An SMU graduate student in the M.S. network engineering program works on state-of-the-art information systems.

Graduate programs

Master’s in network engineering

The future of rapidly evolving connected systems

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Program format

In-person and online

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

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

Overview

Network engineering is an industry of constant, rapid innovation. It’s an evolving profession where experts take pride in their ability to efficiently adapt new emerging technologies and seamlessly implement the latest tools into their workstreams. 

SMU Lyle’s Master of Science in network engineering equips skilled professionals who are essential to the streamlined functioning of their organizations. The Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at SMU prepares graduates for the full range of career opportunities in the high-technology marketplace and enables them to reach their fullest potential as a professional, researcher and member of society. 

With a curriculum designed by expert faculty and experienced industry professionals, students benefit from a computer engineering graduate program rooted in real-world considerations. Developed with working professionals in mind, students have the opportunity pursue their network engineering master’s degree in-person or 100% online.

Specializations

M.S. in network engineering + Cox MBA dual degree

Lyle master’s students can pursue their MBA simultaneously at Cox in this two-year program geared toward STEM students and professionals who desire to broaden their skills.

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Student success

Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading companies and organizations in private and public sectors. SMU network engineering master’s students become leaders across industries finding innovative solutions to some of today’s most pressing network challenges.

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

  • Software engineering
  • Enterprise IT security and management
  • Computer systems
  • Database administration
  • Cloud computing
  • Industrial automation and manufacturing
  • Telecommunications
  • Defense and aerospace

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

9:1

Graduate student-to-faculty ratio

$125,000

Median starting salary for Lyle network engineering graduate students (2024)

Career Outcomes Dashboard

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Lyle application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. B.S. in a STEM discipline is preferred, or a B.A. with additional background in differential and integral calculus and physics.

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

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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

EETS 7304

Network Protocols 

Introductory course on the protocol architecture of the internet following a bottom-up approach to the protocol layers.

EETS 8334

Advanced Cloud Engineering

In-depth analysis of cloud infrastructure and architecture with focus on the internal cloud network.

ECE 8378

Performance Modeling and Evaluation of Computer Networks

Applies modeling and evaluation techniques to understanding the behavior of traffic, switching and network protocols.

View course catalog

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 network and cloud engineering, security and optimization. 

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.

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Mahesh Krishnamurthy, Ph.D.

Vin and Caren Prothro Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering…
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Carlos E. Davila, Ph.D.

Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer…
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Kenneth Berry, Ed.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Dr. Jerome Butler

Jerome K. Butler, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor

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Joe Camp, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
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J.C. Chiao, Ph.D.

Mary and Richard Templeton Centennial Chair Professor of Electrical and Computer…
Dr Scott Douglas

Scott C. Douglas, Ph.D.

Associate Vice Provost for Research Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jennifer Dworak

Jennifer Dworak, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
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Gary A. Evans, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
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Ping Gui, Ph.D.

Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and Research Cecil H. Green Professor of Electrical…
Dr. Mohammad Khodayar

Mohammad E Khodayar, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Dr. Scott Kingsley

M. Scott Kingsley, Eng.D

Director of Graduate Network Engineering Program Associate Clinical Professor of…
Eric Larson Headshot

Eric Larson, Ph.D.

The Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professorship of Engineering Innovation Associate Professor of …
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Sanjaya Lohani, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Affiliate Faculty …
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Xiao Luo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer…
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Duncan MacFarlane, Ph.D.

Bobby B. Lyle Centennial Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor of Electrical & …
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Sukumaran Nair

Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer Professor of Electrical &…
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Behrouz Peikari, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dinesh Rajan, Ph.D.

Dinesh Rajan, Ph.D.

Cecil and Ida Green Chair in Engineering Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and…
Prasanna Rangarajan, Ph.D

Prasanna Rangarajan, Ph.D

Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
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Choon Sae Lee, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering
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Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Inaugural Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Professor Professor of…
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Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Cecil H. Green Chair of Engineering Executive Director of Darwin Deason Institute for…
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Jianhui Wang, Ph.D.

Mary and Richard Templeton Centennial Chair Professor Professor of Electrical & Computer …

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.

Faculty experts in cybersecurity lead the Darwin Deason Institute.

Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security

Advancing the science, policy, application and education of cyber security through basic and problem-driven interdisciplinary research.

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

An M.S. in network engineering from SMU is one of the best degrees for network engineers due to the program’s expert faculty, research opportunities and flexibility. With options to pursue your degree in-person or 100% online, students receive a world-class education in a format that works best for them. Designed for working professionals, students can advance their career while customizing their program to their schedule.

Skilled network engineers are in high demand as the world responds to challenges and advancements in today’s technology-driven society. A master’s degree in network engineering from SMU can help accelerate your career by providing technical specializations, leadership skills and industry connections. Network architects had an average income of $130,390 in 2024.

Graduates with a Master of Science in network engineering pursue careers in software engineering, IT security, cloud computing, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and many other fields in both the private and public sectors. They land roles such as software engineer, IT security analyst, computer systems analyst, database administrator, IT manager and others.

Yes, SMU Lyle’s network engineering master’s is a flexible program designed for working professionals, allowing students to tailor their experience to their schedules. Students can take advantage of our flexible learning options, including our 100% online Master of Science in network engineering program.

Students take courses in core concepts including network protocols, modulation, multiplexing, virtualization, cloud applications, network security, and emerging industry trends such as machine learning and AI. They can take electives in subjects such as telecommunications, data center network engineering, optical and DWDM networks, cloud engineering, network automation and many others. Students graduate ready to lead and innovate in the field of network engineering.

Yes, the M.S. in network engineering degree is a flexible program designed for working professionals. Students can pursue part-time study as well as our 100% online M.S. in network engineering while working or adhering to other life demands.

Yes, faculty member in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at SMU Lyle are subject-matter experts and industry leaders, participating in innovative research and real-world applications. SMU Lyle prides itself on its 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, where students develop meaningful relationships with faculty in the classroom, in the lab and beyond.

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