MSSE degree overview

The Institute for Systems Research is an internationally recognized leader in systems research. We emphasize advanced strategies for high-level synthesis and analysis of complex, multidisciplinary engineering systems, using model-based systems engineering techniques.

Designed with substantial industry input, our MSSE program covers topics from systems definition, requirements, and specifications; to systems design, implementation, and operation. You may specialize in one or more of the following: robotics, cybersecurity, computer and software, control, manufacturing, transportation or process systems, communications and networking, signal processing, operations research—or in any other area upon which you and your advisor mutually agree.

The program draws on the engineering, computer science, and management experience of University of Maryland faculty, and makes optimum use of the university’s advanced facilities, including commercial and open-source software tools for model-based systems engineering (MBSE). In addition, the University of Maryland’s location close to Washington, D.C., offers advantages and convenience for those seeking employment in, or already employed by the federal government and the many private industries supporting it.

An additional benefit of associating with ISR through the MSSE degree program is continual exposure to the latest systems research within ISR and from universities, government, and industry through our many seminars and colloquia.

We bring you together with world-renowned researchers for an exciting research and thesis experience

When you do research and present your thesis, you invest 6 credits of this 30-credit program. The remainder of the program consists of 18-credits in six core courses:

• The three-course sequence in systems engineering fundamentals, requirements, design, and trade-offs; verification and validation; and hands-on projects;
• Three courses that address a systems engineering specialization area or management topic such as human factors, lifecycle costing, or quality management
• Based on your technical area of interest, elect two courses in a concentration or specialization area.

Your thesis work will be undertaken with world-renowned ISR faculty researchers such as Professor John Baras , Associate Professor David Lovell, Assistant Professor Nikhil Chopra, and Associate Professor Pamela Abshire and demonstrate and practice systems engineering principles. As an example, recent theses have addressed applying SysML to metabolic engineering and ontology-enabled traceability that supports MBSE in emerging domains.

You will be exposed to the latest systems engineering research, including visiting lecturers in the MBSE field. | View past lectures |

Your thesis experience provides several benefits:

• The opportunity to publish your work in journals or present it at conferences;
• Preparation to pursue a PhD;
• Invaluable hands-on experience in applying your systems engineering knowledge to new research that benefits our global society.

LEARN MORE ABOUT...

... Systems engineering

... What systems engineers do and who they are

Questions? Contact the MSSE Graduate Director:
Stephen J. Sutton, PE, ESEP
Director, Systems Engineering Program
Institute for Systems Research
2175 A.V. Williams Building
College Park, MD 20742
301-405-4419
ssutton@umd.edu