Systems engineering is an expressly unique field. While most engineers design a physical item, systems engineers design a process. Choose one of the cheapest online systems engineering master’s degrees from the list below to start on your path to this innovative and technical career.
Other types of engineering deal with designing and creating infrastructure, products, and even software, but this type deals with the planning and development of organizational systems. Systems engineers apply their knowledge to the planning and design phase of a project, helping to make a system that is faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective, while still delivering a high-quality result.
People from a variety of backgrounds can enter an online systems engineering master’s degree. While engineering knowledge is essential, people with management and administration experience may also qualify for these degrees.
We have found 58 master’s in system engineering programs from 49 accredited institutions. With a range of prices, online learners have plenty of options for their exact needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$35,400
Least Expensive In-state: North Carolina A & T State University ~$7,570
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Kennesaw State University ~$11,710
With nearly 60 options, there’s sure to be an online systems engineering program to fit your needs. Scroll down to browse the top options. Then, learn more about accreditation, admissions, licensing, and the career outlook for systems engineers.
31 Cheapest Online Systems Engineering Master’s Degrees
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | North Carolina A & T State University | (NC) | $7,570.00 $26,380.00 $7,570.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
2 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
4 | Florida State University | (FL) | $14,228.00 $21,024.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | University of Louisiana at Lafayette | (LA) | $14,400.00 | All Students |
6 | Bowling Green State University | (OH) | $15,046.00 $15,376.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | University of Florida | (FL) | $16,451.00 $38,918.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Northern Illinois University | (IL) | $16,650.00 | All Students |
9 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $16,860.00 | All Students |
10 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | (CA) | $18,003.00 | All Students |
11 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $19,551.00 $20,295.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Capitol Technology University | (MD) | $20,220.00 $11,820.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
13 | The University of Texas at El Paso | (TX) | $23,460.00 | All Students |
14 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $23,587.00 $22,087.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $24,330.00 | All Students |
16 | University of Virginia | (VA) | $24,390.00 $45,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Iowa State University | (IA) | $24,612.00 | All Students |
18 | George Mason University | (VA) | $25,470.00 $49,305.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | University of North Dakota | (ND) | $26,085.00 | All Students |
20 | University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $27,495.00 $31,091.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Oakland University | (MI) | $27,888.00 | All Students |
22 | Oregon Institute of Technology | (OR) | $29,410.00 | All Students |
23 | University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $29,550.00 | All Students |
24 | Clemson University | (SC) | $30,832.00 | All Students |
25 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | (VA) | $30,845.00 $58,270.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Auburn University | (AL) | $31,357.00 | All Students |
27 | University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $34,070.00 $56,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Purdue University | (IN) | $34,170.00 $43,770.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $34,290.00 | All Students |
30 | University of Arizona | (AZ) | $34,470.00 | All Students |
31 | Colorado State University | (CO) | $34,688.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | (IL) | $36,384.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $36,612.00 | All Students | |
Southern Methodist University | (TX) | $40,500.00 $20,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Georgia Institute of Technology | (GA) | $41,370.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $42,003.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | (MI) | $45,751.00 $50,131.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lehigh University | (PA) | $46,350.00 | All Students | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | (MA) | $48,300.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $55,800.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $57,632.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $59,940.00 | All Students | |
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | (CT) | $60,300.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $60,640.00 $54,601.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $65,944.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,368.00 | All Students | |
Columbia University in the City of New York | (NY) | $77,915.00 | All Students | |
Case Western Reserve University | (OH) | $78,064.00 | All Students |
Methodology for These Rankings
These rankings of online master’s in systems engineering programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online systems engineering degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online master’s in systems engineering. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online master’s in systems engineering must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Systems Engineering Master’s Programs?
Systems engineering can lead to a fruitful career in industry, manufacturing, government, and more. But should you invest the time and energy to complete one of these challenging programs? Here are some of the top reasons to enroll in a master’s in systems engineering online:
- Create a more efficient economy: Systems engineering is all about efficiency. With this education, you’ll be equipped to create greater efficiencies across the global market.
- Move into leadership: While a master’s degree is not required, management positions demand a deep understanding of systems and processes. With this degree, you’ll be positioned for top roles in manufacturing and the industrial sector.
- Salary: Systems engineers and other professionals who understand efficient processes earn some of the top salaries in the market. For example, industrial productions managers have a median annual income of $107,560.
