This program in Systems Engineering will lead you to a Master’s Degree in Engineering.  It is designed to enable engineers, regardless of undergraduate discipline, to develop the analytical abilities needed to design, evaluate, and build complex systems involving many components and demanding specifications.  The intent of this program is to extend the ability of engineers to work across disciplinary boundaries as needed.  It also develops the management capabilities needed into today’s working environment.

This is a “your place, your pace” program.  You, along with Iowa State’s faculty and advisors, design the program to fit your needs.  A typical schedule might include one class per semester, which would allow you to earn your degree in five years.

Admission Requirements

Individuals with undergraduate degrees in any area of Engineering, and graduated in top half of their class may apply. Applicants with non-Engineering degrees and/or not in top half of their class will be considered on an individual basis.  Applicants for admission to the Systems Engineering Program apply through the Graduate College at Iowa State University.  Each applicant must submit:

• Application and application fee
• Official academic transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation

Applications should be submitted as early as possible before the beginning of the term for which admission is sought.  Students may take up to 9 credits as a non-degree seeking student, so it is possible to begin your studies before formal admittance into the program. 

Degree Requirements

Coursework Only Option

The complete requirements for the coursework only option are:

1. Systems Engineering Core Courses
   Six graduate credits in the general area of systems engineering. All students must take:
   AerE/EE/IE 565: System Engineering and Analysis (3 credits)
   IE 566: Applied Systems Engineering (3 credits)
2. Elective Engineering Courses
   Fifteen graduate credits in advanced engineering.  These courses are determined by the student and academic advisor to fit the needs of the individual student’s program.
3. Elective Non-Engineering courses
   Six credits outside of the engineering fields that meet individual educational objectives. These might come from business, economics, computer science, mathematics or statistics, among other areas.
4. Elective course
   One additional 3-credit course.  This course could be chosen from either category 2 or 3 above based on the needs of the individual student’s program with guidance from the academic advisor.
5. There is no final oral exam.
   Students will be mentored by the Director of Graduate Education for Systems Engineering who will also have responsibility to monitor their progress and provide guidance on course work.  In addition, the DOGE will serve on each student’s POS committee.  Programs of study will be approved by the POS Committee.

Course List      Register Here

Creative Component Option
A second option to obtain a Masters of Engineering in Systems Engineering includes a creative component and the requirement to pass a final oral exam. For more information on this option please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For more information on the Systems Engineering Degree Program, download the latest program handbook now!

Systems Engineering Student Handbook (Word Format)

Systems Engineering Student Handbook (PDF)

Contact Information