Program Overview
Skilled systems engineers are essential to building and maintaining the complex technologies that power modern businesses — from e-commerce platforms to enterprise databases. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information systems managers are expected to see 16 percent job growth in the next several years — faster than average for all occupations. In our Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Program, you’ll:
- Learn to design, build, and manage large-scale systems and cloud infrastructure.
- Gain expertise in enterprise architecture, database management, and communication networks.
- Work with multitier servers and applications to support scalable, secure systems.
- Prepare for leadership roles in a high-demand, fast-evolving tech landscape.
- Graduate with a Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Systems Engineering.
Courses
You can customize your course curriculum on your path to earning the systems engineering degree. You’ll take core and elective systems engineering courses in a broad range of topics. Learning is hands-on. Classes feature collaborative activities like online discussions and group projects. Through your capstone project, you will have the opportunity to work innovatively and creatively, applying the skills you’ve gained to a real-world challenge.
Example Courses
- Communication Protocols and Internet Architectures
- Designing and Developing Relational and NoSQL Databases
- Data Mining, Discovery, and Exploration
- Cloud Architectures, Security, and Governance
- Artificial Intelligence, the Internet-of-Things, and Cybersecurity
You’ll come to campus for your technology management course, either during an intensive weekend or a 3-week summer session.
Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn more professional credentials. For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.
Stackable graduate certificate:
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You’ll earn your way in through our performance-based admissions, completing the following coursework and earning credits toward your degree right away:
- CSCI 178 Introduction to Systems Engineering
- CSCI 188 Systems Engineering Economics, Risk, and Decision Analysis
Next Start Term
You can enroll in your first admission course this fall. Course registration opens July 21.
Featured Faculty
Our systems engineering instructors bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
MarcAntonio Awada
Head of Research and Data Science, Digital Data Design Institute, Harvard University
Megan Fillinich
Vice President of Engineering, General Dynamics Mission Systems
Betros Wakim
Angel Investor and former SVP Airport & Airline Operations, Americas, Amadeus
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Graduates of our Systems Engineering Master’s Program are well-prepared for careers in systems engineering, digital transformation, IT management, cloud computing, database administration, and enterprise architecture. They work in a variety of fields, including defense and aerospace, healthcare, IT services, and management consulting.
Sample Alumni Job Titles
- IT Manager
- Salesforce Architect
- Director of Software Engineering
- SQA Manager
- Systems Administrator
Sample Alumni Employers
- Adobe
- AIG
- Cisco
- IBM
- Merkle
- Philips
- Raytheon
Program Benefits
Experience a rigorous curriculum. 95% of recent graduates would recommend the program.
Access career advising and other services through Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success, including the Harvard Startup Career Fair and the Data Analytics, Science, and Technology.
Develop a capstone project with peers and real-world industry partners.
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs.
Become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
My courses at Harvard instilled in me the confidence to differentiate myself — and they undeniably did; I found myself working in the cybersecurity field even before completing my certificate!
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in the field of Systems Engineering, ’25; Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, ‘23
HES proved to be the ideal accelerant. It immersed me in an environment where I could actively engage with and learn from diverse industry leaders, directly enabling me to translate and amplify my skills into those of a cutting-edge technology leader.
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in the field of Systems Engineering, '25
Tuition & Financial Aid
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
FAQs
Who Pursues the Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering?
Our students in the Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Program are established technology professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. Over 80 percent have professional experience in the field and work across various industries, including finance, IT, healthcare, and education.
How Do I Know if the Systems Engineering Master’s Program Is Right for Me?
This is an advanced degree program, so it is helpful to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, information technology, information security, data analytics, data science, or management information systems.
You should also have some work experience in a technical field, such as database management or IT project management. In addition to possessing strong technical skills and a good understanding of computer systems, you should have strong problem-solving and communication skills and an ability to work well with people at all levels of an organization.
How Will the Systems Engineering Master’s Program Help Me Advance in My Career?
A graduate degree in systems engineering will provide you with an advanced understanding of the field and help you develop the skills and knowledge required to design and manage complex systems, analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world problems.
Many employers prefer — or even require — candidates with advanced degrees for higher-level roles. If you aspire to become a leader in your organization, a master’s degree in systems engineering may be essential for advancing your career.
How Long Will It Take Me to Complete the Program?
Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.
For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.
While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.