- High-demand skills: The skills learned during an online master’s in systems engineering degree are in high demand and needed in virtually every sector. With tighter budgets, companies are ready to hire professionals who can reduce waste and improve profit margins.
Systems Engineering: Program Cost
These degrees may not be free, but many come with surprisingly affordable prices. Overall, this database includes 58 degrees from 49 schools. As such, there are plenty of options to fit your career goals and budget.
The average estimated in-state cost for degrees in this database is $35,400. Most require two years of study, so typical students are looking at roughly $17,700 annually for these programs. There are 36 programs priced below the average, including 20 programs below $25,000 and 12 programs below $20,000.
The cheapest online systems engineering master’s programs typically come from in-state public universities. For example, the University of Central Florida offers an MS in Systems Engineering for less than $10,000 to Florida residents, but out-of-state students will pay over $34,000.
That said, a handful of programs offer affordable prices to students from any location. Kennesaw State University ($11,710), University of Louisiana at Lafayette ($14,400), Bowling Green State University ($15,046), and Northern Illinois University ($16,650) are prime examples.
The most expensive programs in this database come from Case Western Reserve University. The school offers two degrees, a master of science and a master of engineering (both in systems and control engineering) that have a price tag of $78,064. Even Columbia University, the prestigious Ivy League school in Manhattan, has a lower price for its master’s in systems engineering online.
No matter your budget, the pricing information in this database can help you make the best choice for your master’s degree.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Systems Engineering Degrees?
With nearly 60 degrees in this database, there are plenty of available options. But these are the three most affordable online systems engineering master’s programs, including the most affordable options for students from any state:
#1. North Carolina A & T State University
Degree: Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Cost: $7,570 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Students in North Carolina looking for the cheapest online systems engineering master’s degree should pay attention to this program. North Carolina A&T State University, one of the most historic HBCUs in the country, offers an affordable program that builds your knowledge of systems engineering and organizational teamwork.
In this program, engineers and managers are exposed to a variety of interdisciplinary subjects that include the manufacturing process, energy efficiency, healthcare systems, cybersecurity, and logistics.
NC A&T brings rigorous and quality learning to your home. The school supports students through various services and uses advanced technology to enhance online connections between students and faculty.
#2. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Cost: $9,820 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This is another well-regarded program that brings affordable rates to in-state students. With this program, Florida residents can obtain one of the cheapest online systems engineering master’s degrees, with an estimated cost below $10,000.
This program is built for current professionals with a variety of engineering backgrounds. It challenges engineers to reimagine their methods and gain deeper insights into the human, financial, and technological skills needed to create a more effective business.
UCF has created an industry-leading educational platform for online students. The school provides numerous services, including the UCF Online Connect Center, which gives access to a dedicated staff of coaches. These coaches support a student’s journey with advice on work, life, and school.
#3. Kennesaw State University
Degree: Master of Science in Systems Engineering
Cost: $11,710 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
The cheapest online systems engineering master’s degree for all students, regardless of location, comes from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. This program is a wide-ranging master’s degree that is available for less than $12,000, meaning it costs roughly a third of the database average.
This program, while affordable, does not lack academic rigor. The degree consists of intense 15-week or 7-week courses offered completely online. Students complete coursework in topics including project management, economic decision analysis, and dynamic modeling. The result is a professional who can assess the risks, costs, and benefits of complex decisions, especially decisions that involve new technology.
Kennesaw State University provides nationwide access to an intuitive and cost-effective degree. Students can utilize services that include email and digital learning support.
Systems Engineering: Degree Program Types
Selecting the best online systems engineering master’s degree can be difficult, but with the right approach you can find a program that fits your needs. To start, it helps to understand your options, including the different types, as well as available concentrations.
The degrees in this database come in two basic types: a master of science (MS) or a master of engineering. A master of science is more common, although this does not necessarily make it the best choice depending on your needs and goals. These degrees focus on the science and research of systems engineering. They are used to advance professional careers in the private sector and often build an academic resume. If you want a career in post-secondary teaching or would like to pursue a master’s degree, an online MS systems engineering degree is the top choice.
A master of engineering, however, can be useful for professional advancement. While often overlapping, these degrees are more focused on direct professional skills. They are often used to advance a professional career in the private sector; they are less common for academic pursuits.
