Applications for Winter and Fall semesters open in July

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN

Systems Engineering and Design

Available Online or On Campus

#3 Top Public Schools

2026 U.S. News & World Report

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Transform complex challenges into sustainable solutions.

Systems Engineering & Design equips students to understand, design, and enhance the complex systems that run our world. By combining fundamental engineering principles with human-centered design, the program prepares students to face challenges that are best solved with a multidisciplinary approach.

Flexible Learning for Working Professionals

30

Total Credits

1-5 yrs

Part-Time or Full-Time

Mode

Online or On Campus

Start

Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer Semesters

Systems engineering really gave me a broad perspective of everything going on in a project — I knew what the requirements were, who we were designing it for.
Alexander Salazar
Systems Engineering & Design Graduate

Program Curriculum

The Systems Engineering & Design program is flexible. Students can plan a course of study that fits their needs and goals. The curriculum focuses on skills like requirements management, systems integration, systems architecture, systems engineering management, technical project management, risk management, and more. Students can pick from six career pathways:

  • Design engineering
  • Risk and decision management
  • Model-based systems engineering
  • Integrated mobility systems
  • Smart civil infrastructure
  • Engineering project management

Earn Your INCOSE Certification

As part of the degree, students have the opportunity to earn the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) certification.

Career Outcomes

15%

Career Growth

The systems engineering field is projected to grow 15% from 2024 to 2034.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections.

$131K

Median Salary

Software developers earn a median annual salary of $131,450.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

78K

Job Postings

In 2024, there were 78,204 unique job postings in this field—demonstrating strong demand for systems engineering and design professionals.

Source: Lightcast™ (2024). Unique job postings for 1/2024 to 1/2025.

Career Paths
of Our Graduates

Systems Engineering and Design graduates launch careers in roles such as:

  • 3D Modeler
  • Vehicle Systems Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Manufacturing Project Manager
  • Model-Based Systems Engineer
  • Program Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Site Reliability Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Validation Engineer

Source: University of Michigan Engineering Career Resource Center

Top Companies
Hiring Our Graduates

Our alumni are making an impact at leading organizations, including:

  • SpaceX
  • Raytheon Technologies (RTX)
  • Pratt & Whitney
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Northrop Grumman
  • General Dynamics
  • U.S. Air Force
  • Amazon
  • 3M
  • Bosch
  • Caterpillar
  • John Deere
  • NextEra Energy
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Gartner

Source: University of Michigan Engineering Career Resource Center

Student Experience

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Michigan Engineering online application portal.

Requirement Details
Bachelor's degree Engineering, science, mathematics, or a related technical field.
GPA 3.0 or above (4.0 scale) strongly recommended.
Personal Statement Personal experiences, motivations, and a reflection on your educational journey.
Academic Statement of Purpose Background, goals, and how this program fits your career.
Resume / CV Current professional or academic resume.
Letters of Recommendation Three letters from academic or professional references.
Transcripts Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
English proficiency TOEFL or IELTS required if native language is not English.
GRE Not required.

Get Started

Have questions about the program? Connect with our recruiter.

Alicia Markey

Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator