Build a more competitive skillset with a Systems Engineering master's degree
The Accelerated B.S./Master’s program, or AMP, allows you to earn graduate credits while completing upper division bachelor’s degree requirements.
Students with strong scholarly and/or research interests may apply for admission to a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program to begin the following fall or spring semester after they graduate with their bachelor’s degree.
Students who are accepted into this program are allowed to apply nine credits of 500-level coursework, with grades of B or better, toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Program Options
Master of Engineering (M.E.)
Coursework only degree ideal for students who are not as interested in hands-on research.
Master of Science (M.S.) - Plan A
Deep-dive into a research topic with a faculty advisor. You will finish your degree with a 50+ page academic/scholarly thesis.
This degree is ideal for students with an interest in research and who may want to continue on into academia.
Master of Science (M.S.) - Plan B
Require completion of a semester-long independent study project.
This degree is ideal for students who would like to complete a short, applied research project but are less interested in continuing on into academia.
Eligibility
- Must be enrolled in a CSU bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical/computer engineering, or civil/environmental engineering
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 by the time you apply
- Completed a basic statistics course by the time you apply
How & When to Apply
- Are you planning to complete your undergrad degree in Fall 2024?
Contact the systems engineering department to set up a meeting with a systems engineering advisor. During this meeting you will discuss your qualifications and interest in the AMP program, a tentative course plan, and be able to ask any questions you may have about the process.
You will also need to meet with your undergraduate advisor in your department to get approval on the planned courses.
Take the courses approved by your undergraduate advisor and the SE Department, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
You must submit your application and all required materials to the Graduate School by September 15 for Spring 2025 admission. This application will need to happen AFTER your Spring 2024 grades are officially posted.
When submitting your master’s application, you must check the box to designate your application as ‘AMP.’ This is also when you choose the on-campus or distance program.
Required materials:
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official original transcripts: only required if you have attended any institution whose transcript has not previously been sent to CSU. You do not need to order an official transcript from CSU.
- M.S. Plan A only: Agreement with faculty member to be your advisor
If you meet minimum qualifications and complete an application, the department will pay for your application fee. Contact your SE advisor for more information.
After you have received an admissions decision, you must submit the “Request to Exclude and/or Double Count Courses Form.” This form must be submitted through RAMweb before the end of your Fall Semester.
Finish the courses approved by your undergraduate advisor and the SE Department, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Congratulations on your graduation from undergrad!
The GS6 Program of Study outlines your path to degree completion and keeps expectations between you and your department clear. It identifies the membership of your graduate committee, including your primary advisor, and documents all required courses (taken and planned) for degree completion.
The GS6 MUST be submitted through RAMweb by the end of your second week as a master’s student – so we recommend completing it during winter break before you begin your program.
As of Spring 2025, you will now be considered a graduate student and only taking classes to meet the requirements of your master’s program. If you are on a research track, you can begin research credits with faculty advisor approval.
Stay in contact with your SE advisor and let us know if you have any questions during your time in the program!
- Are you planning to complete your undergrad degree in Spring 2025?
Contact the systems engineering department to set up a meeting with a systems engineering advisor. During this meeting you will discuss your qualifications and interest in the AMP program, a tentative course plan, and be able to ask any questions you may have about the process.
You will also need to meet with your undergraduate advisor in your department to get approval on the planned courses.
Take the courses approved by your undergraduate advisor and the SE Department, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
You must submit your application and all required materials to the Graduate School by February 15 for Fall 2025 admission. This application will need to happen AFTER your Fall 2024 grades are officially posted.
When submitting your master’s application, you must check the box to designate your application as ‘AMP.’ This is also when you choose the on-campus or distance program.
Required materials:
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official original transcripts: only required if you have attended any institution whose transcript has not previously been sent to CSU. You do not need to order an official transcript from CSU.
- M.S. Plan A only: Agreement with faculty member to be your advisor
If you meet minimum qualifications and complete an application, the department will pay for your application fee. Contact your SE advisor for more information.
After you have received an admissions decision, you must submit the “Request to Exclude and/or Double Count Courses Form.” This form must be submitted through RAMweb before the end of your Spring Semester.
Finish the courses approved by your undergraduate advisor and the SE Department, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Congratulations on your graduation from undergrad!
The GS6 Program of Study outlines your path to degree completion and keeps expectations between you and your department clear. It identifies the membership of your graduate committee, including your primary advisor, and documents all required courses (taken and planned) for degree completion.
The GS6 MUST be submitted through RAMweb by the end of your second week as a master’s student – so we recommend completing it during the summer before you begin your program.
As of Fall 2025, you will now be considered a graduate student and only taking classes to meet the requirements of your master’s program. If you are on a research track, you can begin research credits with faculty advisor approval.
Stay in contact with your SE advisor and let us know if you have any questions during your time in the program!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My GPA is slightly below a 3.0, is that okay?
Students must have a 3.0 by the time they apply for admission into the master's program. We recommend meeting with your SE advisor to discuss strategies if your GPA is not at this level.
How many credits may double-count?
Up to 9 credits of 500-level credits may apply to both your bachelor's and master's degree. Both your undergraduate advisor and the SE advisor must approve of these credits before you take them.
May I use 400-level classes toward the AMP program?
Unfortunately not. All credits double-counted toward the master's and bachelor's degree must be 500-level courses.
Does [X] course count as my statistics requirement?
If you have taken courses that include statistics but aren't explicitly noted as statistics courses, please contact your SE advisor to discuss that course's eligibility.
I am interested in the M.S. Plan A (thesis option). How do I find an advisor?
Our Advisor Eligibility page has suggested steps and considerations to help you find an advisor. Finding an advisor can often take some time, so we recommend starting this process early!
Is there an app fee waiver?
Yes! If you meet minimum admission qualifications, the department will pay for your application fee. Contact your SE advisor for more information.
Can I complete my master's program online?
Yes. You can finish your bachelor's degree on-campus and move to an online program for your master's degree. This flexibility allows you to complete your master's degree no matter where your plans take you after graduation.
Are there resources for career placement?
Our department hosts a Job Board that is updated as we hear about relevant Systems Engineering jobs. We strongly encourage students to attend the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering Career Fair each semester and to connect with the CSU Career Center for future internship and job opportunities.
Is there funding available for my master's program?
Our department offers Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) on a very limited basis. GTA and GRA positions are available for on-campus students only.
Students are only qualified to be a GTA if they have successfully taken the course they would be a GTA for. Contact the department for more information.
GRA positions are offered by faculty. If you would like to pursue a GRA position, reach out to a faculty members with research areas that interest you!