MS in Systems Engineering at Boston University

Programme overview

The MS in Systems Engineering gives advanced training for research-oriented careers in academia or industry, via a thesis with a faculty member or a project/practicum. Strong students are encouraged to continue into the post-MS PhD.

What you will study

32 units at 500 level or above: core courses SE/EC 524 Optimization Theory and Methods, a dynamic systems or dynamic programming course, and a stochastic modelling or probability course; two concentration courses from Computational & Systems Biology, Control Systems, Energy & Environmental Systems, Network Systems, Operations Research or Production & Service Systems; plus electives and a thesis (4-8 units) or practicum (4 units). A 3.00 GPA is required to graduate.

Career pathways

Academia and industry research careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

College of Engineering graduate applicants: fall 2027 deadlines are December 15, 2026 for PhD and January 15, 2027 (priority, maximum merit scholarship review) or March 15, 2027 (final) for MS/MEng. Two to three letters of recommendation; statement of purpose of up to 1,500 words; $95 application fee. International applicants with a non-US degree: TOEFL iBT minimum 90 or IELTS minimum 7.0 (Duolingo not accepted). GRE optional for applicants with a non-US bachelor's degree and not required with a US degree. Spring deadline November 1, 2026.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences master's programmes admit for Fall 2027; Spring 2027 entry is offered for selected programmes (Economics MS programmes, History of Art & Architecture MA, Preservation Studies MA, Online MS in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence).

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Fall 2027 master's deadlines are mostly priority January 15 and final March 15 (African American & Black Diaspora Studies priority February 15, final March 15; Preservation Studies February 15; Sociology and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Spring 2027 deadlines for selected programmes are priority October 15 and final November 15. Applications are submitted through the online application; the GRE is required only for the Economics MS/MA programmes and the MS in Psychological & Brain Sciences.

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