Summer 2025 course registration is open!
All course offerings are posted. Online students register using CSU Online website. In-person students register using RamWeb.
Systems Engineering Course Options
- Newer & Highlighted Courses
- SYSE 580A3 Humanitarian Engineering (offered Summer)
- SYSE 580A8 Modeling Methane Emissions (offered Fall)
- SYSE 580A9 Sustainable Systems Engineering (offered Fall)
- SYSE 580A7 Nuclear Systems Engineering (offered Spring)
Reference our registration flow chart for detailed registration process information.
Note: Distance students must use the CSU Online website to register; RAMweb is only for on-campus courses.
Details on Course Info Tables:
- ** = Included in the Systems Engineering Core (four courses). Choose ENGR 502 or CIS 600 or CIS 670.
- Prerequisites: Consent of instructor is implied whether so stated or not. Prerequisites may be met by presenting evidence of credits earned in equivalent courses or by demonstrating knowledge equivalent to indicated prerequisites.
- Offerings: Course offerings are estimated; there is no guarantee a course will be held for any given semester.
SYSE
| Title | Subject | # | Prereqs | Description | Terms Offered (Estimated) | Course Info Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Systems Engineering | SYSE | 501** | Introductory overview of the systems engineering perspective and is presented to set the conceptual and practical framework of the entire systems engineering graduate program. Covers the foundational components of systems engineering, the concept development stage every viable system must go through, and the process steps of the engineering development stage. Several issues related to post-development and special topics areas are presented. | Fall & Spring | ||
| Systems Thinking for the Real World | SYSE | 505 | Application of systems thinking language, tools, and framework for solving real-world complex issues. | Spring | ||
| Control Engineering for Systems Engineers | SYSE | 511 (prev. 580A1) | MATH 369 & CBE 430 or ECE 411 or MECH 417 (Linear Algebra & Control Systems) or instructor permission | Challenge-driven overview of the diversity of control paradigms for modern, dynamic engineering systems for realizing desired system behaviors. Topics include linear, nonlinear, optimal, robust, decentralized, and hierarchical control methods. Examples from aero-actuation, space, energy, thermal, chemical, and financial systems are presented. | Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025) | |
| Systems Sensing and Imaging Analysis | SYSE | 512 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Sensing, sampling, filtering, transducing, and transmission of information to transform physical data to the digital domain. Subsequent processing of image and digital data, restoration, analysis and classification to problems in inspection, authentication, color science, biometrics, and signal/image characterization. Previously ENGR 681A2; credit may not be earned for both. | Spring of even years (next: Spring 2026) | |
| Overview of Systems Engineering Processes | SYSE | 530** | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Helps students develop a conceptual understanding of the systems engineering life-cycle process and familiarity with analysis techniques used in that process. Introduces concepts of reliability and robustness, and rigorous tools for analysis and design with them in mind. Utilizes real-world experience and case studies of working with a system through all phases of the system design process. | Fall & Spring; Bonus next offering: Summer 2025 | |
| Dynamics of Complex Systems | SYSE | 532 | SYSE 501, SYSE 505, SYSE 530, ENGR 502, or ENGR 531 (can be concurrent) | This course deals with understanding the higher-level behavior and issues that emerge from interaction between components in complex socio-technical systems. The course emphasizes system thinking, dynamic cause and effect relationships, and the higher-level emergent behavior that results from the interaction of many smaller effects that are individually well understood, but more difficult to grasp at a higher level. | Fall | |
| Human Systems Integration | SYSE | 534 | Evaluation of human capabilities and limitations when designing and evaluating complex systems in order to enhance safety, efficiency, usability, and reduce life cycle costs. | Spring | ||
| Space Mission Analysis and Design | SYSE | 536 | SYSE 501 | Appropriate for engineers, scientists, and technical managers designing or evolving the best mission possible with a limited set of resources including limited time. Designed for both students and professionals in space systems-related fields including defense, commercial, civil and exploration | Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026) | |
