Systems Engineering, PhD
Are you drawn to understanding and improving complex systems? In this rigorous doctoral program, you'll refine your interdisciplinary skills and conduct advanced research in system integration. Develop new methodologies and contribute to the field by leading and mentoring others in addressing large-scale engineering challenges.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in systems engineering is a transdisciplinary graduate program offered by the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks.
The program is aimed at advancing the understanding of complex engineering systems and where these systems are inclusive of technological aspects, as well as social, cultural, environmental and other interacting components that impact the input, output and interactions within a system. The program prepares you to identify, model, analyze, interpret, optimize and manage the multidimensional interactions of the ever-increasing complexity of modern technological and societal challenges.
A typical incoming student in this program has a master's degree in engineering or related discipline. Applicants with a strong research background may be admissible directly from a bachelor's degree program in engineering or a related discipline. The core curriculum provides the foundation for systems thinking, systems identification, systems modeling, and systems design and analysis using diverse disciplinary methodological approaches. You use your capacity to evaluate complex systems and a depth of mathematical maturity to study problems whose complexity is impeding progress toward solutions.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (9 credit hours) Technical Electives (3 credit hours) Electives and Research (60 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students are required to take 12 credit hours of MFG 792 or RAS 792 as part of their research coursework. Elective coursework should be directly in support of the student's research as advised by the supervisory committee. Students with a Bachelor of Science who are entering the doctoral program in systems engineering must complete at least nine credit hours of approved mathematics courses after the completion of their bachelor's degree. Students select appropriate elective courses in consultation with the academic unit.
EGR 608 Advanced Simulation (3)
EGR 611 Complex Engineering Systems (3)
MFG 602 Principles of Independent Research (3)
MFG 799 Dissertation (12)
When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used toward this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 credit hours of coursework are made up of electives to reach the required 84 credit hours.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must have earned a minimum of a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a similar field from an international institution that is officially recognized by that institution's country. Applicants without a master's degree in engineering or a closely related field must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, coupled with a record of research or leadership accomplishments (or both). Applicants with a master's degree in engineering or a closely related field must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the applicable master's degree program. Exceptional undergraduates are encouraged to apply after they earn a BS degree. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Global Launch at ASU offers an online alternative to standardized testing for international students who are seeking admission to ASU and need proof of English proficiency. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of application. If admitted, applicants must then submit official transcripts to ASU Graduate Admission Services.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 01/15 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/15 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates of the doctoral program in systems engineering are prepared for industry careers in areas such as:
- automotive systems
- energy systems, including alternative energy and grids
- manufacturing
- robotics
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks
|
ISTB12 301
msngrad@asu.edu
480-727-2097
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
