colorado state university online phd systems engineering

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Doctor of Systems Engineering

Earn your Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering from CSU

As the technology we use becomes increasingly more complex and interconnected, the need for skilled systems engineers is growing, particularly in industries like aerospace, aviation, power and energy, and information technology. This program is intended to help create the next generation of leaders in the field of systems engineering. Coursework reflects the rigor and depth expected of a professional doctorate program and emphasizes strategic problem solving, advanced leadership and business skills, and the knowledge required to address enterprise-level systems engineering challenges.

A program designed for engineering professionals

Developed with practicing engineers in mind, CSU’s Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering program provides advanced training and in-depth knowledge that can be used to solve complex, real-world problems. As a participant in this program, you will study both the theoretical framework of systems engineering and the technical applications needed to organize, manage, and implement projects in a range of industry settings. Interdisciplinary skills and the applied aspects of systems engineering are fundamental elements of this program’s core curriculum.

Ideal candidates for this systems engineering degree have considerable industry experience in addition to support from their current employer or organization. After being accepted, doctoral candidates in this program are assigned an advisory committee, which will include a faculty member with industry experience.

How does the Doctor of Engineering differ from a Ph.D.?

While CSU’s Ph.D. in Systems Engineering is primarily focused on systems engineering theory and scholarship (an excellent path for anyone interested in teaching), this professional doctorate program is centered on the practice and application of systems engineering principles. After being equipped with a greater depth of knowledge, graduates of this program will be prepared to seek advancement opportunities and take on leadership roles in their industry of choice.

Learn from leaders in engineering scholarship and research

By participating in this program, you will have the opportunity to study under faculty with decades of experience in applying engineering research to real-world challenges. Because CSU faculty often incorporate their own scholarship and work into the curriculum, you will also have access to some of the groundbreaking research currently taking place at the College of Engineering.

To learn more about the faculty members associated with the systems engineering doctorate program, please visit the Systems Engineering website .

The highly selective nature of this program maintains the integrity and quality of the student experience.

Requirements

• A minimum of 72 credits must be completed. Students with an applicable master’s degree may have up to 30 credits apply, such that they take 42 credits at CSU for the D.Eng.
• The D.Eng. requires students to complete a qualifying process (B grade or higher earned in all coursework toward the degree), an oral preliminary examination, and an oral final examination in addition to the finished dissertation document based on the practicum work. All D.Eng. students are considered provisional until they complete the qualifying process and preliminary exam.
• Course substitutions, if permitted, must be approved by your department and faculty advisor.

Once admitted, please stay in touch with your department and faculty advisors and reference Department Resources and the SE Handbook to ensure you are meeting all program requirements.

Practicum Sponsor Expectations

All D.Eng. applicants are expected to create a formal arrangement with an industry stakeholder that will serve on their formal advisory committee to assist with the practicum experience and dissertation evaluation. This industry representative role is called the ‘practicum sponsor,’ and D.Eng. students are responsible for always ensuring they have an active practicum sponsor while in the D.Eng. program. Doctoral students must complete an annual evaluation with their faculty research advisor and practicum sponsor every year to continue degree progress.

More information about the practicum sponsor minimum requirements and expectations can be found in the application checklist for the D.Eng. program.

The D.Eng. program requires a minimum of 18 credits of SE coursework selected to be relevant to your practicum project and a minimum of 6 applied/professional electives to fulfill coursework requirements. The degree also requires a minimum of 9 credits of SYSE 786 practicum and a minimum of 9 credits of SYSE 799B dissertation: professional doctorate, taken over the duration of your program, to reflect effort toward your practicum and written dissertation projects. Completion of SYSE 710 and faculty advisor permission is required before your first semester of SYSE 786 registration.

Course delivery options allow you to study when and where it works best for you, whether that is streaming the lecture from your computer while it's happening live on campus or watching a recorded version at a time more convenient for you.

Please check with the SE department for a complete list of course options. When registration for a term is open, use our Credit Courses Page to search and register for online courses.

Before applying to this program, it is strongly recommended that you contact the Systems Engineering Department to understand all requirements.

Application Deadlines

The Doctor of Engineering is a highly competitive program with limited openings. Your complete application is due by the following dates. If an applicant misses these dates, they will need to change their application term to the next term.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

1 Review Admission Requirements

Download the complete Systems Engineering Application Information Packet prior to starting the application process. This packet provides detailed information regarding CSU's Systems Engineering graduate programs, minimum application qualifications, criteria for admission, and more.

Doctor of Engineering Requirements

• Basic Statistics
• Minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience as, “Systems Engineer,” “Engineer,” Scientist,” or equivalent
• Sponsor within current company or practicum site who will collaborate with CSU during the practicum (one letter of recommendation must be from this person)**

*If your B.S. is not in engineering, an M.E. or M.S. in engineering is strongly recommended.

**For more information about sponsorship, view the Industry/Organization Practicum Support Guidelines .

Note: meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on several factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time. We recommend starting the application process at least one month before the deadline to ensure you can submit all required materials on time.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

• At least 8 years relevant work experience for those applying to the 72-credit program (no applicable master’s).
• At least 5 years relevant work experience for those applying to the 42-credit program (student already has applicable master’s).
• Your relevant professional/academic background and skills
• Why you are interested in Systems Engineering — provide specific areas of interest and application
• Why you are interested in CSU's program and what you can contribute to CSU
• One letter of recommendation from a sponsor within your current company or practicum site. This sponsor is expected to help coordinate with CSU during your practicum and serve on your advisory committee. The letter should state both this individual’s personal recommendation and anticipated support for the student during the program. Your practicum sponsor must submit a current resume along with their recommendation so minimum sponsor requirements can be verified.
• Two additional letters of recommendation from faculty, supervisors, etc. who can speak to your relevant skills accurately and in detail.

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• Select "Systems Engineering (D.E)- Distance" when choosing the program of study

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements .

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Program Details

• 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework
• Minimum of 5-8 years of professional experience

Application Dates

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The Ph.D. in Systems Engineering prepares students to become leaders in systems engineering. Throughout the program, students produce significant academic contributions, in terms of original research, to the field. These contributions drive advancements and lead to improvements in energy efficiency, environmental impact, cybersecurity, and economic growth, among other areas of application for systems engineering.

Effective Fall 2023

A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program. 

Select 18 credits with approval by student’s advisory committee. A maximum of 6 credit hours are permitted at the 400-level. The remainder must be at the 500-level or above.

3 credit hours of SYSE 795 may be used by students who have had their Ph.D. research, which was performed while enrolled at CSU, accepted for publication (completely or with minor revisions) in at least two peer-reviewed journal or conference publications may fill out a form listing citations and validating documentation and have the form approved by the student’s Ph.D. committee. 

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