An online doctoral degree in systems engineering may teach individuals the techniques required to design, develop, and manage innovative and complicated engineering systems. In this three to five-year program, students may learn how to manage complex systems, design robotic instruments, and test and analyze engineering simulations. Program coursework may include research-heavy dissertation courses alongside major-specific classes including systems theory, research methods in science and technology, and systems management.

Upon graduation, students may seek employment in their chosen specialty. Doctoral-level graduates may find employment opportunities in government defense, industrial engineering, and bio-medicine.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 6% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level systems engineering degree programs may include a combination of dissertation research courses and major coursework. These classes may teach students how to develop quality control procedures, design production standards, and maintain engineering specifications. Core systems engineering courses may include the following:

• Systems Theory
• Simulation Models for Operations Analysis
• Decision Theory and Management Science
• Research Methods in Science and Technology
• The Engineering Management Environment
• Productivity and Performance Improvement in Organizations
• Systems Management

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may gain employment in aerospace, bio-medicine, defense, education, and computer technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in industrial engineering are projected to increase by 6% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Systems Engineer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Industrial Engineer
• Operations Research Specialist
• University Professor

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook