Online Systems Engineering Master’s Degree
Advanced Expertise in Designing and Integrating Complex Systems
The online Master of Science in Systems Engineering at Grand Canyon University is designed for professionals interested in exploring complex, technology-driven systems. Our systems engineering master’s degree focuses on the design, analysis and management of large-scale systems that integrate hardware, software, people and processes.
Through coursework in systems architecture, risk modeling and analysis and lifecycle management, you will study practical methods for defining system requirements, evaluating tradeoffs and managing uncertainty across a project’s lifecycle. These skills are applied in hands-on assignments and case studies drawn from aerospace, energy, transportation and robotics, helping you understand how systems engineering principles translate directly into real project planning and decision-making.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
Systems Engineering Rooted in Purpose and Innovation
GCU’s MS in Systems Engineering online format makes it possible to earn your degree while balancing work, life and other commitments. Courses are readily accessible, allowing you to complete coursework on a flexible schedule without compromising academic quality. You’ll engage with faculty and peers through interactive platforms that support collaboration, critical thinking and practical application.
MS in Systems Engineering Online Coursework
Gain foundational and advanced knowledge through targeted courses that can help you:
Career Paths for Master’s in Systems Engineering Graduates
The MS in Systems Engineering online program can prepare you with skills in systems-level thinking and leadership. Graduates often find deadline-driven roles in industries like scientific research and development services, some government entities, research laboratories, industrial production plants and manufacturing.(See disclaimer 1)
Systems engineering is applied across a wide range of industries. Fields such as engineering, technology, manufacturing, healthcare and energy often utilize systems engineering principles and roles. Professionals in these roles seek engineering, integration and leadership positions where they can apply their technical knowledge to oversee complex systems and improve efficiency. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track data specifically for systems engineers, it reports that architectural and engineering managers — a related occupation — typically hold master’s degrees and play a key role in guiding technical teams and large-scale projects.(See disclaimer 2)
Potential roles include:
Architectural and engineering manager
Database administrator architect
Industrial engineer
Engineer
Process engineer
Project engineer
Median annual wage for architecture and engineering managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Average number of new architectural and engineering occupations each year from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 4)
Earn Your Systems Engineering Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and prioritizes academic quality across all our colleges and programs. Our long-standing accreditation reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, rigorous academic standards and delivering meaningful, career-relevant education to all our students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse common questions that others are asking about a master’s degree in systems engineering to help you make an informed decision for your future.
Is a master’s in systems engineering worth it?
What is the difference between software vs. systems engineering?
What can you do with a systems engineering master’s?
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Take your systems thinking to the next level. Earn your MS online from GCU and engineer what’s next.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Architectural and Engineering Managers: Work Environment. Retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become an Architectural or Engineering Manager. Retrieved October 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Architecture and Engineering Managers as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as architecture and engineering managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architecture and Engineering Occupations, retrieved October 2025.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become a Database Administrator or Architect. Retrieved October 2025.