Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Online

Q: What is the difference between software vs. systems engineering?

Software engineering focuses on designing and developing software applications. Systems engineering takes a broader view, considering software, hardware, control systems, data management and ergonomics to create safe and effective systems.

Overview

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.

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Offered By

College of Engineering and Technology

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 38

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

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

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).

Why GCU

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.

Online Learning

Careers

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

FAQ

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?

If you’re interested in tackling complex, interdisciplinary challenges and advancing your technical leadership, this degree may be worth it for you. A systems engineering master’s can help build expertise in designing, managing and optimizing large-scale systems across industries. While the degree does not guarantee employment, it can strengthen your qualifications and potentially open up new opportunities. Think about how it aligns with your goals and whether you’re inspired by the kinds of problems this field seeks to solve.

What is the difference between software vs. systems engineering?

What can you do with a systems engineering master’s?

You may have an opportunity to work in industries that require coordination and leadership across technical domains — such as aerospace, defense, healthcare and IT — often in roles that involve planning, integration and oversight of large-scale systems. While one of the first steps to becoming a systems engineer is to earn a bachelor’s degree, the BLS notes that some organizations may prefer or require a graduate degree^{(See disclaimer 5)} — highlighting the added value of advanced education for leadership roles in technical industries.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Degree Requirements38 credits

Core Courses

UNV-507

2 Total Credits

SYS-501

4 Total Credits

ESG-501

4 Total Credits

SYS-520

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive examination of complexity theory and its applications in systems engineering. Students explore the principles and methodologies used to analyze, design, and manage complex systems. The curriculum bridges theoretical foundations with practical implications, preparing students to address the challenges of complex systems in various engineering domains. Students gain a robust understanding of how to apply complexity theory to enhance system performance and resilience. Prerequisite: SYS-501.

ESG-510

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of knowledge management (KM) principles and practices. Students examine the strategic role of KM in enhancing organizational efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage within engineering firms and projects. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, emphasizing the creation, capture, storage, sharing, and utilization of knowledge to solve complex engineering problems and improve decision-making processes. Prerequisite: SYS-501.

SYS-601

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course discusses the principles, methodologies, and practices of system architecture. It spans the entire life cycle of system architecture, from conceptual design to implementation and evolution. Students explore theoretical foundations and practical applications that prepare them to design and manage complex engineering systems. This is part I of a comprehensive series of courses. Prerequisite: SYS-520.

SYS-610

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course discusses the principles, methodologies, and practices of system Architecture. It spans the entire life cycle of system architecture, from conceptual design to implementation and evolution. Students explore advanced topics in system architecture that prepare them to design and manage complex engineering systems. This is part II of a comprehensive series of courses. Prerequisite: SYS-601.

MGT-605

4 Total Credits

ESG-600

4 Total Credits

SYS-620

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Drive Efficiency in Modern Engineering

Take your systems thinking to the next level. Earn your MS online from GCU and engineer what’s next.

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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.

Online Systems Engineering Master’s Degree

Advanced Expertise in Designing and Integrating Complex Systems

Systems Engineering Rooted in Purpose and Innovation

MS in Systems Engineering Online Coursework

Career Paths for Master’s in Systems Engineering Graduates

Earn Your Systems Engineering Degree From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

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MS in Systems Engineering Online Coursework

Career Paths for Master’s in Systems Engineering Graduates

Frequently Asked Questions

Systems Engineering Rooted in Purpose and Innovation

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

Advanced Expertise in Designing and Integrating Complex Systems

Earn Your Systems Engineering Degree From an Accredited University