A flexible program introducing you to the systems engineering discipline and with hands-on experience applying systems thinking to real-world problems.
Four programs aimed at preparing you to engage skillfully with complex systems
Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering Practice
Broaden your skillsets with a core overview of systems engineering.
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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.
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 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.
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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 Courses page.
Graduate Certificate in Systems Security
Enhance system security with a focus on cyber-physical systems.
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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 Courses page.
Due to course availability, it is recommended students begin this program’s coursework in the summer or fall of even years (i.e. Summer or Fall 2026) to maintain continuous enrollment.
Graduate Certificate in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Elevate your digital engineering skills using industry software for systems modeling and design.
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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 Courses page.
*Note: a single course cannot apply to more than one certificate
Program Summary
Students may apply for and complete just the certificate, or may apply for both the certificate and a degree program (separate applications, but can be completed in the same semester). This allows students to start with the certificate and continue on to a more advanced degree.
- Requires 12 credits of graduate work
- All credits must be earned at Colorado State University. There are no course waivers or substitutions for certificates.
- No courses completed while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program may be used toward the certificate, unless specifically excluded from the student’s undergraduate degree requirements through the Registrar’s Office.
- Students must be enrolled in the certificate program the semester in which they complete their final certificate course requirements; a student cannot be back-awarded a certificate. If a student completes all four required courses prior to being admitted, they are ineligible for the certificate.
All Certificates
- 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 might count 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.
You can earn your certificate online or on-campus.
Visit CSU Online to learn more about completing your program online.
Certificate Curriculum
Effective for certificate completion term of Fall 2024 or later
Required:
SYSE 501 – Foundations of Systems Engineering (3 cr.)
Choose 9 credits from the following:
ENGR 502* – Engineering Project Management 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.)
*CIS 600A or CIS 670 may be substituted for ENGR 502
Course descriptions and expected offerings are available on the Courses page.
Documents and Forms
Admission Deadlines
Fall admission
Application materials due by July 1
Spring admission
Application materials due by November 1