Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering Program
The Department of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University collaborates with departments across the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences to offer students interdisciplinary degree programs in Systems Engineering. This program offers a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering (MENG SYSE) and a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering. Students need to successfully complete 10 courses (30 credits) for the MENG SYSE. Please see the MENG SYSE CURRICULUM SECTION for a detailed schedule of courses. An added advantage to this program is that students completing the first four courses will attain the Graduate Certificate.
The MENG SYSE is a non-thesis graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in industry. Courses cover an array of topics essential to be successful in the evaluation, design, and administration of various engineering systems. They include foundational theories of systems engineering, engineering optimization, model-based systems engineering, and key aspects of project and quality management applicable to complex systems. The program also has two semesters dedicated to completing a capstone project. The program is fully online without any residential requirement. Many students working in industry can complete their capstone project with their employer, a return on investment for employer-tuition assistance or a path forward in their corporation.
CONTACT: For additional information, please contact SYSE at Clemson.
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Program Overview
MENG vs. MBA
Many of our MENG students also considered pursuing an MBA degree before ultimately enrolling in a Master of Engineering program at Clemson University. MENG degrees are an attractive alternative to an MBA for engineering professionals because they combine technical engineering skills and approaches to decision-making that can equip both managers and technical leads for leadership positions. If MBA programs don't feel like the right fit for you and your goals, review the information below about our MENG SYSE curriculum. If you have more questions, contact us - we'd love to talk about your experience, goals, and how our program can help you achieve them.
MENG SYSE vs. MENG IE
The Department of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University offers two MENG programs: One in Industrial Engineering (MENG IE) and another in Systems Engineering (MENG SYSE). Each program serves the needs of different student populations and industries. The MENG IE has a strong focus on managing supply chains and implementing tools and models from industrial engineering and other disciplines. The MENG SYSE, on the other hand, covers key areas that are relevant to the unique demands of a career in systems engineering by incorporating specialized courses in systems design and integration, systems modeling, engineering optimization, and other areas that make the MENG SYSE program from Clemson University competitive and relevant in a variety of industries.
Delivery Method
The MENG SYSE has been developed so that all courses are delivered using online technologies and collaboration tools. Lectures and assignments are available via Clemson's online course management system, Canvas, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Video lectures can be viewed online or downloaded to a computer or mobile device for convenient viewing. Assignments are completed in various electronic formats and then sent to instructors for review and grading. The final capstone course is designed to be completed in two summer sessions, fully online. The 2-year plan of study for the MENG SYSE begins in the Fall. Please see the MENG SYSE CURRICULUM SECTION for a detailed schedule of courses.
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MENG SYSE Curriculum
The MENG SYSE curriculum has been designed for students to start with the four courses of the Graduate Certificate. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this program, students can also transfer four courses from another graduate certificate of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science (CECAS) from Clemson University, upon review and approval of the academic advisor. The below sample curriculum is for students interested in taking two courses per term.
MENG SYSE 2-Year Plan of Study Term Fall Spring Summer Year 1 SYSE 8010 & IE 8510 SYSE 8020 & IE 8520 IE 8560 Year 2 Course in Operations Research & SYSE 8530 Model-Based Systems Engineering & IE 6820 SYSE 8590
MENG SYSE Core Courses
FIRST YEAR
SYSE 8010: Systems Engineering I
IE 8510: Descriptive Statistics
SYSE 8020: Systems Engineering II
IE 8520: Prescriptive Analysis
IE 8560: Engineering Project Justification and Control (Capstone Preparation)SECOND YEAR
Course in Operations Research (IE 6400, IE 8030, or another approved course)
SYSE 8530: Improving Systems using Quality and Lean Principles
IE 6820: Systems Modeling
Model-Based Systems Engineering
SYSE 8590: Capstone Project -
Applying to the Program
Requirements
- Graduate School application.
- A baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics or other related majors with strong mathematical backgrounds.
- Competence in calculus, linear algebra and probability/statistics.
- GRE scores (optional).
- Typically, at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students).
- At least one year of relevant professional experience (internships will apply).
- One letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, preferable).
How to Apply
Students interested in applying to the MENG SYSE master program and SYSE graduate certificate must be accepted to the Clemson University Graduate School. Please find below the steps that will assist you in starting the application process. International students are welcome to apply and must meet Graduate School requirements for TOEFL and GRE scores.
Please follow these steps:
- Start with the Graduate School Application Form ( https://gradapply.clemson.edu/apply/), or click on “Apply to Clemson” at the bottom of this page and select “Clemson Graduate School Application.”
- Create an account (see the link at the bottom of the page) or log in if you are a returning user.
- Select the academic year of your application: 2025
- Select the program from the main menu: Master’s
- Under master’s programs, browse the list of programs and select: Systems Engineering (MENG ONLINE).
Note: We are currently offering this program in a fully online format only. - Start term: Fall
- Continue filling out the form with your information.
Additional information concerning deadlines and program contacts can be found in the IE Graduate Handbook. Enrollment in the SYSE programs is open to all students with degrees in the physical sciences, mathematics, or related majors with a strong mathematical background.
Required Documents
- Graduate School Online Application Form (see above)
- Unofficial Transcripts. Official Transcripts are required upon acceptance. Do not send official transcripts until you have received your letter of acceptance
- Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a supervisor)
MENG SYSE Costs
The information below is general guidance on costs associated with the MENG SYSE program. Fees are subject to change. MENG SYSE students do not qualify for traditional financial aid since students are classified as part-time students. Our students are self-funded or take advantage of employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs.
- Application: There is no fee to apply to graduate programs at Clemson University.
- Books & Software: Some courses do require the purchase of textbooks. Some textbooks are used for multiple courses. As a Clemson University graduate student, you will also have access to a suite of software programs.
- Tuition: Approximately $3,100 for each class of 3 credit hours. Some fees apply to each semester.
Visit the Tuition and Fees page to calculate the hourly cost for each course via the Online Tuition and Fee Calculator at the bottom of the page. You will then Select Online in the calculator tool -> Program Name: MENGR Systems Engineering -> 3 Credit Hours in the slider.To view the most up-to-date information on tuition and fees for the program, please visit the Student Financial Services for fee breakdown (refer to Online Programs Graduate Tuition per Credit Hours - Tier 2 Program), payment options, and the net price calculator. Rates and fees are subject to annual adjustments.
