Doctor of Engineering in Systems Engineering
*The Doctor of Engineering will begin Spring 2026 pending SACSCOC's approval.
The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) program in Systems Engineering at Morehead State University (MSU) is an applied research-focused program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing industries. This terminal degree program builds upon the well-established reputation of MSU's undergraduate and graduate programs in Space Systems Engineering and Engineering and Technology Management. The program leverages the university's unique resources, including specialized laboratories, a space tracking station, manufacturing systems center, and experienced faculty.
The D.Eng. program is offered in all formats: fully online, in-person, and hybrid, to best suit your learning preferences and circumstances. In-person classes and events will be held at the MSU main campus. This multi-format approach provides maximum flexibility while still allowing for valuable in-person interaction for those who desire it.
The program offers two specializations:
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Space Systems Engineering: This specialization focuses on the design, development, and operation of spacecraft and ground systems, enabling students to contribute to complex space missions and projects.
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Integrated Systems Engineering: This specialization emphasizes the broader principles of systems engineering, allowing students to address intricate, multidisciplinary challenges in various industries.
Admission Requirements
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General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to Admission to Graduate Study).
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Satisfy all of the following:
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*A minimum GRE score of 150 on verbal reasoning and 146 on quantitative reasoning OR Undergraduate GPA X GRE (verbal and quantitative)= 875,
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Undergraduate degree in a relevant area (space systems engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, engineering and technology management, or closely related discipline).
*GRE Exemption: Any applicant who has earned a master's degree in a STEM field with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution is exempt from taking the GRE.
Program Competencies
Graduates will:
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Demonstrate a deep understanding of systems engineering principles and methodologies, including system architecture, design, modeling, simulation, and project management.
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Apply systems engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems in the aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industries through applied research projects and a dissertation.
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Develop expertise in a specific specialization (Space Systems Engineering or Integrated Systems Engineering) and apply that knowledge to specialized research and development projects.
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Conduct independent research, analyze data, and effectively communicate findings through written reports and presentations.
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Collaborate effectively with other engineers and professionals in a team-based environment.
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Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct in engineering practice.
Assessment
Assessment and Completion Standards:
The D.Eng. program maintains high-quality standards through rigorous coursework, research projects, presentations, and examinations. Students must pass a qualifying examination after completing the core and specialization courses to be formally admitted to candidacy. The successful defense of the dissertation and approval for publication is the final requirement for degree completion.
Post-Graduate Success Evaluation:
The Department of Engineering Sciences will evaluate students' post-graduate success through various methods, including tracking career outcomes, gathering employer feedback, conducting alumni surveys, and monitoring research output. This ongoing evaluation will ensure the program's continued relevance and effectiveness in preparing graduates for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Requirements for the Degree
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60 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.
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Successful defense of a dissertation. The nine (9) hours of SE 899 are to be taken over a minimum of three (3) semesters.
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Transfer credit may not exceed fifty percent of the total requirements for the D.Eng. core courses and dissertation credit hours cannot be substituted.
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Students must pass a Qualifying Examination after completing core and specialization courses.
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Formal admission to candidacy occurs after successfully completing the Qualifying Examination and proposal defense.
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Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all courses taken.
Program Requirements
Core
| SE 801 | Fundamentals of Systems Thinking and Modeling | 3 |
| SE 802 | System Design and Architecture | 3 |
| SE 803 | Systems Engineering Management | 3 |
| SE 804 | Systems Analysis and Decision Making | 3 |
| SE 805 | Research Methods in Systems Engineering | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Choose one of the following specializations:
1. Space Systems Engineering Specialization
| SSE 610 | Space Mission Analysis and Design | 3 |
| SSE 626 | Thermal and Structural Analysis | 3 |
| SSE 630 | Linear Systems | 3 |
| SSE 640 | Advanced Processor Systems | 3 |
| SSE 642 | Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Choose 9 credit hours (3 courses) from the following, in consultation with advisor:
| | Prior Graduate coursework from engineering/engineering related disciplines | 0-9 |
| ASTR 620 | Astrophysics Payloads and Methods | 3 |
| SSE 644 | Advanced Space Communication | 3 |
| SSE 645 | Satellite Ground Systems Operations | 3 |
| SSE 648 | Orbital Mechanics | 3 |
| SSE 650 | Spacecraft Design and Fabrication | 3 |
| SSE 660 | Spacecraft Sensors and Remote Sensing | 3 |
| SSE 664 | Astrodynamics | 3 |
| SSE 678 | Micro/Nano Systems for Space Applications | 3 |
| SSE 802 | Avionics, Navigation and Controls | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
2. Integrated Systems Engineering Specialization
Choose 24 credit hours (8 courses) from the following, in consultation with advisor:
| | Prior Graduate coursework from engineering/engineering related disciplines | 0-24 |
| ETM 600 | Emerging Technologies and Impact | 3 |
| ETM 603 | Quality Assurance | 3 |
| ETM 610 | Advanced Engineering Economics | 3 |
| ETM 619 | Total Quality Control | 3 |
| ETM 621 | Experimental Design in Organizations | 3 |
| ETM 622 | Advanced Project Management | 3 |
| ETM 627 | Advanced Organizational Management | 3 |
| ETM 630 | Advanced Engineering Design | 3 |
| ETM 644 | Wireless Networking and Systems | 3 |
| ETM 645 | Computer Interfacing and Applications | 3 |
| ETM 680 | Advanced Networking | 3 |
| ETM 684 | Advanced Manufacturing Systems | 3 |
| ETM 688 | Computer Integrated Manufacturing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Elective/Research/Project Courses
Dissertation
| SE 899 | Dissertation | 1-9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
The nine (9) hours of SE 899 are to be taken over a minimum of three (3) semesters.
Total Credit Hours: 30-60
No more than 30 credit hours of previously completed MSU graduate coursework may be counted towards the D.Eng. program.