Essential Information
Master's degree programs in design engineering may not be available, but one alternative is a master's degree program in system engineering. These programs are designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in engineering from a properly accredited university, and possibly for working professionals in the field. These programs may be 100% online, or the student may choose to supplement a more traditional on-campus experience with a few online courses.
Master's Degree Programs in Systems Engineering
Systems engineering degree programs are meant to develop students' abilities to analyze, design and build complex systems within the field of engineering. Online master's degree programs in the field are typically intended for working engineers who want to improve their skills and abilities.
Information and Requirements
Online master's degree programs in systems engineering typically require students to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. Systems engineering applies to large-scale systems like power plants as well as small-scale systems like circuit components.
Online courses allow students to retain their current engineering job while gaining proficiency in the field. Coursework, lectures, class discussions and resources are typically available through the course website. Specific hardware and software may be required to access certain course materials, such as video components and ebooks.
Course Topics
Coursework for online master's degree programs in systems engineering typically take an interdisciplinary approach. Subject matter often includes studies in modeling, architecture, integration and management of complex systems.
Systems Engineering
This course covers the fundamentals of systems engineering, including methodology, design and management. Students will analyze the human factors, maintainability and reliability of systems.
Software Architecture
This course explores topics in the architectural designs and principles of software systems architecture. Students learn to document and evaluate processes involved in software architecture.
Decision and Risk Analysis of Engineering
Students analyze engineering decisions that may cause uncertain results in this class. This course provides students with the tools needed to identify and resolve problems that may arise.
Career Information
Graduates of an online master's degree program in systems engineering may go on to work as a software engineer. As of May 2020, the median annual income for industrial engineers was $88,950 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reported that, between 2019 and 2029, job opportunities for industrial engineers are expected to grow 10% (www.bls.gov).
Online master's degree programs in design engineering cover topics such as architectural design, risk analysis, modeling and system management. Graduates of these programs may work as software engineers.
