Program Overview
From building e-commerce platforms to managing large-scale databases, systems engineers play a critical role in a variety of industries. Many organizations are seeking this type of expertise. 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 degree program, you’ll build the skills to succeed in this in-demand field. Our curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including cloud infrastructure, multitier servers and applications, enterprise architecture, database management, and communication networks.
Program Benefits
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Customizable online curriculum with stackable certificates
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Expert instruction from Harvard faculty and industry professionals
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Personalized academic and career advising
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Real-world capstone experience with industry partners
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Entrepreneurial opportunities through Harvard Innovation Labs
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You can study part-time, choosing courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals. In the program, you’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person.
As you work through the 12-course program, you’ll take core and elective systems engineering courses in a broad range of topics, including:
- Systems analysis and design
- Database management systems
- Enterprise architecture
- Cloud computing and infrastructure
- Information technology management
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.
11 Online Courses
- Primarily asynchronous
- Fall, spring, January session, and summer options
On-Campus Experience
You complete 1 course in person, IT Management, choosing an accelerated or standard pace:
- An online course with an intensive weekend on campus in fall or spring
- A 3-week summer session
Capstone Project
Collaborate with peers and an industry partner on a project that addresses a real-world challenge.
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 2 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies, counting toward your degree.
Next Start Term: Spring 2025
Enroll for your first admission course this spring. Course registration is open November 4, 2024–January 23, 2025.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree after admission, 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.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
A Faculty of Systems Engineering Experts
Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are experts in cloud computing, enterprise architecture, data mining, cybersecurity, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Featured Faculty
Our Community at a Glance
Our students in the Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Program are established technology professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. Nearly all have professional experience in the field and work across various industries, including finance, IT, healthcare, and education.
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40
Average Age
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1–2
Courses Taken Each Semester
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100%
Work Full Time
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95%
Would Recommend the Program
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81%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursue Degree for Career Advancement
Careers Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Graduates of our Systems Engineering Master’s Program (formerly the Information Management Systems 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. Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue PhDs in other nationally ranked degree programs.
Sample alumni job titles:
- IT Manager
- Salesforce Architect
- Director of Software Engineering
- SQA Manager
- Systems Administrator
Sample employers of our alumni:
- Adobe
- AIG
- Cisco
- IBM
- Merkle
- Philips
- Raytheon
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs like the Harvard Startup Career Fair and the Data Analytics, Science, and Technology Fair held on campus.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Systems Engineering.
Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll 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!
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Course Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Course Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Program Cost | $40,080 |
After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Coffee Chat: All About Technology Programs at HES
Are you interested in learning more about technology graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Hear directly from our program director, academic advisors, and alumni.
FAQs
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.