Overview of Systems Engineering

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field concerned with development and implementation of complex systems. It involves such subjects as: requirements analysis, decision-making, design and architecture, development methodologies, verification and validation, safety and reliability, security, optimization, systems integration and system testing. A graduate with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering will possess the skills to design, develop, analyze, deploy, maintain, manage and modify complex systems.

Career Opportunities for Graduates with a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering

A graduate with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering will bring a range of skills to an engineering organization. Common career opportunities for those with a degree in this field include: systems engineering manager, project manager, systems engineer, software engineering manager, and IT manager. There are a wide range of industries in which systems engineering is applicable, such as telecommunications, automotive, defense, aerospace, and medical systems.

Internship/Co-op with a Master’s in Systems Engineering

Many universities offer internships and co-op opportunities for students pursuing a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering. Internships typically provide a student with hands-on engineering experience along with mentorship from experienced engineers in the field. Through co-op opportunities, students have the ability to gain practical experience while continuing their studies. These experiences are often invaluable as they provide exposure to a range of new ideas and technologies.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within a Master’s in Systems Engineering

Most master’s programs in Systems Engineering offer students the opportunity to specialize within the field. Specialized tracks or concentrations available typically include: database systems engineering, artificial intelligence systems engineering, robotics engineering, and information systems engineering. Some programs also offer concentrations in fields related to Systems Engineering, such as software engineering or computer science.

Preparing for the Career

A master’s degree in Systems Engineering will provide students with the skills necessary to enter into the field and succeed. Students who pursue a master’s will gain knowledge of systems engineering fundamentals, software development, system analysis, engineering design, systems integration, project management, risk management, and more. A Master’s degree in Systems Engineering also provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects.

Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering

The development of artificial intelligence is playing an ever-increasing role in Systems Engineering. By incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into system designs, engineers are able to create adaptive and intelligent systems which can accommodate changes in the way in which the system operates. AI can be used for tasks such as process control, data analytics, and decision-making. This has opened up numerous possibilities for engineers to create complex and advanced systems with unprecedented levels of automation.

Career Outlook

The demand for professionals with a master’s in Systems Engineering is expected to remain high for the foreseeable future. As the need for complex and highly automated systems increases in industries such as aerospace and automotive, the need for skilled and knowledgeable engineers with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering will likewise increase. Those with a master’s degree in Systems Engineering are also in high demand in the IT sector due to the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Systems Engineering:

University of Arizona, Salary: $97,471.00

George Mason University, Salary: $96,837.00

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, Salary: $96,574.00

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, Salary: $96,574.00

The Pennsylvania State University, Salary: $96,574.00

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Great Valley, Salary: $96,574.00

Cornell University, Salary: $95,847.00

The University of Texas at Dallas, Salary: $93,153.00

Stevens Institute of Technology, Salary: $90,973.00

University of Florida, Salary: $90,155.00

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their master’s degree in Systems Engineering.