| Engineering Data Design and Visualization | SYSE | 541 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Data design, aggregation and filtering, intuitive data exploration, effective communication of patterns, summaries, and findings, and methods of archiving for engineers. | Fall | |
| AR/VR Environmental Realism for SE | SYSE | 544 (prev. 581A1) | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent or MECH 231 (Engineering Experimentation) | Systems approaches to create environmental realism in augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) applications, with examples in manufacturing, agriculture, space flight, and healthcare. Topics include test, measurement, and qualification of the environments of interest, functional/quantifiable verification of replication, and systems engineering practice-inspired means of designing/specifying the content of the AR/VR applications. | Fall | |
| AR/VR Systems Development | SYSE | 545 (prev. 580A5) | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent or MECH 231 (Engineering Experimentation); SYSE 544 recommended | A systems-based approach to utilizing Social Virtual and Augmented Reality as platforms for designing and implementing AR/VR learning experiences. | Spring | |
| Security Engineering for SE | SYSE | 548 | Secure design concepts, leveraging modern case studies of offensive approaches used by attackers. Topics include threat analysis, usability, protocols, cryptography, access control, economics, multilevel security, locks, monitoring, security printing, nuclear command, biometrics, side channels, networks, and information warfare. | Fall | ||
| Secure Vehicle and Industrial Networking | SYSE | 549 | CS 163 or CS 164 (Intro to Programming) or equivalent | Theoretical and practical applications of secure communications in automotive and industrial networked systems. Within the context of the OSI seven-level layer networking model, coverage will include physical connections, encoding, message framing, media access control, error detection, cryptography and application security. | Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025) | |
| Transitions in Energy Systems | SYSE | 555 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Synthesizes foundational ideas from across various components of the global energy complex, some of which are technical-, scientific-, business-, or policy-oriented. Study and investigate the technical, operational, environmental, economic, social, and political transitions that are underway in the energy sector that impact the design, development, and deployment of energy systems of the future. | Fall | |
| Systems Engineering Architecture | SYSE | 567 | SYSE 501 or SYSE 530 (can be concurrent) or instructor permission | Introduction to formal system architecture methods using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with detailed examples. Students will apply the methodology to build architecture models of systems of their choice. Topics include Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), real-time systems, secure systems, and networked enterprise architecture. | Fall | |
| Cybersecurity Awareness for Systems Engineers | SYSE | 569 | SYSE 501 (can be concurrent) | Cybersecurity principles, practices, technologies, design approaches, and terminology. Incorporation of cybersecurity principles into effective systems designs. This course is directed to System Engineers and other technical personnel with a need to understand cybersecurity in order to integrate it into a balanced system design. | Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025), Summer of even years (next: Summer 2026) | |
| Analytics in Systems Engineering | SYSE | 571 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Topics include: machine learning for analytics; systems engineering and meta-algorithms; prototyping software for getting to know your data–R, Python,Arduino; applications; 1st, 2nd, 3rd order meta-algorithms for future patterns for intelligent systems | Fall | |
| Cost Optimization for Systems Engineers | SYSE | 573 | ENGR 502 & ENGR 531 (or instructor permission) | Techniques and strategies to respond to requirements, design decisions, and development decisions, while optimizing for cost at the organizational, program, and project level. | Fall of odd years (next: Fall 2025) | |
| AI-Augmented Systems Engineering | SYSE | 580A6 | SYSE 501 | Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches, such as machine learning, neural networks, and data science techniques that support human engineers in the system engineering effort. Topics include the conceptual architecture, challenges, and ethical debates that are relevant to employing AI as an assistant systems engineering engineer and applying this knowledge to specific applications in the systems engineering domain. | Spring of even years (next: Spring 2026) | |
