Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Lead the complex systems driving innovative industries.

Application fee waived through October 15

Apply by October 15 to qualify for an application fee waiver for graduate programs. Offer valid for new graduate applicants only. Applying by the priority November 1 deadline can put you in a stronger position for admissions consideration through an early review.

From aerospace to defense to healthcare, organizations rely on systems engineers to design, integrate and optimize complex systems that power critical operations.

Students can gain 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). Choose from flexible full-time and part-time options to earn your master's degree.

Request information

Student Experience

Senior Design Presentation at SMU Lyle in 2025

Master complex systems

Develop expertise in systems thinking, systems architecture, integration and decision analysis while learning to solve complex engineering challenges from concept to implementation.

Solve real-world challenges

Gain practical skills you can apply immediately while learning from faculty with industry experience and collaborating with professionals from across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.

Weekend Format Students smile and pose before class at SMU Lyle in Dallas Texas

Keep your career moving

Choose from flexible full-time, part-time and Weekend Format options. Weekend classes meet every other Friday, making it easier to balance graduate school, your career and your life.

Career opportunities

Organizations across aerospace, defense, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and technology rely on systems engineers to solve complex challenges and lead multidisciplinary projects. Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

Engineering project manager
Business analyst
Systems architect
Process optimization consultant
Operations manager

Top employers include Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Toyota, Amazon Web Services, Southwest Airlines, and Department of Defense.

The SMU Lyle difference

Real connections

Learn in small classes where faculty know your goals, provide individualized mentorship and bring real-world engineering experience into the classroom, creating a collaborative learning environment that supports your academic and professional growth.

Dallas advantage

Study in one of the nation's largest engineering and technology hubs while building career connections. The Dallas-Fort Worth region, home of 24 Fortune 500 headquarters, offers access to leading companies across aerospace, defense, healthcare, manufacturing and technology.

Certification

First in Texas to offer academic equivalency with International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). Students who meet requirements can bypass the Systems Engineering Professional certification exam and apply directly to INCOSE for Certification.

A view of the entrance to SMU with a landscape of tress and flowers and a stone sign reading Southern Methodist University on a lush spring day

Contact us

Still deciding which graduate program is right for you? Our graduate admissions team can help you identify the master’s degree that best aligns with your academic background, professional experience, and career goals.

Have questions? Email us: Lylegrad@smu.edu