Master of Engineering- Systems Engineering

Program Overview

The M.Eng. in Systems Engineering is a 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. The curriculum is structured around six required core courses that provide a foundational understanding of systems engineering principles. Additionally, students complete three elective courses and a project or thesis (3-6 credits), allowing for specialization and practical application of learned concepts. The program offers concentrations in areas such as large-scale cyber-physical systems, embedded cyber-physical systems, space systems, and software systems. Notably, students who fulfill the requirements for the Space Systems concentration may alternatively receive an M.Eng. in Space Systems Engineering. This program is available both on-campus and fully online through StevensOnline, offering significant flexibility for working professionals and a diverse student body.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.Eng. in Systems Engineering program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, scientific, and technological focus, which is highly valued by employers in sectors demanding strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex systems.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum provides a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of systems engineering. Core required courses typically include: Systems Modeling and Simulation or Decision and Risk Analysis (one choice), Project Management of Complex Systems, Fundamentals of Systems Engineering or Conception of Cyber-Physical Systems (one choice), System Architecture and Design, Systems Integration, and System Supportability and Logistics or Design for Reliability, Maintainability, and Supportability (one choice). Elective courses (9 credits) allow students to delve deeper into specialized areas within their chosen concentration or other approved areas within the School of Systems and Enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes a holistic understanding of systems engineering, covering topics from requirements definition and analysis to system architecture, design, integration, verification, validation, and sustainment. It incorporates modern tools and methodologies, including AI electives and hands-on education opportunities.

Research Focus: The M.Eng. in Systems Engineering program at Stevens has a strong applied research focus, often aligning with the broader research initiatives within the School of Systems and Enterprises. As one of the first schools in the nation dedicated to systems engineering and science, Stevens fosters research that seeks to find bold solutions to major global problems, including those in aerospace and defense, energy, healthcare, financial services, and infrastructure systems. Key research areas include digital and data-driven systems (e.g., data-driven ecosystems, AI and machine learning for systems), trusted systems (e.g., cybersecurity, resilience of AI-enabled systems), enterprises and system of systems (e.g., mission engineering, management of megaprojects), and human capital development in systems engineering. Students have opportunities to engage in advanced research, benefiting from faculty mentorship and the university's state-of-the-art labs, including the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a University-Affiliated Research Center (UARC) of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement for its Systems Engineering program. Its strategic location in the New York metropolitan area provides unparalleled access to a vast network of industries, including aerospace and defense, automotive, healthcare, finance, and technology, all of which heavily rely on systems engineering principles. Many faculty members are experienced professionals from government and industry, bringing invaluable real-world insights and connections into the classroom. Stevens is also recognized as a significant provider of systems engineering education to the U.S. federal government and industries worldwide. The university's strong alumni network and robust Career Center facilitate extensive networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in various sectors.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.Eng. in Systems Engineering program through its diverse international student body and the inherently global nature of complex systems. The university attracts students from around the world, creating a multicultural learning environment that enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into international systems challenges, global supply chains, and cross-cultural management approaches. The principles of systems engineering—such as managing complexity, integrating diverse components, and optimizing performance across lifecycles—are universally applicable. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical education and emphasis on multidisciplinary problem-solving, prepares graduates to contribute to international projects and navigate complex systems in a globally interconnected professional landscape.