| Nuclear Systems Engineering | SYSE | 580A7 | CBE 332 or MECH 344 (Heat & Mass Transfer) | Foundational topics in nuclear reactor physics, design, and operation. Designed for non-nuclear engineers, the focus is on developing a critical understanding of nuclear reactors as a system. | Next: Spring 2025 | |
| Modeling Methane Emissions from Oil and Gas | SYSE | 580A8 | CS 163 or CS 164 (Intro to Programming) & STAT 301 or equivalent | A systems engineering approach to modeling and analysis of emissions from oil and gas facilities using a variety of approaches and tools, including dispersion models, Monte Carlo methods, and mechanistic models. Model predictions and uncertainties will be examined considering relevant emissions data. | Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026) | |
| Sustainable Systems Engineering | SYSE | 580A9 | SYSE 501, SYSE 505, or SYSE 530 (can be concurrent) | Foundational concepts for sustainable systems engineering, including methodologies for analyzing multiple interlinked systems and their synergies with a sustainability lens. Application of systems thinking, dynamic lifecycle analysis, systems of systems assessment, and resiliency and adaptability in the systems engineering lifecycle. | Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026) | |
| Humanitarian Engineering | SYSE | 581A3 | Engineering skills in the context of solutions for developing communities, with emphasis placed on a systems approach. Methods and implementation used in humanitarian engineering, including relevant community development methodologies, appropriate design, development strategy, sustainable community guidelines, emergency response, and design for vulnerable communities. | Next: Summer 2025 | ||
| Group Study – Systems Engineering Skills | SYSE | 596 | 1-2 credit skill-building course for specific areas of systems engineering. Topic changes per semester, and this is offered on an as-needed basis. | As-needed (special topics) | ||
| Group Study in Systems Engineering | SYSE | 597 | 3-credit course covering special and contemporary topics in the field of systems engineering. Topic changes per semester, and this is offered on an as-needed basis. | As-needed (special topics) | ||
| Systems Requirements Engineering | SYSE | 602 | SYSE 501 & SYSE 530 | Introduction to the rigorous requirements process within systems engineering, including system requirements analysis, requirements decomposition, allocation, tracking, verification, and validation. | Fall | |
| Introduction to Systems Test and Evaluation | SYSE | 603 | ENGR 502 & ENGR 531 | Test and evaluation of systems at both the component and systems levels to provide insights into how systems succeed or fail based on test methodologies. | Spring as-needed (next: Spring 2025) | |
| Advanced Model-Based Systems Engineering | SYSE | 667 | SYSE 567 | This course continues SYSE 567 by diving deeper into formal system architecting topics, modern tools, and research techniques for system architecture and model-based systems engineering (MBSE). | Spring of even years (next: Spring 2026) | |
| Independent Study | SYSE | 695 | Credits taken while working on the MS Plan B or ME capstone project. This course is driven by an agreement between the faculty project advisor and the student. Requires faculty advisor to enroll. | Spring, Fall, & Summer | ||
| Thesis | SYSE | 699 | Credits taken while working on the MS Plan A thesis. This course is driven by an agreement between the faculty thesis advisor and the student. Requires faculty advisor to enroll. | Spring, Fall, & Summer | ||
| Research Methods in Systems Engineering | SYSE | 701 | Introduction to the systems engineering research field. Students will learn about the academic research process, norms, and techniques, with emphasis on the PhD program and expectations. May apply to master’s degrees but not DEng. | Spring | ||
| Leadership/Innovation in Systems Engineering | SYSE | 710 | Background in technical leadership skill sets, systems engineering skill sets, and intellectual toolkit to develop a successful applied and translational research project/practicum, specifically for admitted DEng students. | Fall | ||
| Ethics in Systems Engineering | SYSE | 711 | SYSE 501 | A 1-credit brief course covering ethical principles and their application to systems engineering. May not apply to the SE PhD. | Summer | |
| Applied Systems Engineering Practicum | SYSE | 786 | SYSE 710 | Credits taken while completing DEng practicum experience. This course is driven by an agreement between the advisory committee, practicum sponsor, and the student. | Spring, Fall, & Summer | |
