Systems Engineering

The systems engineering process coordinates and oversees the translation of an operational need into a system designed to meet that need. It integrates the inputs of all the required technical disciplines into a coordinated effort that meets established performance, cost, and schedule goals. Systems engineers provide the leadership and coordination of the planning, development, and engineering of technical systems, including hardware and software components.

The JHU Systems Engineering program provides professionals with in-depth knowledge and technical skills in the field of systems engineering and systems of systems, and prepares students for careers within industry and government. The program addresses the needs of engineers and scientists engaged in all aspects of analysis, design, integration, production, and operation of modern systems. Instructors are practicing systems engineers who employ lectures and readings on theory and practice with realistic problem scenarios in which students, individually and collaboratively, apply principles, tools, and skills. Two master’s degree distinctions are offered by the JHU Systems Engineering program: the Master of Science (MS) in Systems Engineering and the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Systems Engineering. There is no curricular difference between the two programs, as they can be earned by completing the same coursework. The only difference is the undergraduate degree with which the students enter. The MSE in Systems Engineering will be awarded to those with ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees, while the MS in Systems Engineering will be awarded to students with different qualifications upon entry. Details for both programs can be found below.

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Systems Engineering

The JHU Systems Engineering program offers students and their employers the highest quality graduate education in the field. Students who are admitted with a transcript from an accredited undergraduate ABET EAC (Engineering Accreditation Commission) program will be awarded a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Systems Engineering upon completion of the JHU requirements. The program educational objectives of the MSE program are that graduates will be able to:

  1. attain programmatic or technical leadership roles in an organization identifying, formulating, designing and/or testing practical solutions to engineering problems and guide the engineering development of modern complex systems; and
  2. employ systems engineering methods and tools in the development of advanced complex systems.

Undergraduates from an ABET EAC-accredited program will have as part of their prior academic experience:

  1. one year of a combination of college level mathematics and basic sciences (some with experimental experience) appropriate to the discipline. Basic sciences are defined as biological, chemical, and physical sciences.
  2. one and one-half years of engineering topics, consisting of engineering sciences and engineering design appropriate to the student's field of study. The engineering sciences have their roots in mathematics and basic sciences but carry knowledge further toward creative application. These studies provide a bridge between mathematics and basic sciences on the one hand and engineering practice on the other. Engineering design is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the basic sciences, mathematics, and the engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet these stated needs.
  3. a general education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program and institution objectives.

Students must be prepared for engineering practice through a curriculum culminating in a major design experience based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work and incorporating appropriate engineering standards and multiple realistic constraints.

Master of Science (MS) in Systems Engineering

Consistent with the INCOSE (International Council of Systems Engineering) Graduate Reference Curriculum for Systems Engineering (GRCSE), and the view that systems engineering is interdisciplinary, the JHU MS SE program provides a broad common framework for students coming from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including engineering, sciences, mathematics, management, business, or computer science. Students who do not have an accredited undergraduate ABET EAC degree will be awarded a Master of Science in Systems Engineering degree upon completion of the JHU program requirements. The program educational objectives of the MS in Systems Engineering program are the same as the program educational objectives for the MSE in Systems Engineering degree (see previous section). Applicants should have at least one year of practical systems experience and a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information, both orally and in writing.

Program Offered

  • Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Systems Engineering
  • Master of Science in Systems Engineering (M.S.)
  • Post-Master's Study in Systems Engineering

More Information

Gainful Employment (GE) Title-IV Eligibility