Admission Requirements

Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MS)

The program for the Master of Science in Systems Engineering (MSSE) focuses on holistic views of systems. As the complexity of everything increases, it is important for engineers to recognize that everything can be viewed as a system. The MSSE takes a total system lifecycle view – from cradle to grave. The program provides an ideal mix of theory and a practical experience-based approach to systems engineering. It is suitable for both working engineers looking for a broader view of engineering as well as for full-time students wishing to find out more about systems. Courses include the system lifecycle, project engineering, systems thinking and software systems engineering. Graduates will have acquired the background needed to move into any industry that understands and values early concept development, the importance of solid systems requirements, systems integration, and verification and validation.

Program admission and MS degree requirements, as well as plan of study options (thesis, project,and coursework only), are described under the College of Engineering section of this Bulletin. Most graduate courses in Systems Engineering are offered in late afternoon or early evening, in a blended classroom/webcast format to accommodate remote and practicing engineers.

Requirements For Admission To MSSE Program

The following requirements are additional to the admission criteria for the College of Engineering (see Admission to Graduate Programs):

Regular Admission

1. A grade-point average of 3.0 or greater on a scale of 4.0 on all undergraduate work.
2. For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5.

Provisional Admission

1. A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 on all undergraduate work.
2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic and technical abilities.
3. For students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the internet-based TOEFL or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5.

Applicants are not required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). However, GRE scores may be required to be eligible for some assistantships or fellowships.

The Ph.D. in systems engineering offers the students a holistic approach to the design and understanding of complex systems. NASA defines systems engineering as “a holistic, integrative discipline, wherein the contributions of structural engineers, electrical engineers, mechanism designers, power engineers, human factors engineers, and many more disciplines are evaluated and balanced, one against another, to produce a coherent whole that is not dominated by the perspective of a single discipline.” The main objectives of the Ph.D. program are to 1) provide our graduates with the ability to approach all systems (engineered, environmental, coastal, etc.) with the ability to understand the entire system lifecycle in a manner that meets the needs of industry, and 2) prepare our graduates for leadership positions requiring applied research and critical thinking.

This program is appropriate for students who want to pursue research-based careers in industry, government, or academia. The program requires a combination of systems engineering coursework along with specific, validated systems research resulting in a publicly defended doctoral dissertation.

Requirements For Admission: (With Master's Degree)
In addition to meeting Graduate School requirements, the requirements for admission to the Ph.D. Program are as follows:

1. A written statement of the applicant's professional goals and commitment to completing the degree requirements (Statement of Purpose).
2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic and technical abilities.
3. An M.S. degree in a discipline related to engineering (e.g. civil, computer, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical).
4. A grade point average of 3.0 or greater (on a scale of 4.0) on all graduate coursework.
5. For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of band 6.5 on the IELTS are required.
6. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Requirements For Regular Admission (With Bachelor’s Degree)
Those students who have not obtained a Master’s degree may also apply to the Ph.D. program.
In addition to meeting Graduate School requirements, the requirements for acceptance without a Master’s degree are as follows:

1. A B.S. degree in a discipline related to engineering (e.g. civil, computer, chemical, electrical, industrial, mechanical, etc.). [The D.Sc. admission committee reserves the right to review the coursework at the B.S. level before making an admission decision, particularly if the degree is from a non-US university or a university with non-accredited programs]
2. A grade point average of 3.0 or greater (on a scale of 4.0) on all undergraduate coursework. If the student has performed graduate level work, this will be considered separately, and will not be used to recalculate the required 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
3. A grade of B or higher for all graduate courses to be considered as transfer credits from previous institutions attended. Only graduate credits that have not been applied to another degree can be considered for transfer.
4. Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
5. For international students whose native language is not English, a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, or a minimum score of band 6.5 on the IELTS is required.

Applicants are not required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). However, GRE scores may be required to be eligible for some assistantships or fellowships.

The University of South Alabama Bulletin is the official record of admissions requirements, and therefore should be consulted for final determination of admissions requirements for the year in which you plan to apply.