| Independent Study – Publication Replacement | SYSE | 795 | PhD students who have had two papers accepted for publication, with research done while enrolled at CSU, may be eligible for this credit. Contact program advisor for more information. | Spring, Fall, & Summer | ||
| Dissertation – PhD | SYSE | 799A | Credits taken while working on any part of the PhD dissertation. This course is driven by an agreement between the faculty research advisor and the student. | Spring, Fall, & Summer | ||
| Dissertation – Professional Doctorate | SYSE | 799B | SYSE 786 | Credits taken while working on the write-up of the DEng dissertation, after practicum experience is completed. This course is driven by an agreement between the advisory committee, practicum sponsor, and the student. | Spring, Fall, & Summer |
ENGR
| Title | Subject | # | Prereqs | Description | Terms Offered (Estimated) | Course Info Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Project and Program Management | ENGR | 502** | Engineering program management fundamentals, program planning and control strategies, risk assessment, work breakdown structures and costing options. ENGR 502 OR CIS 600A may apply to an SE degree/certificate. This course is part of the Project Management Institute’s Authorized Training Partner (ATP) program. | Every Fall, Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025), Summer of even years (next: Summer 2026) | ||
| Engineering Optimization: Method/Application | ENGR | 510 | MATH 229 & MATH 261 (Matrices/Linear Equations & Calculus III) or equivalent – review provided during the course | Introductory optimization course for all engineers covers linear programming, simplex algorithm, nonlinear optimization, interior-point and penalty approaches, derivative-free methods, genetic algorithms, and optimization of systems. A broad range of examples is shown, including problems in transportation, scheduling, machine learning, mechanics, and aerospace. | Fall | |
| Intelligent Decision Support Systems | ENGR | 520 | Skills in basic quantitative reasoning and programming | This course provides an introduction to engineering decision support systems, normative vs. descriptive approaches in decision analysis. Basic concepts include multiobjective analysis, multicriteria decision making. | Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025) | |
| Intellectual Property and Invention Systems | ENGR | 525 | Focused on the appropriate application of “patterns for patenting” together with intuition, inspiration, and cross-disciplinary connecting. De-mystify “inventing” as applied to science, engineering and technology. Credit not allowed for both 525 and 423. | Spring | ||
| Engineering Risk Analysis | ENGR | 531** | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Successful engineering project management includes estimation and proactive risk identification and development of mitigation techniques. System uncertainty is reduced when project risks are identified, quantified, and mitigation strategies implemented. Tools, techniques, and methodologies used by successful project managers will be examined. | Every Spring, Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026), Summer of odd years (next: Summer 2025) | |
| Spaceflight and Biological Systems | ENGR | 533 | Starting with an understanding of the different components of gravity, explore spaceflight’s direct and indirect impact on all major biological systems, culminating with a consideration of how spaceflight can be made more sustainable. | Fall of odd years (next: Fall 2025) | ||
| Modeling Human Systems Behavior | ENGR | 535 (prev. 581A6) | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | An introduction to human systems modeling and the rigor and application of theory and quantitative methods to understand and characterize human behavior, with specific applications to engineering systems and decision making. | Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026), Summer of odd years (next: Summer 2025) | |
| Design & Analysis of Engineering Experiments | ENGR | 540 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Strategies to acquire meaningful data from engineered experiments and create useful models from these data. Techniques include comparative tests, analysis of variance, factorial designs, Latin squares, regression, response surfaces, stochastic processes and system model identification. | Spring of even years (next: Spring 2026) | |
| AR/VR Biometrics and Sensing for Training | ENGR | 546 | Application of biometrics and sensor engineering with augmented reality/virtual reality technologies to develop integrated training for dangerous environments. Training applications include spaceflight, wind turbine upkeep, and hazardous waste site cleanup. | Fall 2025, then Summer | ||
