Master of Systems Engineering
December 21, 2026
January 11, 2027
Overview
The Ohio State University’s 100% online Master of Systems Engineering is designed for working professionals who need a flexible program that will equip them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their industry. This technical program will equip you with concepts, principles, tools and methods to model and manage systems engineering projects and programs in any engineering setting. Courses in the Master of Systems Engineering program are designed to develop your understanding of how to manage and model complex systems, collaborate with teams of customers, stakeholders and all engineering disciplines to define and achieve systems requirements, and integrate the people, processes, and technology of complex systems.
Why should I get my Master of Systems Engineering degree from Ohio State?
At Ohio State, you aren’t just getting any master’s degree. You are earning your degree from an online engineering master’s program that is one of the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. And with several elective courses provided by the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, you will be learning from dedicated experts in the fields of both public affairs and engineering. Having all your courses 100% online doesn’t mean you are alone. Our knowledgeable Enrollment Advisors are ready to guide you from the day you request more information, and we’ll keep supporting you all the way to graduation and beyond. With all your classes offered asynchronously and no live lectures to attend, you have the flexibility to balance your education and your life. You can access your coursework, review the material, and prepare weekly assignments when it works best for your schedule.
Is this Master of Systems Engineering program for me?
This program is the perfect fit for engineers working in business, industry, healthcare, government, for-profit, and non-profit organizations who already have several years of experience in the field and are ready to take their career to the next level. If you have already earned your bachelors degree in engineering, engineering technology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, natural sciences, and are responsible for modeling, designing and deploying complex systems, products, services, or system-of-systems, then this is the program for you. This systems engineering program can be completed in as little as 18 months with a full-time course load, or just 2 years taking classes part-time.
Engineering excellence starts at Ohio State
Ohio State is ranked #23 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
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“I have developed so many skills that I have been able to take into my job. The knowledge base that you gain at Ohio State is second to none. It’s better than I expected and more than I hoped.”
Mike Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
"Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others."
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“While going into the program, I was concerned that by Ohio State being one of the largest institutions, I would feel like one in 1,000 students. Instead, I felt a sense of close-knit, connected support from both classmates and faculty.”
Stephanie Moore Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
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"I learned to embrace and appreciate the online format. It enabled me to continue to work full time, take advantage of generous employer tuition benefits, and progress toward my career goals while accommodating my family life."
Jane Ginther Ohio State Online Grad -
"I’ve made lasting relationships. I still meet my former classmates to discuss processes, improvements and research that we are conducting."
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“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you shortly to provide more details about this online program, provide one-on-one guidance, and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the application process. Learn more about the support an Enrollment Advisor offers.
Ohio State’s Master of Engineering Management program is a great option for engineers who want to grow in management and leadership roles. Meanwhile, the Master of Systems Engineering degree has a much more technical focus. While the curriculum does contain some leadership courses, this program centers on equipping systems engineering professionals with advanced knowledge and methodologies to help them excel in system engineering jobs. Both programs also offer the opportunity to earn a Lean Six Sigma Certification in addition to the degree.
You have the flexibility to take the Master of System Engineering courses at a rate that best fits your schedule, either full-time or part-time. While this program can take as little as 18 months to complete, most students take one or two courses per semester and complete the degree in about 2 years.
The cost varies depending on the specific degree or certificate program and whether you enroll full-time or part-time. Look up costs at go.osu.edu/tuitionfeetables.
Yes! You will have a dedicated Student Support Specialist and Academic Advisor to help guide your through your educational journey. The Student Support Specialist will ensure that you always have someone you can reach out to with questions, frustrations or just general support. Your Academic Advisor will help ensure you are enrolling in all the right courses and have a clear path to graduation.
Online courses at Ohio State are different from on-campus courses. We have designed online courses to take advantage of the benefits of the virtual experience, including connecting to outside people and ideas, presenting information, and engaging in discussions with your classmates and faculty.
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Academic Calendar
Students may apply to enroll in the Ohio State Master of Systems Engineering degree in either the Spring or Autumn semesters. This systems engineering program does not admit applicants for Summer term admission.
Academic Calendar
Students may apply to enroll in the Ohio State Master of Systems Engineering degree in either the Spring or Autumn semesters. This systems engineering program does not admit applicants for Summer term admission.
