The University of St. Thomas

Master of Science Degree in Systems Engineering

Overview


The Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering is intended for people who need to design, develop and manage large complex systems in our modern world.

Systems Engineering is defined for this degree as a creative human activity in which engineers design and develop complex interconnections of devices, sub-systems, and components to meet human needs.  The activity involves, in general, the following:

  • Determination of the need
  • Developing possible basic conceptual designs
  • Determination of what existing devices and systems might meet the need
  • Development of the requirements that such a system must meet
  • Development of testing and validation procedures
  • Development of maintenance, upgrading, and improvement of the system
  • Planning effective means for disposal and recycling of components at an appropriate time.
At the request of local industry, the faculty of the School of Engineering at the University of St Thomas researched, developed, and reviewed the Systems Engineering program to ensure that it would meet the needs of local and regional industries.  Interaction with industry and meeting their express needs has been the cornerstone of the School of Engineering.

The Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering will prepare engineers and related technical professionals for a career in systems engineering.  It will prepare engineers who demonstrate lifelong learning, ethical behavior, sensitivity to cultural needs in the design and development of systems, and inclusion of people from traditionally underrepresented groups.

The curriculum is multi-disciplinary and oriented toward industry needs. Faculty with industry experience teach classes based in theory and emphasizing applications relevant to the regional industries.  

The Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering students complete 36 credits including a core of 15 credits, plus courses in Simulation, Human Aspects, Financial Analysis and technical electives.  The curriculum includes an engineering project that can be done individually or as a group.  Students also have the option of taking two additional courses in lieu of this Engineering Project.

Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering Study Plan

Required Core Courses - 15 Credits
  ETLS 507 Introduction to Systems Engineering (3 cr)
  ETLS 508 Systems Design (3 cr)
  ETLS 509 Verification and Validation (3 cr)
  ETLS 550 Leveraging Leadership for a Lifetime I (1 cr)
  ETLS 650 Leveraging Leadership for a Lifetime II (1 cr)
  ETLS 850 Leveraging Leadership for a Lifetime III (1 cr)
  ETLS 808 Capstone Course (3 cr)

Simulation Course - 3 Credits (Choose 1)
  ETLS 777 Finite Element Analysis (3 cr)
  ETLS 785 Simulation of Logistics and Industrial Systems (3 cr)
  New courses under development

Human Aspects Course - 3 Credits (Choose 1)
  ETLS 601 Program/Project/Team Management (3 cr)
  ETLS 670 Masterful Leaders and Leadership (3 cr)
  ETLS 671 Human Aspects of Technical Management (3 cr)
  ETLS 855 Implementing Innovation (3 cr)

Financial Aspects Course - 3 Credits (Choose 1)
  ETLS 505 Managerial Accounting and Performance Management (3 cr)
  ETLS 661 Engineering Economic Analysis and Product Costing (3 cr)

Technical Electives - 6 Credits (Choose 2)
  ETLS 501 Production Operating Systems (3 cr)
  ETLS 506 Statistical Methods for Manufacturing Quality (3 cr)
  ETLS 672 Excellence in Product Design (3 cr)
  ETLS 701 Design of Experiments (3 cr)
  ETLS 771 Materials Engineering (3 cr)
  ETLS 778 Process Design & Improvement - Computer Based Tools (3 cr)
  New courses under development

Project Options - 6 Credits (Choose 1)
  ETLS 881 Individual Engineering Project/Written Paper and Presentation
  ETLS 883 Group Engineering Project/Written Paper and Presentation
  Elective Course Option - choose two additional courses to meet individual  professional objectives.  Advisor pre-approval is required.

Admission Criteria:

  • A Baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, mathematics or statistics with an overall GPA or 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/4.0 in the last 60 semester hours prior to graduation.
  • Other applicants holding baccalaureate degrees, including engineering technology degrees, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  GRE scores and will be required.  
  • Three years of relevant work experience is expected. 
  • Support letters from managers of applicants will be required.
  • All applicants will be interviewed.

Students not meeting all requirements are encouraged to apply and be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

 
How to apply

Call us at any time of the year to begin the process. Our phone numbers are 651-962-5750 or 800-328-6819 Ext. 2-5750.  We'll provide you with additional information and help you understand the program requirements. We'll invite you to visit a class, see our facilities and meet us in person.

Your completed application file will include:

  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Satisfactory completion of aptitude requirement.
  • Personal goal statement (two to three paragraphs).
  • Resume outlining educational background, work experience and profession affiliations.
  • Completed application form .
  • $30 non-refundable, one-time application fee.

We will work with you to assess your readiness to begin the Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering program.

  • If you're not ready to pursue a degree, you can take one or two courses for professional development or work on a certificate in a specific area.
  • If you're ready to start a degree program and have not completed all application file requirements, you can take courses immediately through Graduate Special Enrollment (limited to six credits or two classes).

ENGINEERING GRADUATE COURSE INDEX web page includes course descriptions and recent syllabi.