Masters

Map Out a Strong Career Path

If you get a master’s degree in systems engineering or operations research from the College of Engineering and Computing, it’s almost equal to getting a union card. Your career options are strong, wide and varied.

Our programs accommodate both students committed to full-time study and working students who seek a graduate degree or certificate. Evening classes and online courses allow you to take courses when it works for your life.

Many of our students get their degrees with the support of the company or government agency for which they’re working.

We offer three masters’ programs:

• Systems Engineering

• Operations Research

• Data Analytics

Each of our master’s programs requires a semester-long project in which you will work in a team of three or four to solve a real-world problem submitted by one of our industry, government, and non-profit partners.

All three degrees also allow you to pursue a PhD, with 24 credits of your master’s program counting toward that degree.

Masters Degrees

Operations Research, MS

The program prepares students for research and professional practice associated with the formulation, analysis, and computer implementation of mathematical models of operational systems. Features of the program include mathematical programming, queueing and network theories, computer simulation and modeling, applied and computational probability, and the application of these to realistic problems. Students are expected to become proficient in these areas, as well as in supporting areas of information technology necessary to implement OR analysis approaches.

Systems Engineering, MS

This degree emphasizes both analytical and practical aspects of engineering complex systems. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in several quantitative modeling disciplines and to master practical aspects of systems design, engineering, and management. The program prepares students for a professional career in systems design, development, and management, associated with problem formulation, issue analysis, and the evaluation of alternative courses of action, as well as advanced graduate study. 

Data Analytics Engineering, MS

The Masters in Data Analytics Engineering is designed to provide students with an understanding of the technologies and methodologies necessary for data-driven decision-making. Topics cover data mining, information technology, statistical models, predictive analytics, optimization, risk analysis, and data visualization. Aimed at students who wish to become data scientists and analysts in finance, marketing, operations, business intelligence, and other information-intensive groups generating and consuming large amounts of data, the program also has wider applications, including concentrations in digital forensics, financial engineering, and business analytics.

The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) has approved the MS in Systems Engineering for “academic equivalency”. This means that students who earn an MS in Systems Engineering at Mason, and who score well enough in certain required courses (taken during the effective dates of equivalency), can bypass the INCOSE systems engineering knowledge exam when applying for ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional) or CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) certification. 

Details on applying for INCOSE certification can be found here. Students must earn scores of 85% or better in each of the following courses to be eligible to bypass the knowledge exam: SYST 505 Systems Engineering Principles, SYST 510 Systems Definition and Cost Modeling, SYST 520 System Engineering Design, SYST 530 Systems Engineering Management I, SYST 618 Model-based Systems Engineering