Application Details
The online Master of Systems Engineering requires the following materials to be considered for admission into the program. You may review the status of your application and any outstanding requirements at appstatus.osu.edu.
All applicants must have a completed bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Two years of work or internship experience in a technical, engineering, or analytical position and an undergraduate degree in engineering, engineering technology, mathematics, statistics, computer science, natural sciences, or other technically oriented majors from an accredited college or university is required. Applicants with non-engineering undergraduate degrees may be considered, depending upon the type of non-engineering degree and years of work experience.
Applicants must complete an Ohio State Graduate Admissions online application.
To complete your application and verify your degree and undergraduate GPA, you must submit transcripts from all educational institutions you have attended.
Transcripts should be submitted directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts be sent early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to:
For U.S. institutions: Transcripts can be sent electronically from the issuing institution directly to gpadocs@osu.edu or mailed directly from the issuing institution to:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
For international institutions: Send copies of international transcripts, diplomas or degree certificates and English translations in sealed university envelopes to:
Graduate and Professional Admissions
The Ohio State University
Student Academic Services Building
281 W. Lane Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1132 USA
When applying:
- You may upload scanned copies of official transcripts, diplomas, or degree certificates to the online application system. Note: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
- These scans help form a complete application packet, but they do not replace the need for official documents.
What is not accepted. These types of documents will not be used for degree verification or GPA calculation:
- Advising reports
- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
- Documents with a URL across the top
- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
Exception: You do not need to submit transcripts for coursework or degrees earned from The Ohio State University.
More information on transcripts can be found on the Graduate and Professional Admissions resource page located here.
Please arrange to have two (2) recommendations prepared. These can come from academic or professional connections who are familiar with your qualifications and potential for graduate study. Please contact our team with any questions about potential recommenders. More information on letters of recommendation can be found on the Graduate and Professional Admissions resource page located here.
Your current resume or CV should highlight relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities which will demonstrate that you are a good fit for the program. Applicants should have at least two years of professional work experience. The resume can be uploaded in the online application system.
Include a 1-2 page essay describing your career, educational goals, and why you wish to enroll in the MSE degree.
A non-refundable application fee of $60 is required. Ohio State alumni may be eligible for an admissions fee waiver.
A GRE score is not required.
During the admissions process, a recommendation to enroll in the Graduate Bridge Program (to qualify for admission to the MSE degree) will be considered for the following student populations: international applicants, applicants with a degree from a non-ABET accredited institution, or applicants who have a GPA below 3.0 from the last undergraduate or advanced degree earned.
For International applicants:
Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required, and how to submit scores may be found on the Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website located here.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
The Master of Systems Engineering degree will broaden your knowledge base and technical skills within the field of systems engineering through courses in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), systems analytics, systems design, engineering decision making, and much more. Whether you are looking to advance your current engineering career or want to prepare for roles with the Department of Defense, healthcare systems, public and community-based organizations, then this program will equip you for advancement.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
Work Activities
Direct daily operations of department, analyzing workflow, establishing priorities, developing standards and setting deadlines. Meet with department heads, managers, supervisors, vendors, and others, to solicit cooperation and resolve problems. Review project plans to plan and coordinate project activity.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $104,450
- Mid Level: $171,200
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
17.4%
Related Careers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
- Information Security Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
- Software Developers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
Work Activities
Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects. Direct, review, or approve project design changes. Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $111,450
- Mid Level: $167,740
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.5%
Related Careers
- Electrical Engineers
- Industrial Engineers
- Logistics Engineers
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Project Management Specialists
Job Sectors
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- English Language
What They Do
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Work Activities
Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints. Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software. Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $62,840
- Mid Level: $117,750
- Senior Level: $183,510
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5%
Related Careers
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Materials Scientists
- Mechatronics Engineers
- Nanosystems Engineers
- Photonics Engineers
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Design
What They Do
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Work Activities
Provide scientific or technical guidance or expertise to scientists, engineers, technologists, technicians, or others, using knowledge of chemical, analytical, or biological processes as applied to micro and nanoscale systems. Supervise technologists or technicians engaged in nanotechnology research or production. Conduct research related to a range of nanotechnology topics, such as packaging, heat transfer, fluorescence detection, nanoparticle dispersion, hybrid systems, liquid systems, nanocomposites, nanofabrication, optoelectronics, or nanolithography.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $62,840
- Mid Level: $117,750
- Senior Level: $183,510
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5%
Related Careers
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
- Chemical Engineers
- Materials Scientists
- Microsystems Engineers
- Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Job Sectors
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
What They Do
Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.
