Graduate Certificates

Learn to skillfully engage complex systems with these four certificates!

Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice

Broaden your skillsets with a core overview of systems engineering.

The Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice will give you key competencies needed to skillfully practice within complex systems that involve hardware and embedded software. This certificate prepares engineers or other professionals in aerospace technology, energy, biosciences, environmental resources, and other fields to lead systems engineering development from concept creation through the system lifecycle. 

Those who finish SYSE 501 with at least a B+ (87%) in the course can bypass the INCOSE knowledge exam for either ASEP certification or CSEP certification. Those who complete ENGR 502 will be prepared for Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. 

Effective for certificate completion term of Fall 2024 or later

Required:
SYSE 501 – Foundations of Systems Engineering (3 cr.)

Choose 9 credits from:
ENGR 502 – Engineering Project and Program Management (3 cr.)
SYSE 505 – Systems Thinking for the Real World (3 cr.)
SYSE 530* – Overview of Systems Engineering Processes (3 cr.)
ENGR 531 – Engineering Risk Analysis (3 cr.)

Course descriptions and expected offering terms are available on the SE courses page.

*Note: a single course cannot apply to more than one certificate

Graduate Certificate in Human Systems Integration

Engage with the complexities of the human element in designed systems.

All complex technical systems must contend with the human factor. The Graduate Certificate in Human Systems Integration is an interdisciplinary program focused on the intricate relationships among people, technology, and the environment. Gain the skills necessary to create efficient, user-friendly, and safe systems with a mind toward human users and stakeholders. Choose a data-centric or AR/VR course path to tailor your expertise. You’ll be prepared to tackle the evolving challenges of technology-driven industries, becoming an asset in systems engineering, design, and human-computer interaction.

Required:
SYSE 534 – Human Systems Integration (3 cr.)
ENGR 535 – Modeling Human Systems Behavior (3 cr.)

Choose 6 credits from:
ENGR 520 – Engineering Decision Support/Expert Systems (3 cr.)
SYSE 541 – Engineering Data Design and Visualization (3 cr.)
SYSE 544 – AR/VR Environmental Realism for SE (3 cr.)
SYSE 545 – AR/VR Systems Development (3 cr.)

Course descriptions and expected offering terms are available on the SE courses page.

Graduate Certificate in Systems Security

Enhance system security with a focus on cyber-physical systems.

Learn to enhance the security of complex systems with the Systems Security Certificate. You’ll gain the skills to analyze, implement, measure, validate, and verify security properties. Key topics include threat analysis, risk assessment, networking, physical security, information system security, and operational technology security. This program combines cybersecurity for systems engineers with networking concepts, manufacturing, supply chains, system modeling, and policy development. It emphasizes attention to cyber-physical systems, such as Controller Area Networks (CAN bus) as seen in vehicles and industrial systems. Completing this certificate makes you a vital resource for companies needing robust security programs and innovative approaches to modern threats.

Required:
SYSE 548 – Security Engineering for SE (3 cr.)
SYSE 549 – Secure Vehicle and Industrial Networking (3 cr.)
SYSE 569 – Cybersecurity Awareness for Systems Engineers (3 cr.)

Course descriptions and expected offering terms are available on the SE courses page. Due to course availability limitations, students should carefully work with the SE Department to make a plan if continuous enrollment is required.

Graduate Certificate in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Elevate your digital engineering skills using industry software for systems modeling & design.

Elevate your approach to systems engineering with the Graduate Certificate in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Learn how to apply formalized computer modeling to support systems engineering activities such as requirements identification, design, analysis, and verification & validation. Work directly with key software tools like Magic Systems of Systems Architect, Vensim, MATLAB, and Simulink. You’ll build competency in both systems modeling and technical system architecting, aligning with the INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Framework.

Required:
SYSE 567 – Systems Engineering Architecture (3 cr.)

Choose 6 credits from:
SYSE 530* – Overview of Systems Engineering Processes (3 cr.)
SYSE/ECE 532 – Dynamics of Complex Engineering Systems (3 cr.)
SYSE 602 – Systems Requirements Engineering (3 cr.)
SYSE 667 – Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering (3 cr.)
MECH 513 – Simulation Modeling and Experimentation (3 cr.)

Course descriptions and expected offering terms are available on the SE courses page.

*Note: a single course cannot apply to more than one certificate

Important Information for All Certificates

You have the opportunity to:

  • Complete a single certificate program.
  • Enroll in multiple certificate programs.
  • Combine a certificate program with a degree program.

First, please note these requirements:

  • Separate applications are required for each program.
  • You can apply for two programs within the same semester.
  • Alternatively, you can begin with a certificate and later apply for a degree program.

Other key requirements & restrictions:

  • Enrollment timing: Certificates cannot be awarded retroactively. This means you must be enrolled in the certificate program during the semester you complete the final course. If you complete all courses prior to applying for admission to the certificate program, you are ineligible for that certificate.
  • GPA requirement: To earn the certificate, you must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in all certificate courses.
  • Course application: A graduate course can apply toward one certificate and one degree, but not two certificates.
  • Credit requirements: All credits must be earned at CSU; no waivers or substitutions outside posted requirements.
  • Grade requirement for courses prior to degree: Any course taken before admission to a degree program must be completed with a B or higher for it to count toward the degree, including courses taken for a certificate.
  • Credit limit on courses prior to degree: If you want to enroll in a degree after taking certificate courses, you should plan on doing so after one certificate. If you try for more than one, all your credits might not count toward the degree due to limitations on credits you can take prior to admission.
  • Undergraduate courses: Graduate courses that you apply to your undergraduate program requirements cannot also be used toward a graduate certificate.
Application Information

Contact: Ingrid Bridge

 ingrid.bridge@colostate.edu

(970) 491-6872

 

You can earn your certificates online or on-campus. 

Visit CSU Online to learn more about completing your program online.

Admission Deadlines

Fall admission

Application materials due by July 1

Spring admission

Application materials due by November 1