems over their life cycles. New and more complex technologies are challenging approaches to the practice of engineering and technology management and changing the needs of the modern workplace.

SMU Lyle’s M.S. in systems engineering provides a structured way of analyzing and solving complex problems across the product development or acquisition lifecycle. This, coupled with systems thinking and leadership skills, provides students with both technical and leadership skills needed to serve the current and increasing demands of industry.

At SMU, students can gain industry-recognized skills and a faster route to a globally respected certification. Lyle’s M.S. in systems engineering is recognized by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) through its Academic Equivalency program. This means graduates who excel in designated courses can bypass the INCOSE knowledge exam – a key step toward becoming a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP). 

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Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading companies and organizations in private and public sectors. SMU systems engineering master’s students become technology and engineering leaders by designing and managing complex systems in evolving industries.

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

  • Aerospace and defense
  • Transportation
  • Information technology
  • Cyber security
  • Telecommunications
  • Energy infrastructure
  • Logistics and supply chain management
  • Industrial automation

$95,000

Median starting salary for Lyle graduate students (2023–24)

Career Outcomes Dashboard

9:1

Graduate student-to-faculty ratio

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

Student stories

A photo of SMU Lyle alum Garrett Madison

From football to engineering

SMU linebacker Garrett Madison ’23, ’26 says mentorship from Lyle School of Engineering guided his path to doctoral researcher.

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)

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

OREM 7301

Systems Engineering Process

Examines the discipline, theory, economics and methodology of systems engineering. Emphasizes the economic benefits of investment in systems engineering and the risks of failure to adhere to sound principles.

OREM 7321

Systems Engineering Planning and Management

Students learn to prepare for and successfully complete key program technical reviews and audits by identifying essential material content and providing the design basis.

OREM 7311

Systems Engineering Design

An introduction to system design of complex hardware and software systems. Centers on the development of real-world examples.

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

Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges in engineering, technology, telecommunications, manufacturing and the environment. 

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.

Faculty

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.

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 researchers work in a state-of-the-art lab in Caruth Hall.

Caruth Hall

Caruth Hall houses laboratory space for team research projects, academic departments and the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education – a national center of excellence focused on research and development of STEM education programs.

SMU Lyle Engineering students build prototypes in the Deason Innovation Gym, aka The DIG

Deason Innovation Gym

The Deason Innovation Gym (the DIG) provides the tools and space to work on immersion design projects to accelerate learning, innovation and leadership. Get trained on 3D printers, power tools, metal shop machines and more.

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Frequently asked questions

A master’s in systems engineering equips you with the skills to oversee complex projects, lead diverse engineering teams and drive organizational success in technology, business and government sectors. Graduates can pursue careers at major companies in manufacturing, technology and software development, aerospace, transportation, construction, financial services and the energy sector. Roles you can land with an M.S. degree include product manager for tech companies, engineering project manager, venture capital analyst, intellectual property consultant and tech entrepreneur. 

Required core courses for SMU’s M.S. in systems engineering include Systems Engineering Process, Integrated Risk Management, Systems Reliability Engineering, Systems Engineering Design and others. Consult our course catalog for a more detailed breakdown of core and concentration courses for the program. 

SMU’s systems engineering M.S. is an in-person program that can be completed within the typical two-year duration as a full-time student. However, Lyle also provides a flexible weekend format option, giving students the ability to structure their course schedule around their job demands. Weekend format typically takes at least three years to complete the degree.

SMU’s Operations Research and Engineering Management Department has other master’s programs that can be completed online.

Yes, SMU Lyle’s systems engineering master’s is a flexible program designed for working professionals, allowing students to tailor their experience to their schedules. Students can pursue part-time study and take advantage of our flexible learning options, including weekend classes, to pursue their degree while working full time or adhering to other life demands. 

In addition to meeting the Lyle School of Engineering admission requirements for an M.S. degree, systems engineering applicants are required to hold a B.S. in engineering, mathematics or one of the quantitative sciences and have taken a minimum of two years of college-level mathematics, including at least one year of calculus. 

The average starting salary of SMU graduates with an M.S. in systems engineering was $105,193 in 2023–24. Longterm salary potential is also strong, with ZipRecruiter reporting salaries as high as $165,203 in their August 2025 report.