Master systems engineering — online or on campus
Our Systems Engineering and Design (SED) master’s program is built to fit the demanding lifestyle of working professionals. Whether you prefer studying online or joining us on campus, you have the freedom to choose where and how many courses you take each semester.
#2
Ranked Industrial Engineering Graduate Program by the U.S. News & World Report (2025)
$108K
Average salary of U-M IOE master’s graduates in their first position post-graduation (2023)
MASTER OF ENGINEERING (MEng)
Systems Engineering and Design (SED) master’s
You’ll learn model-based methods that are grounded in industry best practices. These will help you lead and coordinate specialized teams, and help you to navigate and resolve the uncertain, volatile and ambiguous problems of tomorrow using a systems engineering mindset.
This program, which can be taken online or on campus, and part-time or full-time, combines fundamental engineering principles with human-centered design.
FORMAT: In person or online
Speak with an SED Recruiter
Career pathways
A master’s degree in SED enables students to pick from one of six pathways to align their academic interests their individual career goals. Learn more about the pathways.
Design engineering
Focuses on using design principles and modeling to create products that work well and meet the needs of their users from start to finish.
Risk and decision management
Learn to use smart techniques to design products that meet both technical requirements and customer expectations without wasting time or resources.
Model-based systems engineering
A formalized methodology used to support the requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation associated with complex systems.
Integrated mobility systems
Learn to play a key role in directing transportation systems using different methods that work together smoothly to solve mobility challenges.
Smart civil infrastructure
You’ll dive into systems engineering concepts like control theory, optimization and sensing, with a focus on applications in civil and environmental engineering.
Engineering project management
Involves leading and organizing an engineering team’s work to meet project goals within a set time, with resource limits, and technology limits.
Join a professional society
Get more from your education by connecting with other students and faculty who are a part of professional societies.
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS)
- View all opportunities.
Get industry certification
Our Department provides an opportunity for students to earn International Council of System Engineering (INCOSE) certification through their coursework.
“I took a variety of classes to better understand how everything in a system connects to everything else and to its users. I am applying those lessons in the real world, creating and connecting products people will see and use.”
Kathryn D’Alessandro
U-M SED master’s alumna
Explore our other graduate degrees