| Electrical Power Engineering | ENGR/ECE | 565 | ECE 332 (Electronics Principles II) & ECE 342 (Electromagnetic Fields and Devices II) or equivalent | Analysis of power systems in terms of current, voltage, and active/reactive power; introduction of computer-aided tools for power systems. | Fall of odd years (next: Fall 2025) | |
| Coupled Electromechanical Systems | ENGR | 570 | ECE 202 (Circuit Theory Applications) or ECE 204 (Introduction to Electrical Engineering) or equivalent | Coupled electrical and mechanical systems and the analysis of energy transfer between these systems. Analysis of field energy and the relationship between electrical, mechanical and electromagnetic forces. Analysis and design of linear motors, servo-motors, DC and motors are presented. Other topics include inductively coupled charging circuits and vibrational modes that can arise between coupled electrical and mechanical systems. | Fall of even years (next: Fall 2026) | |
| AI-Augmented Engineering Management | ENGR | 580A7 | Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) systems and associated applications in the context of engineering management. Topics include artificial intelligence system structure, prompt engineering, along with comparisons between human and Gen AI system output. Organizational integration of Gen AI systems along with their impacts on strategic management, decision-making, ethics, and sustainability. | Next: Summer 2025 | ||
| Applied Engineering Data Analytics | ENGR | 478 | BIOM 101 or CBE 101 or CIVE 102 or ECE 102 or ENGR 101 or MECH 103 (Engineering Fundamentals) | Practical applications of big data across engineering disciplines. Focus on data preparation, interpretation, parametric tests, and machine learning. Note: 400-level courses may not apply to 42-credit doctoral programs | Spring (on-campus only) |
MECH
| Title | Subject | # | Prereqs | Description | Terms Offered (Estimated) | Course Info Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simulation Modeling and Experimentation | MECH | 513 | STAT 301/303/315 or equivalent | Fundamental concepts of integrated modeling, simulation, and experimentation as a component of the systems engineering process. Practical processes for improving the defensibility, cost and capabilities of your simulations. Emphases on verification and validation of computational models, on quantification and propagation of uncertainty, on multi-disiciplinary analysis and optimization, and on synthesis and decision making. Tools: MATLAB, Excel, ModelCenter, Simulink and SimEvents | Fall of odd years (Next: Fall 2025) |
CIS
| Title | Subject | # | Prereqs | Description | Terms Offered (Estimated) | Course Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology and Project Management | CIS | 600A | Course topics include balancing project stakeholder requirements for scope, time, cost, quality, risk, and human factors. The course emphasizes the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) body of knowledge and considers PMP/CAPM professional certifications. CIS 600A OR ENGR 502 may apply to an SE degree/certificate. | Fall & Spring | ||
| Advanced IT Project Management | CIS | 670 | CIS 600A | In this class, an applied examination of project management is conducted with an emphasis on preparing for and completing PMI certification. The focus is on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This course aims to prepare you to test for either Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) or Project Management Professional (PMP®). | Spring |
ECE
| Title | Subject | # | Prereqs | Description | Terms Offered (Estimated) | Course Info Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Power Engineering | ECE/ ENGR | 565 | ECE 332 (Electronics Principles II) & ECE 342 (Electromagnetic Fields and Devices II) or equivalent | Analysis of power systems in terms of current, voltage, and active/reactive power; introduction of computer-aided tools for power systems. | Fall of odd years (next: Fall 2025) | |
| Grid Integration of Wind Energy Systems | ECE | 566 | ECE 461 and ECE 462 (Power Systems + Lab) or ECE 565 | Aspects of integration of wind energy conversion systems (WECS) to electric power transmission grids. | Spring of odd years (next: Spring 2025) |
Electives
For elective requirements on the ME, MS, or a 72-credit doctoral degree’s ‘technical elective’ spaces, any course on our suggested elective list may be used. Please note the 42-credit Ph.D. and the 42-credit D.Eng. program do not include space for electives from this list. The ‘Applied’ and ‘Professional’ elective spaces on the DEng program cannot be chosen from this general list.
Please email sys_engr_info@engr.colostate.edu for questions pertaining to coursework or advising.