Overview

The M.S. in Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University provides a robust interdisciplinary framework for the successful realisation and management of complex systems. This programme integrates technical disciplines with business needs to ensure graduates can oversee the entire development cycle from initial concept to final disposal. Students develop critical systems thinking skills that are essential for modern engineering leadership.

Designed to meet the increasing demands of industry and government, the curriculum bridges the gap between specialist engineering and broad-based management. It is particularly suited for engineers seeking to enhance their market value or transition into upper-level management roles. The coursework emphasises problem-solving within the context of risk, reliability, and economic factors.

Why Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University?

The programme is delivered through the Lyle School of Engineering, offering a curriculum aligned with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) standards. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment that accommodates both on-campus and distance education tracks. The university provides a structured development process that prepares engineers to handle operations, manufacturing, and system validation in a team-oriented business enterprise.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 1350 per credit
National fee: USD 1350 per credit
Local fee: USD 1350 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the core principles of the systems development lifecycle and advanced analytical methods. Modules may include:

Systems Analysis Methods
Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers
Operations Research Models
Systems Engineering Process
Integrated Risk Management
Systems Reliability and Availability Analysis
Systems Integration and Test
Systems Reliability Engineering
Systems Engineering Design

Careers with Systems Engineering

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles that require a balance of technical proficiency and management oversight. The programme supports career advancement for systems engineers looking to update their skills and for specialists moving into leadership positions. Common career paths include roles in systems architecture, project management, and quality engineering across various industrial and governmental sectors. The focus on "systems thinking" ensures that graduates can effectively manage the impact of engineering decisions within a global business environment.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Systems Analysis Methods

Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers

Operations Research Models

Systems Engineering Process

Integrated Risk Management

Systems Reliability and Availability Analysis

Systems Integration and Test

Systems Reliability Engineering

Systems Engineering Design

Integrated Logistics Support (ILS)

Systems Quality Engineering

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-15 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-10 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

Industrial & Systems Engineering View 311 other Masters in Industrial & Systems Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Accept your Offer of Admission (this starts the I-20 process and a new items checklist)

Submit the International Document Submission Form

Provide a copy of your passport

Financial Verification/ Certificate of Finance

A B.S. in engineering, mathematics or one of the quantitative sciences. (A B.S. in an appropriate engineering discipline is required for the systems engineering and design track.)

A minimum of two years of college-level mathematics, including at least one year of calculus.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

40500 USD / year

≈ 40500 USD / year
Out-of-State

40500 USD / year

≈ 40500 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

40500 USD / year

≈ 40500 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Systems Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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