There are also numerous specializations within this database:
- Applied systems
- Control engineering
- Energy systems
- Engineering leadership
- Engineering management
- Healthcare systems
- Industrial engineering
- Logistics systems
- Systems technology
- Systems design
- Technology management
- Unmanned and autonomous systems
Before choosing a degree, think about your current skills and knowledge, as well as your career goals, to guide your final decision.
Accreditation for Systems Engineering Programs
Accreditation is the process of verifying schools and programs for academic quality. Independent groups known as accrediting bodies review academic institutions and, assuming the schools meet specific standards, grant accreditation.
The most common type is institutional accreditation. This form, which is typically conducted by regional groups, is granted to the entire school. Various bodies, which serve different regions of the country, are responsible for granting or denying accreditation. Examples include the Higher Learning Commission, which serves a large portion of middle-American states, as well as the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Accreditation is important for both the academic system and students. All the programs in this database come from accredited institutions, ensuring a high-quality education and a respected, legitimate degree.
Master of Systems Engineering: Typical Admission Requirements
A master’s degree is one of the highest levels of academic achievement. Simply enrolling in one of these programs is, by itself, an accomplishment. Here are a few basic things you will need in order to enroll in an online master’s degree in systems engineering:
- Appropriate bachelor’s degree: The most basic requirement for these programs is a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate subject. Engineering, mathematics, logistics, business management, business administration, and information systems are all potential options for these degrees.
- Letters of recommendation: You must submit multiple letters of recommendation that speak to your work ethic and skills. These must be written by previous instructors and professional supervisors.
- Statement of purpose: This short essay will describe your motivation for seeking a master’s degree. It will outline your current career and what you will do with the skills gained from a systems engineering online master’s degree.
The admissions process for a master’s degree can be extensive. Start early and prepare all documents to ensure a seamless process.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Systems engineers rarely need state-mandated licensing. Voluntary certification, on the other hand, can boost your career and open new doors. Many employers prefer to hire systems engineers and company leaders who have completed licensing.
Various organizations provide certifications. The American Society for Quality is one of the most prominent. This group provides a wide variety of certifications in quality and efficiency subjects.
Six Sigma is a common certification for systems engineering. This is an elite-level form of efficiency planning based on statistical analysis. This in-depth certification includes various levels or “belts,” (colored categories, like martial arts belts) that allow for progressive advancement in the discipline.
Salary and Career Information
The skills and knowledge of systems engineers are in high demand. As such, graduates of these programs can expect a high-paying, stable occupation. Here is the essential career data for the top occupations connected to systems engineering:
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and IT Managers | 15% | $164,070 |
| Engineering Managers | 4% | $159,920 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | 5% | $132,360 |
| Industrial Production Managers | 2% | $107,560 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | 4% | $100,660 |
| Industrial Engineers | 12% | $96,350 |
| Mechanical Engineers | 10% | $96,310 |
| Project Management Specialists | 6% | $95,370 |
| Management Analysts | 10% | $95,290 |
| Civil Engineers | 5% | $89,940 |
| Agricultural Engineers | 6% | $83,260 |
| Logisticians | 18% | $77,520 |
| Average | 8% (not weighted) | $108,218 (not weighted) |
| National Job Market | 3% | $46,310 |
As you can see, these degrees bring excellent careers for income and job security. Industrial engineers are a prime example; this profession, which is expected to grow by 12% between 2022 and 2032, has a median income of $96,350 with the top 10% earning over $134,990.
While the average is not entirely accurate (it’s not weighted for occupation size), the stats clearly show a strong, stable career. Whether you become a logistician, an industrial engineer, an engineering manager, or a project management specialist, you expect to find high-paying roles in many businesses.
How Do I Choose the Best Systems Engineering Master’s Program?
Choosing the best systems engineering master’s degree can be difficult, but with a simple, organized process you’ll find the right program for your future.
Start by searching for the cheapest online systems engineering master’s programs that fit your budget and goals. Then, review the programs for coursework. Make sure the topics in the courses will help you reach your specific goals. Also, review the program for delivery method and schedule. This is important, as some degrees have in-person requirements. (All the programs in this database are at least 80% online.)
Throughout the process, review the programs for accreditation. Only enroll in degrees from accredited institutions to ensure a reliable education from a quality school. If you need more information about systems engineering master’s degrees, the resources from GetEducated.com are waiting to help!