Work Activities
Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of residential or commercial solar power systems. Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities. Design or coordinate design of photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems, including system components, for residential and commercial buildings.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $62,840
- Mid Level: $117,750
- Senior Level: $183,510
Job Outlook
Average
Projected Growth
5%
Related Careers
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
- Solar Energy Installation Managers
- Solar Sales Representatives and Assessors
- Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
- Wind Energy Engineers
Job Sectors
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
What They Do
Design or analyze operational solutions for projects such as transportation optimization, network modeling, process and methods analysis, cost containment, capacity enhancement, routing and shipment optimization, or information management.
Work Activities
Propose logistics solutions for customers. Develop logistic metrics, internal analysis tools, or key performance indicators for business units. Conduct logistics studies or analyses, such as time studies, zero-base analyses, rate analyses, network analyses, flow-path analyses, or supply chain analyses.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $49,260
- Mid Level: $80,880
- Senior Level: $132,110
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
19.3%
Related Careers
- Industrial Engineers
- Logisticians
- Logistics Analysts
- Project Management Specialists
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Job Sectors
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Transportation
- Design
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. An up or down arrow indicates projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Ohio State’s 100% online engineering courses allow students from around the world to complete this systems engineering degree with no on-campus requirements. Below is a list of the courses offered in this program. With 6 core courses, including a practical, real-world problem solving capstone source, and 12 credit hours of electives, you have plenty of flexibility to make this program fit your specific needs and your career goals. All courses are provided asynchronously, meaning you can complete your coursework at a time that works for your schedule.
You also have the opportunity to earn your Lean Six Sigma Certification in addition to the Master of Systems Engineering degree if you choose to complete ISE 5810 Lean Sigma Foundations as an elective course. Yellow, Green, or even Black Belt can be earned depending upon your previous Six Sigma projects completed.
You have the flexibility to take the Master of System Engineering courses at a rate that best fits your schedule, either full-time or part-time. While this program can take as little as 18 months to complete, most students take one or two courses per semester and complete the degree in about 2 years.
This course introduces you to the essential principles, processes, and practices associated with the application of Systems Engineering tools to the system life-cycle. Emphasis will focus on defining the problem to be solved, establishing the initial system architectures and requirements, design, verification, and validation, along with the interdisciplinary nature of systems.
This course will provide you with an understanding of the essential concepts, practices, and applications of System Architecture, and how Systems Engineering models can be used to design and deploy a system. You will be able to apply systems architecture and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to model the different types of systems.
This course will provide you with an understanding of the essential concepts, practices, and applications of requirements engineering and analysis used to elicit and model systems requirements. You will learn how to apply requirements engineering to elicit requirements for different types of systems.
You will learn how to collect data and perform input analysis, model systems using discrete-event simulation, and inform system design decision-making through defensible output analysis.
This course is intended to provide you with foundational and advanced project management education in an interactive online learning environment. This Project Management course focuses on relevant and best practice project management topics and case studies that will prepare you to plan, organize, engineer for success, lead/manage, and participate in the multi-faceted and complex conditions that arise during the planning and execution of small to large engineering projects and programs.
This capstone course is a culminating experience providing you with the opportunity to solve real-world challenges by utilizing all the practical skills you’ve learned from the Master of Systems Engineering program, while implementing the principles of systems engineering in an organization.
You may choose a minimum of 12 credit hours from the elective courses listed below.
You will plan and analyze experiments relevant to system design while learning regression and alternative approaches for hands-on data analysis. This course also prepares you to develop quantitative literacy and logical reasoning, including the ability to identify valid arguments, use mathematical models, and critically evaluate results based on data.
In this course, you will focus on human-centered design of consumer products, websites, and complex sociotechnical systems. Topics include human-computer interaction, the design of decision support, and distributed work systems.
