- ranked the best job in America by CNNMoney.com
- overall engineering employment is expected to grow 11% through 2018*
*information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
*information from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Watch this video to learn more about our Systems Engineering program.
Systems engineering applies to everything from large power plants to computer hardware and software. It’s a big-picture view that considers every aspect of a project, from costs and environmental impact, to time lines and life expectancy of equipment. Because it encompasses many disciplines, it can help engineers from diverse fields better understand how to solve problems.
This interdisciplinary degree program covers identification, modeling, analysis, architecture, integration, and management of complex systems and processes. It consists of 12 courses (36 credits) taken over six continuous semesters, with each semester containing two 7-week terms.
Penn State’s online program can help prepare you to develop the next generation of engineering products, systems, and services for industry and government. The program will show you how to implement key systems engineering concepts to help you increase your effectiveness in your current job and open opportunities to advance in your career.
Since 1998, Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies has offered a resident/on-campus master’s degree in systems engineering. The online degree is identical to the successful resident program, with the exception of a reduced set of electives.
Like the resident program, the online master’s degree addresses the need for systems engineers to acquire knowledge that covers many systems engineering topics. Graduates from our resident-instruction program have become lead engineers, principal engineers, engineering managers, and project managers.
Penn State’s online master of engineering in systems engineering is designed for professionals with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or IST. The program uses a cohort approach so that you can progress through the courses with your fellow students, allowing for greater integration of content and a richer environment for collaborating and networking.
Upgrading your knowledge and abilities is key to advancement, and a master's degree is becoming increasingly important for many engineering jobs. As a graduate, you can further your career in:
Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.