Online Doctor of Engineering in System Engineering

We are now accepting applications for the cohort beginning in August 2024.

The application deadline is June 30, 2024.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science Online Programs offers the Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree in Systems Engineering. Classes are held on Saturdays, starting in August 2024 with a target graduation date of August 2026. Applicants should typically hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering, applied science, mathematics, computer science, or closely related fields from an accredited institution.

Program Description

The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) in Systems Engineering is a program that blends advanced systems engineering knowledge with leadership skills. Designed for professionals aiming to elevate their careers in systems engineering, the curriculum offers both in-depth technical training as well as exposure to advanced topics in systems engineering. Graduates emerge as highly competent leaders, capable of guiding systems engineering teams, overseeing intricate projects, deploying innovative strategies, and contributing to the success of their organizations. With their extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, they are well-prepared to excel in various industries, taking on key leadership roles where they can significantly influence the evolution and impact of systems engineering.

Curriculum

The degree requires 24 credit hours of graduate-level courses and a minimum of 24 credit hours of research during which the student writes and defends a praxis paper on a topic related to Engineering Management, chosen by the student and approved by the advising committee.

Learn more about the courses

EMSE 6420 Uncertainty Analysis in Cost Engineering: Basic skills for building probability models to perform meaningful engineering economic studies, financial feasibility assessments, and cost uncertainty analysis in the planning phase of engineering projects; analytical and closed form equations from probability theory; simulation modeling for problems with structures without closed form equations. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6760 Discrete Systems Simulation: Simulation of discrete stochastic models. Simulation languages. Random-number/ random-variate generation. Statistical design and analysis of experiments, terminating/nonterminating simulations; comparison of system designs. Input distributions, variance reduction, validation of models. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6765 Data Analysis for Engineers and Scientists: Design of experiments and data collection. Regression, correlation, and prediction. Multivariate analysis, data pooling, data compression. Model validation (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6807 Advanced Systems Engineering: Analysis of advanced systems engineering topics; system lifecycle models, INCOSE Vision 2025, requirements types and processes, architectural design processes and frameworks, DoDAF artifacts, enterprise architecture and enterprise systems engineering, complex adaptive systems (CAS), modeling languages and SysML, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Applications of systems engineering tools and techniques. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6817 Model-based Systems Engineering: Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and its derivative, evidence-based systems engineering (EBSE), are techniques with strong potential for improving the technical integrity of complex systems. The foundation to these model-and research-based techniques for system definition and analysis as applied to life-cycle SE. Practical applications. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6848 Systems of Systems: Complex systems engineering in terms of systems of systems (SoS); theoretical and practical instances of SoS; application of life cycle systems engineering processes; various types of SoS and the challenges to be faced to ensure their acquisition and technical integrity. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6850 Quantitative Models in Systems Engineering: Quantitative modeling techniques and their application to decision making in systems engineering. Linear, integer, and nonlinear optimization models. Stochastic models: inventory control, queuing systems, and regression analysis. Elements of Monte Carlo and discrete event system simulation. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 8000 Research Formulation in Systems Engineering: Doctoral seminar designed to give students their first exposure to the process of formulating and executing empirical research. Class format includes discussion, field experiments, data analysis, and theorizing. Study of core concepts in building theory from empirical data and classic works in technically oriented management theory. Participants design and execute a research project. Restricted to EMSE PhD students. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 8199 Praxis Research: Independent applied research in engineering management or systems engineering culminating in the final praxis report and final examination for the degree of doctor of engineering. May be repeated for credit. Restricted to students in the DEng in the field of engineering management or systems engineering program who have passed the praxis proposal defense. (24 credit hours) 

Classroom Phase Schedule

Classroom courses last 10 weeks each and meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM—12:00 PM and afternoons from 1:00—4:00 PM (all times Eastern). All classes meet live online through synchronous distance learning technologies (Zoom). All classes are recorded and available for viewing within 2 hours of the lecture. This program is taught in an accelerated, cohort format in which students take all courses in lockstep. Courses cannot be taken out of sequence, attendance at all class meetings is expected, and students must remain continuously enrolled, i.e., leaves of absence are permitted only in the case of a medical or family emergency, or deployment to active military duty.

Semester	Session	Credit Hours	Session Dates
Fall  2024	1	6	August 24  – October 26, 2024
Fall  2024	2	6	November 9, 2024 — January  25, 2025
Spring 2024	1	6	February 8 — April  12, 2025
Spring 2024	2	6	April 26 - July 12, 2025

No classes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and Memorial Day Weekends

Research Phase Schedule

In order to proceed to the research phase, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.2 in the 8 classroom courses, and no grade below B-. Upon successful completion of the classroom phase, students are registered for a minimum of 24 credit hours (ch) of EMSE 8199 Praxis Research: 3 ch in Summer 2025, 9 ch in Fall 2025, 9 ch in Spring 2026, 3 ch in Summer 2026. Throughout the research phase, the student develops the praxis under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor. Faculty research advisors meet individually with students every two weeks.

Sample research areas are listed below:

Complex Systems Design and Management

Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT

Human Factors and Systems Ergonomics

Sustainable Systems Engineering

Data Analytics and Decision Systems

Tuition

Tuition is billed at $1650 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 year. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $995, which is applied to tuition in the first semester, is required when the student accepts admission.

Admissions Process

Review the Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, applied science, business, computer science, information technology, or a related field from accredited institutions.
• Applicants with other majors are encouraged to apply. However, they may have to take EMSE 4197 as a prerequisite course if they have not completed two college-level calculus courses.
• A minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.2.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language.  Check our International Students Page to learn about the SEAS English language requirements and exemption policy. Test scores may not be more than two years old.
• Up-to-date resume.
• Capacity for original scholarship.

Note: GRE and GMAT scores are not required to complete the application packet, but can be submitted to strengthen the application.

Please note that our doctoral programs are highly selective; meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.  

Submit Supporting Documents

Apply for Admission

Order Your Official Transcripts – Request that official transcripts, in English, be sent to our office directly from all colleges or universities attended, whether or not a degree was earned. Contact the institutions you attended previously to learn the process for requesting official transcripts. Transcripts should be sent to [email protected] (if sent electronically), or via mail to:
Online Engineering Programs

The George Washington University
170 Newport Center Drive
Suite 260
Newport Beach, CA 92660

Statement of Purpose – In an essay of 250 words or less, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and discuss your qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not mentioned.

English Language Requirements – TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language. The School of Engineering and Applied Science requires a TOEFL score of 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based, or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, or a PTE score of 68.

Normally official transcripts must be received before an admission decision is rendered for the Doctor of Engineering program. 

Remain Engaged in the Admissions Process

You will receive emails from us updating you as your application goes through the admissions process.

Ready to take the next step? 

To learn more about GW’s online Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management join one of our upcoming info sessions.