Engineering M Eng

The world of engineering continues to evolve, often requiring professionals to possess a depth and breadth of professional knowledge across engineering disciplines. The Master of Engineering degree at South Dakota Mines will prepare you for the future of engineering by capitalizing on your existing technical knowledge, allowing you to dig deep into an interdisciplinary area by selecting a specialization, closely examining real challenges you face in the workplace, and applying practical solutions to address those issues effectively.

The Master of Engineering degree at Mines is designed for working professionals. This is a 30-credit degree offered entirely online with multiple start dates per year. You will complete credits through Work-Based Learning (WBL), an immersive approach to learning and applying technical, design, and professional skills and knowledge. Through WBL courses, you will research and tackle real engineering problems in your industry workplace. You will also work closely with the program coordinator to select the specialization elective courses that align with your academic and professional interests.

Turn your workplace challenges into graduate credit. Master of Engineering students will earn 6 credits by applying their coursework to real engineering problems they encounter on the job—from systems architecture and process optimization to supply chain risk.

For students: Gain directly applicable skills, build a portfolio of real-world solutions, and tailor your degree to your career goals.

For employers: Get university-supported solutions to active engineering challenges while developing and retaining engineering talent.

Work-Integrated Learning

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Available Specializations

Systems Engineering

Distinguishing Features

Designed specifically for working professionals
Taught by instructors with real-world industry expertise
Earn credit for addressing current industry/workplace challenges
8-week and 15-week courses
Flat program cost: $25,000

Admission Criteria*

3.0 GPA on 4.0 scale
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural/Physical Science
Currently working in an engineering field

*Criteria are not strict thresholds; other relevant factors about an applicant will be considered.

Credits

Core requirements: 4 credits
Specialization requirements: 15 credits
WBL requirements: 5 credits
Capstone Project: 6 credits

TOTAL Requirements: 30 credits

Application Deadline

January Start: December 1
March Start: February 1
June Start: May 1

Do you have admissions questions?
Contact the Center for Education Innovation at 605.394.2219 or Education.Innovation@sdsmt.edu

Application Instructions

Systems Engineering

What Is Systems Engineering?

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary approach to designing, managing, and optimizing complex systems throughout their lifecycle. Rather than focusing on a single component or discipline, systems engineers take a holistic view—connecting technical teams, project managers, and stakeholders to turn operational goals into requirements, evaluate trade-offs, and ensure all parts of a system work together effectively.

Systems engineering provides a structured framework for solving complex problems, from initial concepts and architecture through verification, validation, and deployment. The goal is to ensure both that the system is built right and that the right system is built for its intended environment and long-term needs.

Industries Driven by Systems Engineering

Systems engineers are in demand across industries where complex technology, safety, and cross-functional integration are critical:

Aerospace & Defense: Aircraft, satellites, missile defense, and space exploration systems
Automotive & Transportation: Autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, connected systems, and intelligent transportation
Healthcare & Medical Devices: Medical devices, diagnostic systems, and healthcare technology
Energy & Utilities: Smart grids, renewable energy systems, and power generation
Technology & Software: Cloud infrastructure, IoT networks, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems
Manufacturing & Robotics: Automated production, supply chains, and human-robot collaboration

High-Demand Career Paths

Graduates with systems engineering expertise can pursue technical, project management, and leadership roles across industry and government, including: