Online Master of Research (MRes) in Systems Engineering

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Earn an Online Master of Research in Systems Engineering to expand your expertise in complex systems and integrative thinking to lead systems design and management.

As technology continues to evolve and impact every sphere of life, there is an increasing need for professionals who understand the connection between different systems and the ways in which to optimize these relationships. Systems engineers are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges across aerospace and defense, energy, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more. 

The Online Master of Research (MRes) in Systems Engineering is designed for current working professionals who want to deepen their understanding of complex systems and cross-disciplinary frameworks to lead organizational innovation.

As an MRes student, you will conduct original research in an area of interest under the guidance of a dedicated thesis chair. Upon graduation, you will have published work that explores new frontiers in systems engineering.

What you’ll gain with an MRes in Systems Engineering: 

  • Comprehensive understanding of systems engineering principles, including systems design, modeling and simulation, and lifecycle management
  • Exposure to the academic publishing process and practical research experience
  • Specialized expertise in an area of interest, such as systems architecture, lifecycle management, and risk management
  • Practical experience in applying complex systems thinking to real-world contexts
  • In-demand job skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication of complex concepts
  • Enhanced career prospects in academia, research institutions, and advanced leadership roles across industries
  • A mindset for continuous learning in a high-demand field
  • Opportunities to contribute new knowledge in emerging areas

As the world moves into the Fourth Industrial Revolution, systems engineering continues to demonstrate growing potential. The MRes in Systems Engineering enables you to drive innovation and shape the world of tomorrow, whether in the creation of new, complex systems or the optimization of existing systems. You’ll gain highly sought-after skills that position you as an asset to organizations of all kinds. 

An MRes in Systems Engineering prepares you to lead in these roles:

  • Chief Systems Engineer
  • Vice President of Manufacturing
  • Vice President of Engineering
  • Director of Systems Operations
  • Infrastructure Engineer Manager
  • Systems Engineering Team Lead
  • Technical Program Manager
  • Engineering Manager
  • Engineering Designer
  • Government Planner
  • Systems Architect
  • Systems Integration Engineer
  • Systems Support Engineer
  • Senior Systems Engineer
  • Systems Engineering Researcher
  • Systems Scientist

Our graduates thrive in senior roles across industries, academia, and government agencies, supporting our nation’s defense. Many of our graduates pursue doctoral degrees, such as Capitol Tech’s PhD in Systems Engineering.

Characteristics of an MRes 

The MRes is a research-intensive degree designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in a specific field with practical research experience to gain a competitive edge in the job market or before starting a PhD program.

Students pursue an MRes degree to:

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  • Gain practical research experience 
  • Enhance their expertise in a specific area
  • Advance their careers with in-demand skills
  • Contribute original research to evolving fields
  • Prepare for doctorate programs 

The Online MRes in Systems Engineering program deepens your understanding of the field through a dynamic blend of theory and practice, research, and application. The program’s online format allows you to balance your studies with your career and focus your research on your interests. By the program’s completion, you will have produced, presented, and defended your MRes thesis, contributing new knowledge to this high-demand area. 

Why Capitol?

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Expert guidance in master’s research

You’ll learn from expert faculty and have opportunities to collaborate on research with NASA, the DoD, and other leading agencies and organizations. 

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Our location is a tech magnet

The university’s proximity to the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area, the nation’s technology hub, offers abundant internships and job opportunities with industry leaders, including government agencies, defense contractors, and commercial enterprises.

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Program is 100% online

The MRes in Systems Engineering is offered 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you to balance your studies and career. 

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A Pioneer in Cutting-Edge Technology Education 

Capitol Tech has a legacy of high-quality academic programs that respond to emerging industry needs and technological advancements. 

Capitol Tech Opportunities

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Key Faculty

Career Opportunities

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Market Demand for Systems Engineering Expertise

The need for systems engineers extends across healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, defense, technology, and more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for systems engineers is projected to grow by 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Systems Engineers in the technology industry work in many areas, from biotech to mechatronics, computer science to aerospace—any system that needs development, deployment, design, integration, and analysis will be managed by a Systems Engineer. Systems Engineers tackle projects such as life cycle management, data management, cybersecurity implementation, DevOps, control centers, systems testing, manufacturing systems, best practices analyses, and others across a wide array of technological global industries. 

Capitol Tech’s MRes in Systems Engineering positions you with highly sought-after skills in handling complex systems and technologically advanced expertise, enabling you to lead organizations with innovative solutions to pressing issues.

Degree Details


The completion of the M.Res. in Systems Engineering program requires the student to produce, present, and defend a master’s dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the M.Res. Review Board, which consists of the Dean and a senior academic with external expertise as needed and the M.Res. Review Board. 


Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

  • The per credit charge for all other masters courses is $630 per credit hour.
  • The active duty military tuition rate is $350 per credit.
  • The retired military tuition rate is $530 per credit.
  • The information technology fee is $40 per credit hour.
  • High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for master programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 masters tuition and fees.

Next Steps

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