In this course, you will learn about the design and analysis of machine learning for human users. Topics include: introductory machine learning; interactive machine learning; ethics in AI; human-agent interaction; human-subject research. Students not familiar with Python should enroll in an introductory Python course as a pre- or co-requisite.
You will learn about information visualization techniques that help people analyze massive amounts of digital data to combat overload and aid sensemaking and financial decision-making with applications in retail, logistics, information systems, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and smart grids, cybersecurity, and social networks.
Comprehensive foundation course in Integrated Lean and Six Sigma for students pursuing Yellow, Green, or Black Belt Certification. This course covers unique modern additive manufacturing processes and addresses polymers, ceramics, metals, and hybrid materials. Applications and limitations of additive manufacturing are also discussed.
This course focuses on the concepts and heuristics in systems thinking and complex systems analysis, and how these concepts apply to engineering and design projects.
This course is your introduction to decision analysis, modern utility theory and risk modeling, Bayesian inference, value of information, multiattribute decision modeling, and application to engineering decisions under uncertainty.
This course provides your with a comprehensive treatment of resilience engineering tools to measure, manage, and design complex systems to be resilient in the face of surprising disruptive events.
This course provides a comprehensive assessment of theories and tools for decision-making in the face of risk and uncertainty, giving a rigorous treatment of current issues and approaches in risk analysis through both qualitative and quantitative lenses. The methodological focus of the course will be on analytical approaches and modeling methodologies to improve and enhance decision-making in the face of uncertainty.
This course provides you with an introduction to public management, with a focus on the environment, structure, and design of the organizations that public managers run. You will build from a foundation in organizational theory and consider management challenges facing organizations that carry out public purposes.
In this course, you will gain practical knowledge regarding contracting for goods and services, techniques to ensure successful outcomes, and a perspective on public procurement policy and issues, providing you with an understanding of the government procurement process from both the government and private industry perspectives. The course will cover basic procurement principles, legal authorities, socio-economic considerations, and various procurement methods available to accomplish these responsibilities.
This course explores U.S. federal policy and administration in the nation’s capital. You will be exposed to a range of issues that are among the most salient to understanding the complexities of the federal government. You will further develop your foundational knowledge of institutions, including the roles of the president, Congress, and the courts in the formulation and execution of federal policy in relation to the federal bureaucracy.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Program Faculty
Featured Faculty
Sandy Furterer, PhD, MBA
Director of Master of Systems Engineering, Professor of Practice
I’m a Professor of Practice in the Integrated Systems Engineering Department. I’ve applied Lean Six Sigma, Systems Engineering, and Engineering Management tools in healthcare, banking, retail, higher education and other service industries. I have over 25 years of experience in business process and quality improvements. I am an ASQ Certified Manager of Quality / Organizational Excellence, a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certified Quality Engineer, a Certified Manager of Quality / Operational Excellence, an ASQ fellow, and a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. My research and teaching interests include systems engineering modeling, lean six sigma, leadership and diversity, and change management.
Ted Allen
Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
Dr. Allen is the author of over 80 refereed publications focusing on the intersection of optimization and novel experimental planning methods including for games, “high-level” data, and multiple fidelity optimization. These include two textbooks published by Springer Verlag including a third edition textbook on engineering statistics.
Mike Rayo, PhD
Associate Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
On one side, I am a scientist and educator seeking to obtain and share new knowledge about how to better understand the intersection of people, technology, and work. My focus is on directing attention, team communication and predicting the effectiveness of AI-fueled solutions in real-world, high-stakes situations. On the other side, I am a designer and researcher committed to applying all that I’ve learned about user-centered design, human factors and cognitive systems engineering in order to make products easier to use and complex systems safer.
Faculty
Cathy Xia
Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
Jack Slavinski
Lecturer, Integrated Systems Engineering
Samantha Krening
Assistant Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
Tracy Owens
Professional Practice Associate Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
Daniel Gingerich
Assistant Professor, Integrated Systems Engineering
Noah Dormady
Associate Professor
Todd Suddeth
Senior Lecturer
Bill Fuller
Lecturer
Roger Westermeyer
LecturerTuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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